Often times when we are faced with a lifestyle change, we wonder ‘Now what?’ or ‘Where do I start?’. The same is true when it comes to beginning a Gluten-free lifestyle, whether by choice or demanded due to health reasons.
So, where does one start? I am going to share some resources, tips and suggestions below and hope you find them useful.
I. I posed the following question to friends, on Twitter, and on Facebook: “Gluten-free friends, when you were just starting out on your gluten free journey, what do you wish you had known?”. Here are some of the responses:
*To watch out for the little things, like sauces and candies.
*What gluten actually is and how your body reacts and uses it.
*That cross-contamination makes everything harder. And that gluten-free friends are a must to get you through the tough stuff.
*Focus on nutrient dense foods – not substitute foods.
II. For many of us, the internet is the first place we turn and the first thing I did for useful websites and blogs. Here are my suggestions:
A great resource is Udi’s Gluten Free Foods. The website contains many resources, including their community section which has many forums. In addition, you can find a list of their products and where to find them, a shopping list of gluten free foods, a great blog and coupons.
Besides the Udi’s site, there are a number of great gluten free lifestyle blogs that you should get to know for recipes and suggestions including:
*gfreelife.com
*glutenfreegirl.com
*simplygluten-free.com
*elanaspantry.com
*If you like to bake and cook, Bob’s Mill has a great gluten free section with products and recipes.
III. Gluten free apps: While learning your way around the grocery store, as well as finding your favorites foods, recipes, and what you can eat when dining out, you may want to carry around some apps on your electronic device that can help you out. I recommend you look at:
*Is that Gluten Free?
*Dine Gluten Free
*Grain or No Grain – GF Foods Quiz & Food Allergy
IV. There are also a few magazines you may want to subscribe to including Gluten-Free Living and Living Without.
V. Shop the perimeter: You have heard it when it comes to avoiding processed foods and the same holds true for gluten free foods in general; shopping the outside perimeter of the grocery stores is where you find fruits, vegetables, meats and other whole foods.
Learn more about living gluten free! Visit http://udisglutenfree.com/
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Udi’s Gluten Free. The opinions and text are all mine.
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