Did you know that gluten is linked to over 200 health conditions?
Whether you recently got diagnosed as a Celiac or you’ve heard about the health benefits that can come from eliminating gluten from your diet, making this transition can be quite the challenge at first.
Do you want to become a master of gluten-free diets? Keep reading for five common mistakes you should avoid.
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1. Not Doing Research Beforehand
If you’re new to the gluten-free lifestyle, you’ll be shocked to learn how sneaky this ingredient can be. Avoiding wheat in pasta and bread may be easy, but other wheat ingredients are often hiding in the food labels at the grocery store. Researching how to avoid gluten will help you thrive and maintain your success.
2. Not Eating Enough Calories
Since wheat is fairly calorie-dense, many gluten-free meals tend to be lower in calories than their gluten counterparts. While this is good news for anyone who’s looking to lose some weight, it’s important to keep track of your calories to ensure you’re not overeating or undereating. Using tools like MyFitnessPal may be a pain at first, but you can stop tracking your calories once you gain a deeper understanding of how many calories you typically eat in a day.
3. Not Finding Alternative Sources of Nutrients
Whole wheat contains a lot of essential vitamins and minerals that keep us healthy and vibrant. Fiber, zinc, iron, magnesium, and vitamins A and E are just a few of the many nutrients we absorb from foods that contain gluten. Choosing healthy foods that cover your vitamin and mineral needs will help you feel your best as you transition to this new way of eating.
4. Not Being Careful About Cross-Contamination
Whether you’re a Celiac or you want to be strict about your gluten intake, being mindful of cross-contamination is crucial for your success. Eating at home is the easiest way to avoid gluten, but that doesn’t mean you can never go out to eat again. Researching gluten-free restaurants or getting in touch with other restaurants to learn about their kitchen practices can help you avoid consuming unwanted gluten.
5. Not Finding a Proper Balance to Achieve Long-Term Health
Lots of newbies tend to grab lots of highly-processed foods found in the snack and frozen food aisles at the store. While it’s good to treat yourself once in a while and have snacks on hand wherever you go, you should try your best to avoid products that contain excess fat, sugar, and sodium. The bulk of your diet should come from wholesome ingredients but giving yourself permission to indulge here and there can help you stay on the right track.
If one of your favorite foods or drinks contains gluten, take the time to find a gluten-free alternative. For example, there are plenty of gluten-free beers prepared with a glycol chiller that can quench your thirst when the craving strikes.
Gluten-Free Diets Don’t Have to Be Hard
All of the talk surrounding gluten-free diets can be intimidating. Although there will be a learning curve, maintaining a gluten-free lifestyle can be easy and rewarding.
Do you want to learn other ways you can live life to the fullest? Explore our blog to find more helpful tips and guides on a wide range of wellness topics.
