Is Gluten Free for Me?

By Emily Costa

Shoppers strolling through the health section of any supermarket aisle are likely to find a plethora of gluten free items, for example cookies, pasta, breads, crackers and pizza dough. As you are bombarded with the GF (or Gluten Free) label, you may stop to ask yourself, “What is gluten anyway?”, “Is it bad for me?” and “Should I avoid it?”

A few years ago, the word gluten was exclusively used in the culinary world. Since gluten free is as common now as the whole wheat craze was back in the early 2000’s, people are often unaware of the affects that gluten can have! There is still a very vague idea of what it even is. Let us try and break it down.

Gluten is defined as a protein that binds together wheat, barley, and rye. Visualize a pizza dough being thrown in the air; it stretches and expands, right? That is gluten at work! The irresistible texture we all love and know in most of our bread, pizza, and pasta is gluten. That leads us to the thought, why gluten free?

I have come to discover, there are two main reasons people avoid gluten.
1. They suffer from Celiac Disease/Gluten Sensitivity
2. They are interested in a healthier lifestyle

As defined by the Celiac Foundation, Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the ingestion of gluten leads to damage of the small intestine. Celiac Disease can cause a variety of other health concerns such as inflammation and digestive disorders. The only known treatment is a complete dietary change.

Due to the heightened awareness of gluten intolerance, many people have decided to go “gluten free” as they pursue a healthier lifestyle. If you find yourself on this journey, here are some quick health tips:

• Substitute white flour with nutrient dense grains such as brown rice and quinoa. These grains are high in fiber, which help keep you full for longer periods of time.
• Take advantage of starchy vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes and carrots as part of your carb load, giving you more nutrition with fewer calories!
• Give your body a break from over processed food. The results are increased energy, clearer thinking, and improved digestion. A few things from which most of us would benefit!

If you do choose to be gluten free, read the labels! Many gluten free items still contain high amounts of sugar or fillers. We always encourage our clients to be mindful of what they are eating and why.

My Sister’s Chef was created out of a need. You see, my sister is among one of the many Americans who has Celiac Disease. She was diagnosed in 2003 before many gluten free foods were readily available. Being able to learn how to make foods that our whole family could enjoy, was something that became a passion and obsession. Now, My Sister’s Chef is dedicated to not only making foods that are 100% gluten free, but also accommodating all different types of dietary restrictions, educating through our hands on cooking classes, and providing in home meal services.

Here are some of our favorite products:
• Trader Joe’s Brown Rice Penne
• Riceworks chips
• Bob’s Red Mill gluten free 1 to 1 flour mix
• Annie’s Homegrown Cocoa and Vanilla Bunny Cookies

Whatever you do, make healthy choices, and remember if you are to indulge do so in moderation! For more details please visit
www.mysisterschef.com