What’s gluten?
Gluten is the protein found in wheat. People who cannot have gluten basically just have a small intestine that freaks out whenever this protein passes through. Bad digestive problems are the immediate result, but over time the individual will experience symptoms of mal-nutrition. Why? Because the celia on his or her intestine has become irritated and has flattened out in rebellion, making it unable to absorb vital nutrients. This can lead to a variety of bad things such as hair-loss, paleness, lethargy, and even infertility.
The above photo is a list of ingredients that contain gluten. You read it and probably think, “So…everything I eat all the time.” Yep. But have no fear—-corn is here. Rice is too, and they will be very helpful (and sometimes unnoticeable) substitutes!
*One note: I am gluten intolerant—I do not have celiac disease. This is a more serious gluten allergy, and some folks with this disease can’t even use the same cooking utensils that have been within a mile radius of gluten. Many celiacs will not touch oats of any kind, but for me, Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free oats are just fine.
gf
as in gluten-free, not girlfriend. And I’m gonna be blogging my successful gluten-free recipes (with photos, of course!) because tumblr seems pretty short on good gf blogs that are consistent, helpful, and realistic.
And if any of you out there are interested in feeling less bloated, eating “healthier” all around, and losing a few pounds, start making easy gluten-free changes in your life and you’ll look and feel better!
I’ll say first that I’m a big fan of naturally gluten-free substitutes, like Corn Chex in meatloaf instead of breadcrumbs, etc. I live in a tiny midwest town where no one’s even heard of a health food store, so besides my bimonthly 1-hour drive to a health food store, I am at the mercy of Wal-Mart.
I’m also a college kid who’s married to a college kid so we definitely have a food budget. We eat well, though, as you will soon see :)
