Should You Embrace a Gluten Free Diet?

This has a complex answer.  If you have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease, gluten intolerance, or gluten allergy then the answer is absolutely yes.  If you are looking to improve your health and/or possibly lose weight then the answer is both yes and no.  Before you go running to the store to stock up on everything that says it is gluten free let me clarify.  Whether you are trying to lose weight or avoid allergens, the best gluten free diet is one that consists of lean meats, proteins, fruits, and vegetables.  Most of the substitute products in the store for gluten are baked goods that are simply NOT good for you and you should try to avoid them in your diet if possible or at least greatly reduce them.  For instance, I love bread, but it loves me so much that all of the gluten glues right to my gluteus maximus.  If you do not have allergies to gluten, find whole grain substitutes that are nutritious and low calorie such as Wasa whole grain Crispbread, whole grain english muffins, whole grain pitas, or whole grain tortillas.  These should count as a grain for your meal, which should consist of one protein, one grain, and a combination of two fruits or two vegetables or one of each.  Gluten free choices for grains include quinoa, steel cut oats, brown rice, or brown rice pasta.  There are others but this is a simple list to begin with.  The point I want to make is that many people decide to go gluten free and they rush to the store and load their pantry with tons of products that are full of sugar and other hard to pronounce ingredients and void of nutrition.  No matter your reason for choosing a gluten free diet, it is important to remember what your diet should consist of and most things that we eat containing gluten should probably be eliminated from our diet anyway.  I will say that an occasional treat (every few weeks, months) is not going to ruin your diet.  I have found though, that I don't enjoy them as much as I used to though.  With that being said though, if you are ever in Downtown Little Rock, Dempsey's Bakery serves great gluten free desserts and lunches and they have frozen baked goods that you can take home as well.  Best wishes to your wellness!