Any advice on Gluten-Free?

WendyFitMomCHANGED

I had a very interesting talk with a friend of a friend who's a Nutritionist and she told me the best way to reach my goals is to remove Gluten from my diet and eat tons more veggies. I read a few articles online yesterday and today about Gluten-Free and wondered if anyone here does the same.

What do you think of it?
Do you do it for general health or allergy purposes?
What are your successes?

I am (for the most part) a clean - eater, meaning I don't eat processed foods or sugars, I don't eat red meat or pork (due to high cholestoral). I do eat whole wheat and whole grains now but not the end of the world if I do without it based on the other items you can replace it with.

I'd appreciate honest and respectful feedback please. Thanks.

toddis

My friend does it, as it makes her feel awful when she eats it. She does find it to be a huge pain as it's hidden in everything. If you aren't doing it because you have a sensitivity to it, it probably isn't worth it.

Fit_And_Heathy_Goalie

I stared by weight loss journey last summer, but wasn't seeing great results despite my attempts at eating clean. After watching a nutritionist (JJ Virgin.com) on my local PBS station in September, I decided to give "gluten-free" a try, I was amazed at how much better I felt in just a few days. My weight started to drop and the inches too. The only exception is I still enjoy Ezekiel english muffins a few days a week.

I recently made gluten-free cornbread and it's delicious (a Bob Mill's mix) and also tried brown rice pasta and lasagna--my family and friends loved the dishes. I haven't tried baking yet, but hope to experiment more in the new year.

Good luck!

rm7161

Wheat is more nutritious than just about anything gluten free you can buy. If you don't have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, its probably not worth the hassle.

I'm a celiac diagnosed since 2002 and I would gladly eat it again if I could. I gained over 100 lbs eating gluten free, so its certainly not a magic potion. It really boils down to calories in vs. calories out. Best thing I bought for myself was actually a food scale, its amazing how I could underestimate portions and think I ate less than I actually did.

CarolAmanda

If you switch to gluten free versions of foods you eat now, gluten free can expensive and unhealthy - lots of sugar, carbs, not a lot of nutrition. If you switch to veggies, fruits, nuts, lean meats, gluten free is not as complicated and can be a healthy way of eating. I find I enjoy a gluten free diet and feel great when I focus on foods that naturally do not contain gluten and save gluten free versions of treats for special occasions (gluten free birthday cake or cookies). After a few weeks, many people lose the cravings for their previous gluten favorites.

Carol

nandmsmall1981

I just got told that a lot of my problems come from an intolerance that I have to gluten and aspertame. I have found that gluten free baked items are exteremly high in calories and that is easier to eat veggies, fruit and protien. I am still very new at this and would also benefit from any advice from seasoned GF people.

melaniecheeks

I'd question that advice coming from a nutritionist.

Reducing wheat based products MIGHT help in losing weight. Cutting gluten out of your diet is important if you are sensitive to gluten, but is not necessarily a weight reducing plan. It's also very difficult and can be expensive.

bsmith404

Please don't go go gluten free if you don't have to. Those of us with celiac disease and gluten intolerance have to but I wouldn't eat this way if it was my choice. It's hard and at first I gained weight. Everything labeled gluten free is not healthy. I have read a ton of articles where Dr.'s are against people going gluten free unless they have to.

Gluten Free is seen as a fad diet while those of us that have to eat this way it's nothing but a fad diet. We have to eat this way the rest of our life.

Don't think just because you are going gluten free that you will lose weight. I must admit though, I have a ton of energy.

jennaworksout

Gluten free does not mean it will help lose weight neccesarily ....its only for people who cannot digest it, I agree with above poster that not everything labelled gluten fee is healthy or low in calories. I actually find gluten free products have way more calories. Gluten free is NOT a diet to lose weight. its for people who are physically ill and in pain after eating it, myself included.