When a person has a gluten allergy or intolerance, it means that they have to give up a lot of delicious food. It is very hard for people to give up foods that have gluten in them, because they are so common. Most pre-packaged and processed foods have gluten in them, as well as breads, pastries, and other baked goods that people love. Although it can be difficult to adjust to a new gluten-free diet, there are many delicious and wonderful options that can be used as substitutes. These substitutes will ensure that a person who has a gluten allergy or intolerance will be able to get the most out of their food without having any reactions to the gluten, and they are usually healthier in the long run than any foods that contain gluten.
1.) Lettuce Instead Of Bread
This healthy option will substitute one of the most commonly used gluten items; bread. Bread is used for sandwiches, which are a favorite go-to lunchtime meal. Sandwiches are easy to put together, and you can put a number of delicious ingredients in-between the two pieces of bread. For gluten-free people, lunchtime can now be quite difficult because of their inability to eat bread. Instead of bread, you can use a lettuce to make a wrap, or use two large pieces of lettuce to act as slices of bread. This way, you do not get the gluten that bread has in it, and you are getting a healthier option than a regular sandwich would provide.
2.) Zucchini Or Other Vegetables Instead Of Noodles
Noodles are a difficult gluten-filled item to give up, because pasta is such a popular and easy meal to make. However, pasta is filled with gluten and can make anyone with an allergy or intolerance extremely sick. Instead of noodles, zucchini, eggplant, or another vegetable into thin strips or ribbons and substitute them for wheat-filled pastas. They create almost the same experience as noodles, but provide gluten-free patrons with a healthier option.
3.) Nuts instead Of Croutons
If you are opting for a salad instead of a gluten-filled meal, you are already on the right track. However, salads can still provide a gluten-filled product that can cause symptoms to flare up; croutons. Croutons provide a flavorful crunch to any salad, and it is hard to imagine a salad without them. However, you can use nuts, like almonds, pecans or walnuts in your salad to provide that delicious crunch. You can get these nuts flavored, and they do not contain gluten like the croutons do.
4.) Corn Tortillas Instead Of Flour Tortillas
Everyone loves to make burritos and soft tacos for dinner every once in a while, but flour tortillas can spell trouble for people with gluten allergies or intolerances. Instead of picking up the flour tortillas from the store, make sure to go for the corn tortillas. They have half the calories and fat of flour tortillas, and come in a variety of gluten-free brands.
5.) Quinoa Instead Of Couscous
Couscous is a popular side dish for many dinners around the country, but it is made from processed wheat flour. Couscous may be a delicious add-on to a meal, but it has too much gluten to be allowed on a dinner plate for people with a gluten allergy. Instead, try quinoa, which is starting to become extremely popular. Quinoa is a whole grain food that has a lot of protein and nutrients. And the good news is, it has almost the exact same texture as couscous.