#Glutenfree

Not Just a Fad

Why Me?

It started out as curiosity and hope that it might help my almost unbearable lower back pain. But coming from someone who used to eat a bagel smothered in cream cheese for breakfast, sandwich for lunch and a giant bowl of pasta for dinner, I never thought I could live without gluten. A friend recommended the book, Wheat Belly by Dr. William Davis, a cardiologist and health advocate but to be honest, I didn’t think a book could make much of a difference in my daily habits but I was sorely mistaken.

Everything I thought I knew about wheat and gluten was wrong. Today, wheat is not the same stuff that our grandparents used to eat. It’s been genetically modified to the extent that it negatively affects the body in countless ways, some of which are still unknown. Plus, it sneaks its way into almost all processed foods. Just the idea of not eating gluten is overwhelming for most people because it’s so intertwined with our daily lives.

Believe it or not, whole wheat is the same or worse for your body as white bread (seriously). And whole grains are worse for you than eating a spoon full of table sugar. You’d be better off inhaling a Snickers bar than eating a sandwich. This is all based on blood glucose level; the idea that not all complex carbohydrates are the same and the way your body processes them isn't either.

But in the end, wheat is wheat so whether you're eating white or whole grains it affects the body negatively. Wheat elevates your body's blood sugar more than any other food, even sugar and other grains. Wheat also triggers annoying belly fat that's impossible to lose and causes so many other health issues that we’re only beginning to understand. 

Wheat has been known to cause arthritis, fatigue, obesity and gastrointestinal issues. It can also elicit concentration issues, headaches, allergies, rashes, loss of energy, acid reflux, restless sleep and asthmatic symptoms. For me, the mention of joint pain and arthritis hit home pretty hard as I've been struggling with a number of lower back issues over the past few years. After years of searching for answers, I discovered that I have pinched nerves, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease and arthritis in my spine (Keep it Right, Keep it Tight). So, the choice was simple. 

Taking the Plunge

Making the switch is rough, I'll be honest. It was a struggle to figure out what a gluten free lifestyle looked like. My first step was to familiarize myself with gluten. I needed to know which foods contain gluten in order to avoid them, so I began to read every label. Obvious things like baked goods, breads, cereal and crackers are out the window but gluten can be found in spices, sauces, drinks, frozen foods and many other items. Really, anything that has been processed is at risk.

Once I learned what to avoid, I set aside time to cook. Cooking at home is the single best way to ensure you avoid gluten. And honestly, it's the toughest part of being gluten free. You can no longer eat those quick grab-and-go items you’re used to. You have to plan ahead and prep in advance and breakfasts can be particularly tricky. Americans aren't used to eating anything other than wheat for their first meal of the day. Think donuts, muffins, cereal, toast, bagels, pancakes and french toast.

Hold on for the Ride

Stopping gluten abruptly may affect your body in strange ways. During the first few weeks, every time I ate out the following day would be filled with intense stomach cramps and major bathroom issues. My thoughts were, somehow I had been slipped gluten and my body wasn’t happy (a detox of sorts). There were even times I could feel my back pain flair up in reaction to gluten I had accidentally consumed. It was alarming so I made the decision to stop eating out as much as possible. That way, I could carefully control everything put into my body. 

On the other hand, I felt lighter, more alert and full of energy almost immediately. I didn’t have those painful afternoon lulls and never felt bloated, a 24 hour-a-day occurrence beforehand. My stomach was no longer irritable after every meal. Food cravings disappeared. Headaches ceased. Back pain was manageable and I started sleeping more restfully. Need I say more?

What Can I Eat?

If you take the time to read Wheat Belly you’ll get a very good idea of what to eat and what not to eat. One of the first recommendations is not to run directly to the gluten free isle at the grocery store. So many of those items are filled with other starches that will do the same thing to your tummy. Avoid corn starch, potato starch, tapioca starch and any others at all costs. The point isn't to replace something awful with something else that's shitty too. 

When you’re unsure, vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, meat, cheese and dairy are all fine to eat. Personally, I stick with non-GMO products and rarely buy anything that’s processed. If you must eat out, Mexican (corn-based items) and Asian (rice-based items) are always pretty safe options. Just be careful to avoid anything fried as it’s usually covered in flour. And many places offer gluten free menus, so be sure to ask. Note, I'm not getting into Celiac disease here because that's another beast entirely.

The more creative you get, the better. Think outside the box but keep it simple. My breakfasts are rarely more than a cup of gluten free rolled oats covered in fruit or a corn tortilla filled with scrambled eggs and guacamole. Lunches can be salads or protein bowls with rice or quinoa as a base. Dinners are open for all varieties of meats and veggies. Just be careful with grains that are not gluten free such as farro, couscous, rye, barley or malt.

Originally, I was super worried about drinking alcohol (everyone needs a drink once in a while). Beer is not an option, although there are some gluten free beers out there. But ciders are a great choice if apple or pear based. Wine is totally open and even though many liquors are made from wheat, barley or rye, the distillation process makes them gluten free, so drink up (but always verify)!

It's a Lifestyle, Not a Diet

Becoming gluten free isn't easy but it's absolutely worth it. Go into it with an open mind and be easy on yourself. The time will come when choosing gluten-free foods is so easy that you don't think twice. The main idea is to really stop eating those foods without finding replacements. If you spend all your time hunting down gluten free breads and sweets not much will change. Use this opportunity as a learning experience to step up your lifestyle game. 

Favorite Gluten Free Finds

Pizza (Chicago): Forno Rosso

Italian (LA): Scopa

Pasta (online): Le Veneziane

Flours (online): Cup4Cup, Antimo Caputo (wheat but gluten is removed)