Among the many health-related food trends, going gluten-free is fast gaining prominence. So what exactly does a gluten-free diet mean? To put it simply, gluten is the elastic protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Chef Nishant Choubey from Dusit Devarana, New Delhi explains, “A gluten-free diet is the one which doesn’t have carbs in any form. No wheat, barley, rye or cereals is allowed in this diet,”
Do you need to go gluten-free?
Going gluten-free is all the craze right now and you might consider it for yourself. Before you start, a gluten-free diet was originally designed to combat celiac disease, a disorder that destroyed the intestinal tract. Going gluten-free was a way to combat the disease. Nowadays, a lot of people go gluten-free to deal with feeling tired, bloated or depressed and in some cases losing weight. Be sure to consult a doctor before opting for a gluten-free diet.
What can you include in your diet?
If you are just starting out with a gluten-free diet it is a good idea to consult a dietitian and get an idea of how the diet works and how you can avoid gluten in your everyday diet. While you might need to cut down on certain cravings, the good news is that there are a whole lot of naturally gluten-free foods. Beans, nuts (in their unprocessed form), fresh meats, fish, fruits, vegetables and most dairy products can be included in your diet without thinking twice. Do make sure that these are not processed nor have any added preservatives.
What is off-limit?
A gluten-free diet completely eliminates wheat, barley, rye and any foods which contain these. So you can say goodbye to your wheat flour rotis, breads, cereals, pastas, cookies, muffins, cake and pastries.
While certain foods are off limits, there are a whole lot of options that you can look into instead. Smart food swaps will allow you to follow the diet and love it too.
Make things as easy as possible so that it is easy to stick to the diet. Going out with friends but don’t wish to spend half the evening answering questions like “OMG, so what do you eat?” Simply browse through the restaurant menu in advance or give them a call to check if they offer gluten-free options.
Keep your kitchen tasks to a minimum while cooking a gluten-free meal. You might want to invest in a good, multipurpose food processor to make the preparation process easier and quicker. You can try Morphy Richards food processor which comes with a number of blades, bowls, plates and attachments that enables you to grate, chop, slice, puree and mince all with just one appliance. A great way to cut down on the cooking time.
Remember that going gluten-free is more of a lifestyle choice than a passing fad. So while it’s okay to feel the cravings and have a food tantrum once in a while, think of the big picture. Your body will thank you for the healthy option, and looking fabulous and fit is an added benefit.
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