Having to go gluten-free can be an incredibly challenging task at this stage in our lives. In our 20s, we are already accustomed to the foods we do and do not like. Whether it is for health reasons or for dieting purposes, going gluten-free can be a challenging task.
We know that products with gluten are tasty, and it is hard going back from that. Personally I have noticed that eating things with a lot of protein keep me fuller for longer. Usually the carbohydrates associated with gluten keep us full, which is why it takes your body some time to adjust when cutting gluten out completely. The satisfied feeling is harder to obtain, but once your body is used to the lack of gluten, things get easier. Foods like avocados and nuts provide good fats and protein to keep you fuller for longer amounts of time. Also, substituting gluten with fruits and vegetables is a healthy and great way to keep your stomach full and obtain optimal amounts of fiber.Â
Although ridding your body of gluten cold turkey can be rough, the best way to begin a gluten-free diet is to choose a day and tell yourself that you can’t eat gluten products. It also helps if your friends keep you on track! When I had to start the gluten-free lifestyle, my friend was always there for me, because she was on a gluten free diet herself. She kept me on track and reminded me that I was doing it for the good of my health any time I wanted to cheat.
For me, the worst part about being gluten-free is avoiding the delicious desserts. I mean, come on; going gluten-free throws cookies, cakes, pies and more all out the window. Thankfully, in the past few years, companies have gotten better at accommodating for a new wave of gluten free customers.
Betty Crocker has some amazing gluten-free cookies and brownies. Four years ago, when I made a box of gluten-free cookies, they tasted absolutely terrible. The consistency was off, they were super crumbly and they tasted awful. When I tried Betty Crocker’s gluten-free desserts, they tasted a million times better.
This just goes to show how companies adapt to customer needs. Even foods like pancakes and waffles have wheat in them, but Trader Joe’s carries this great brand, Bob Red Mill, which carries gluten-free pancake mix, and the difference in taste, once again, is almost nonexistent.
Restaurants have also become more accommodating to gluten-free lifestyles, and they very frequently have dishes labeled as gluten-free on their menus. As for pasta places, many restaurants have an option to ask for rice noodles or gluten-free noodles. If they don’t, I have found that I can still always find something to eat at a restaurant, may it be a salad, soup or a burger without a bun!
There are many vegetable dishes that do not contain gluten, and meat dishes fulfill large amount of protein and come gluten-free too. After some time, you won’t even notice the lack of bread or a bun!
If you need to go gluten-free but still need to cater to that sweet tooth, turn to some well-known brands that create gluten-free desserts! You can barely taste the difference, and you won’t have to miss out any longer!
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