After years of fighting a daily battle with my tummy, I finally made the adult decision to visit my doctor and find out why my stomach was continuously rebelling against me. I explained my symptoms, which extended far beyond just “stomach issues.” They included exhaustion, acne, regular headaches and joint pain. His diagnosis? An intolerance to gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley and rye. At first, I was a little bummed (to say that I adore baguettes and baked goods is an understatement), but luckily, I’ve found some delicious gluten-free alternatives that completely satisfy my carb cravings, and will hopefully do the same for you!
Quinoa
A member of the grass family, this nutritional powerhouse is a seed (not a grain). It contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. Trader Joe’s Organic Quinoa and Ancient Harvest’s Quinoa Pasta are both tasty alternatives to traditional pasta. Try pairing either variety with some salmon or grilled chicken, roasted veggies and homemade pesto for a filling, gluten-free feast.
Brown Rice
A distant cousin of quinoa (in terms of taste), brown rice is filled with fiber and essential vitamins and minerals to keep your body properly fueled. With its hearty texture and versatility, brown rice can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner. And, on days you’re not in the mood for brown rice (it happens to the best of us!), get your spaghetti fix with these brown rice noodles by Jovial. You won’t believe they’re gluten-free!
Corn Tortillas
If you’re a Mexican food aficionado, then you’ll be happy to know that corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free. For a fast and frugal lunch, spread some guacamole on a couple corn tortillas and top them with black beans, onions, lettuce, cheese and this amazingly addictive salsa—it also tastes heavenly on Trader Joe’s Quinoa and Black Bean Tortilla Chips.
Gluten-Free Bread
The best thing since sliced bread is…gluten-free bread! At first, it was a struggle to find a comparable alternative to my former favorite whole wheat variety. Luckily, I discovered Canyon Bakehouse’s 7-Grain Bread at Whole Foods and I’m officially hooked. It tastes delightful when toasted and topped with almond butter, a sliced banana, raw honey and cinnamon.
In addition to these pantry staples, I also rely on Amy’s Organic Meals (the Broccoli and Cheddar Bake is to die for) when I’m in a pinch (or not in the mood to cook). And, instead of focusing on what I can’t have, I indulge in what I can enjoy, like fresh fruits and veggies, hummus, lean meats, nuts/nut butters, LARA Bars and chocolate, like these insanely delicious dark chocolate peanut butter cups and this once-you-start-you-can’t-stop sea salt caramel gelato. So, whether you’ve been thinking about giving up gluten or you’ve been gluten-free for years, try incorporating any (or all!) of these guilt-free options into your diet. Your taste buds and your tummy will thank you!
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