Is there a thing or two we can learn from people who have celiac disease? Many dieticians are now suggesting that basing your diet off the gluten-free phenomenon may be beneficial when it comes to cholesterol levels, digestion, energy and weight loss. The thinking is that wheat is converted to blood sugar more efficiently than just about any other carbohydrate and actually acts as an appetite stimulant, so eliminating gluten will help us eat less.
Also, under a gluten-reduced eating plan, healthy grains like rice and corn become major players, still giving you the carbohydrates your body needs. With many of the over-processed starches removed from your diet, you’d probably start eating more fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products in addition to healthy grains.
Here are a few tasty substitutions that are must haves for those of us trying to reduce our intake of wheat.
Van’s Wheat & Gluten Free Waffles
Available at specialty grocers
– Personal rec by Jacky E.
These organic waffles are a great way to start your day on the right track. They’re made with brown rice flour and two of them total only 230 calories. Top with fresh fruit or a natural jam for a satisfying breakfast.
Blue Diamond Almond Nut Thins
Widely available
– Personal rec by Joanie A.
These crackers are made of nuts and rice and do not contain any trans fats. Each serving of 16 crackers has 130 calories. They do well in the crunch department and are a great alternative to traditional crackers. The funny thing is, a few really do the trick for me as opposed to wheat crackers — where I could eat the whole box!
Snyder’s Gluten-Free Pretzels
Widely Available
– Personal rec by Vicky B.
I have actually come to prefer the taste of the Snyder’s gluten-free pretzels to regular pretzels. I love how they come in 100 calorie packs. They are low fat, egg free and gluten-free. These are my current go-to snack if I need a salty crunch.
Lundberg Brown Rice Organic Rice Cakes
Available at Trader Joe’s
– Personal rec by Bonnie M.
These organic brown rice cakes offer a multitude of possibilities. You can eat them plain or top with nut butter and organic applesauce. Anything you put on bread can be used as a topper for these rice cakes.
Donkey All Natural Tortilla Chips
Available at Whole Foods
– Personal rec by Ilene T.
For those of us with a weakness for chips and salsa, Donkey Chips are the real deal. They’re made of stone ground white corn and do not contain trans fats or gluten. They come in a variety of flavors including plain and salted. Just add some guacamole and a margarita.
What Are Your Personal Recs?
If you have a product you love, can’t live without and are willing to share – please send us your personal recommendations. We’ll do our own due diligence and then consider featuring it as a The Professional Hypochondriac “must have.” We’ll also give credit where credit is due and include a first-name mention of the contributor with the “personal rec.”
So if you’re lovin’ your new lotion, dying over a healthy granola bar or just found that perfect hair gel that makes everything fall into place, please do share. After all, we need a little more help now than we used to!
To give your personal rec, leave a comment below.
2 Comments
As a gluten-free girl with soy and nut/seed/peanut allergies, I have to be extra careful in my selections. Most gluten-free options contain soy and/or sunflower/safflower/almond/etc. oils and flours. But among the processed-food choices I can eat are Nicole’s gluten-free crackers (the cranberry/pepper are awesome!), El Milagro tortilla chips and Tinkyada brown rice pasta (delicious with a little salt and butter!). All are available at Whole Foods. There is also a cornbread package sold in the gluten-free freezer case that I get when I crave something cake-y. And finally a new product that I’ve seen is a multi-grain sandwich bread by Glutino that really hits the spot for me. First gluten-free bread I’ve found on the market that does not include an ingredient I’m allergic to!
Thanks Maria! Great suggestions.