Gluten Free??

Do you have celiac disease?

Do a google search for Kathy Smart.

Look up Paleo recipes.

I don't have celiac or any gluten issues but my diet is almost gluten-free. I do have a friend who has gluten issues and they have incredible sections in grocery stores for easy swaps (ie: brown rice tortillas, gluten-free breads of all sorts, gluten-free cookies/crackers).

Gluten free can be really great - until you start replacing the things that contain gluten with the same gluten free product, IMO. There are so many gluten free products that are then filled with other things that won't help with weight loss (sugar, carbs, etc). I highly recommend reading 'Wheat Belly'. It was an awesome read and really put wheat and it's gluten free replacements into perspective.

I do a similar diet to gluten free, but just don't eat anything processed. Meat, veggies, and small amounts of dairy and that works for me!

yes! I was diagnosed with celiac disease 15 years ago and there were very few products available then. Now there are so many, but I agree processed food is still processed food and a lot of GF items are still high in sugar and low in nutrients.

Rather than replace gluten items with their GF counterparts, I think it presents a good opportunity to switch to whole foods. Instead of crackers and cheese, have carrots, cucumbers and cheese. Instead of cookies have some dried fruit and nuts. Instead of pepperoni pizza have a salad with cheese and tomatoes and meat. That kind of thing...

I like Paleo recipes because they are by nature GF. I especially like NomNom Paleo (she has a website and a cookbook).

For the occasional substitution there are great GF pasta items, made from corn or rice or quinoa. Some GF breads are OK and will get the job done.

For GF grain sides quinoa and brown rice are my first choices. For snacky things I like corn tortillas and chips (in moderation).

good luck! feel free to ask specific questions as I've been doing it for 15 years!

My suggestion - eat foods that are already naturally gluten free, do not try to replace gluten containing items with their faux counterparts. Eat all the meat, veggies, fruits, oils, seeds, nuts, rice, corn, lentils, legumes and quinoa you want. You shouldn't ever have to go hungry. Just beware of all of the hidden sources of gluten if you're really trying to go completely gluten free. Whole Foods actually has a good list of hidden gluten. Subscribe to gluten free recipe blogs - cook, eat, be happy.

I have gluten sensitivities and have been almost completely gluten free for 5 years now. IMO, starting out, don't try and just replace everything you are used to with gluten with a gluten-free substitute. It won't do anything to help your weigh issues...and the grocery store GF stuff is wicked expensive! Instead, look for things that are naturally gluten free. There are a million things you can find that are "safe" foods. Not saying it won't be challenging getting started, but you will find that once you start feeling better, it's worth the extra effort.

A few grocery store finds that got me started - Van's GF waffles with a few slices of turkey and cheese for breakfast (too the place of McMuffins)
Rice cakes with peanut butter - never thought THAT would be so filling!
Fruit and Veggies - endless possibilities!
KIND bars - yum!

It's a heck if a lot easier if you like to cook...and especially if you like to bake! Checkout the blog, Gluten Free on a Shoestring. Fantastic resource for the gluten free home cook/baker.

Clean proteins - chicken, turkey, beef, pork, fish, shellfish are all gluten free without sauces - watch the spice blends. Individual spices like oregano, basil, salt, pepper, lemon, lime, rosemary, thyme, etc. are all OK.

All veggies and fruits without any sauces are. Olive oil, walnut oil, butter, avocado or peanut butter.

Nuts, seeds

Potatoes, rice, quinoa if you like carbs.

You have to read labels carefully.

You also have to watch gluten, especially wheat, in things like shampoo, conditioner, soap, cosmetics, medications.

Amy's gluten free mac & cheese is good. I also like Glutino's gluten free pretzels, crackers and frozen pizza on occasion.

How about making G-Free bread from scratch? I just a GF cookbook for breadmakers. Should I use less sugar? Making bread in a Maker is new to me. I'm OLD school