A Beginner’s Guide to a Gluten-Free Diet – Where to Start

Are you thinking of switching to a gluten-free diet for the new year? Embarking on a new diet can seem daunting at first, but with the right information and a bit of preparation, it can be a smooth transition. Whether you’re doing it for health reasons, have gluten sensitivity, or simply want to explore a new way of eating, this guide will help you get started.

Understanding Gluten

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It gives dough its elasticity and helps it rise and maintain its shape. For individuals with celiac disease, gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine, leading to various health issues. Even those without celiac disease can experience discomfort and digestive issues due to gluten sensitivity. Cutting out gluten could be key to improving your digestive health overall.

Foods to Avoid and Good Alternatives

The first step in a gluten-free diet is identifying and avoiding foods that contain gluten. Common sources include bread, pasta, and baked goods made from wheat, barley, or rye. There are some processed foods that also use gluten as a thickener or filler, such as certain soups, sauces, and dressings. Cereals and granolas that contain wheat or malt are a no-go and of course, beer, unless labeled gluten-free.

Fortunately, there are many delicious gluten-free alternatives available! Grains like rice, quinoa, millet, and buckwheat are naturally gluten-free and versatile for any recipe. If you love baking, almond flour, coconut flour, or rice flour can be used to make your favorite treats gluten-free. If you’re looking for good quality staples to start out with, our online store has a wide variety of gluten-free breads, bagels, crackers, pizza crusts, and more!

Ingredient sourcing is also a key step when making good quality gluten-free products. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality, safety, and sustainability of our food. Our team is always on the lookout for the cleanest gluten-free ingredients. By sourcing high quality ingredients from reputable suppliers, we can deliver great tasting products that you can count on and minimize the risk of cross contamination. Some of our ingredients are locally sourced too, which typically means they’re fresher and more environmentally friendly. We want to make sure we get them from a place we can trust so that you can eat bread, bagels, and crackers that you can trust.

Reading Labels

One of the most important skills you’ll develop is reading food labels. Double-check the ingredients and look for products labeled with a “Certified Gluten-Free” stamp. Also, be cautious of cross-contamination, especially if products are processed in facilities that also handle gluten-containing foods. Outside the Breadbox is proud to be a dedicated gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free facility. You don’t have to worry when it comes to our products because we know how important it is to be comfortable with the food you and your family eat!

Conclusion

Going gluten-free can lead to improved digestive health, increased energy levels, and better overall well-being for those with gluten-related disorders. It may require some adjustments, but with the right approach, it can become a manageable and enjoyable lifestyle change. Focus on whole, naturally gluten-free foods, learn to read labels carefully, and don’t hesitate to seek support from gluten-free communities or a nutritionist. Start with the basics, like our Vegan Oat Bread or Cinnamon Raisin Bagels and you’ll find that eating gluten-free will be easier than you thought. Remember, the goal is to improve your health and well-being, so take it one step at a time and enjoy the journey to a gluten-free life!