Gluten Free eating no doubt is a huge fad. Just like any other dieting fad there are many myths clouding the realistic facts about its effectiveness. -A word of advice before we go any further, you should heavily research ANY dieting plan you want to start. Just because it worked for someone you know, does NOT mean it will work for you. We are all different and we all need different things. No matter what the diet or how popular it is, the smartest thing to do is research the hell out of it. Maybe even consult a doctor or nutritionalist. Do not go blindly into any nutrition plan. That is not the way to be healthy or successful.
GF eating is a must for those with allergies to wheat or those who suffer from Celiac Disease. If your doctor has recommended to you that you follow a GF diet for reasons such as these, researching GF eating should be on the top of your "To Do" list. However, for those of us who don't have these issues, why should we consider some GF eating?
I hear and see a lot of Smart Alecks (especially after that hilarious Jimmey Kimmel skit) claiming that Gluten Free eating is idiotic. They are making assumptions without looking at all sides of the argument, just as people go into GF eating for health results without researching what they are doing. Both are foolish.
Some truths about GF eating you should be aware of before swearing it off, taking it up or knocking it before you try it can help you make better dieting choices even if you are not entirely a GF eater, a devote GFer or a skeptic.
For example, just because a food is GF does not make it healthy. Many GF foods are made with "junk carbs" (looks this up people). You might be avoiding wheat, but filling yourself up with things that are equally as empty. Become educated about what is out there and always, always, always LOOK AT LABELS!
Another sad sad truth, GF eating will not make you skinny. Just because you are switching to GF does not mean you will automatically lose weight. GF eating does not make you lose weight. Consuming less calories than you burn in a day makes you lose weight. Healthier dieting choices and cutting down on carbs can help you lose weight. If you are gorging on junk GF foods, this will not do a thing for you.
Some advantages to eating GF are "Pros" that can benefit us all. Wheat flour alternatives like oat flour or almond flour are higher in fiber and protein than wheat flour. They are nutrient rich with iron, riboflavin, magnesium, potassium, calcium and vitamin E. They are great for aiding in lowering your cholesterol and are notorious for aiding in heart health. This does not mean you should turn around and eat only these alternatives, too much of a good thing can be bad too (remember to research). The point is swapping out some of your wheat flour and trying some alternatives can help to round out your diet. These options can be great for a list of other reasons as well.
My boyfriend and I are not GF eaters. However, we cook GF sometimes as a way to round out our diets. We also prepare vegetarian meals for this reason as well and we are not vegetarians. A recent example of this is this Gluten Free French Apple Cake I made yesterday. It is made with a mix of Oat flour & Almond flour. Since it is higher in fiber and protein than its wheat flour (delicious and heavenly in its own right) counterpart and reduced in sugar, a slice of it in the morning has made for a indulgent yet yummy and filling quick breakfast. Of course, this is not what we SHOULD be having for breakfast but give us a break, we have been having kale green protein shakes all week! ;-) Getting more benefits out of something sweet is always a plus. The goal was to try to make something that was not entirely an "empty" treat. Being intentional in your eating and choices is the goal. Eat with intention to nourish yourself and improve your well being. Cook with intentions of health.
