Gluten-free is the new black. At least according to recent estimates say that gluten allergies and gluten avoidance are on the rise with millions of people eating less or no gluten. Over 3 million people have Celiac Disease while many other suffer from allergies to gluten or wheat or have varying degrees of intolerance. Some people choose to go gluten-free for other reasons.
While there’s some debate about if this is a fad or not, from personal experience I can tell you that it’s no joke for me. I’ve been gluten-free for several years now and it’s made a huge impact on my health. My family eats a ‘low gluten’ diet in part thanks to the fact that I’m in the house. It certainly makes things easier when you only have to whip up one batch of pancakes instead of two.
Over the month of May GIANT Food Stores have been offering a variety of classes as part of Celiac Disease Awareness Month and to help educate customers about gluten-free diets. These classes help shoppers familiarize themselves with the store’s offerings, learn gluten-free recipes, and more. Even if you can’t make it to your local store during those scheduled times you can set up a time with the store nutritionist (available at select locations) to help walk you through your options. Find you local GIANT store here.
Just 5 short years ago I had trouble finding gluten-free products, so seeing a store like GIANT step up to meet the needs of the growing number of gluten-free customers is so great!
10 Tips For Going Gluten-Free {From GIANT’s Nutritionists}
These 10 tips come directly from GIANT nutritionists. I admit I learned a thing or two!
Cheesesteak paninis on gluten-free bread with roasted potatoes and watermelon salad.
1. DIY Diet: There are plenty of naturally gluten-free foods that provide the nutrients you need to stay healthy. Build a gluten-free diet around fresh foods such as fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, seeds and beans and cook from scratch as much as possible.
2. Find Fiber: Most gluten-free breads and cereal are low in fiber. Choose naturally gluten-free fiber-filled grains like brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, amaranth, teff and sorghum.
3. Wrap It Up: Instead of bread or wraps, use romaine or kale leaves. Add your favorite sandwich ingredients such as turkey, tomatoes, and avocado and roll up!
4. Keep ’em Separated: Cross-contamination is an issue when preparing gluten-free food. To keep gluten-free foods safe, purchase two sets of cooking utensils and dishware as well as a separate toaster or consider reusable toaster bags. Make sure everything in the kitchen is labeled clearly.
5. Read Labels: Gluten can be lurking in unsuspecting items. Read labels when it comes to broths, seasoning mixes, sauces and marinades. When shopping at GIANT, look for the blue and green gluten-free logo on products and shelf tags throughout the store.
6. Say ‘No’ To Sugar: Gluten-free items can be loaded with added sugar. Stick to single digits of sugar per serving, 8 grams or less is ideal.
7. Recipe Please: Enjoy pizza night by making a cauliflower crust and loading up with your favorite toppings. GIANT offers an easy to make recipe found here and with many other gluten-free recipes in the Recipe Center.
8. Thicken Without Wheat: Wheat flour is often used to thicken sauces and gravies, so try potato starch, cornstarch, arrowroot starch or tapioca starch/flour for a gluten-free alternative.
9. Add Flavor: Gluten-free baking can taste unfamiliar, so add spices for a flavorful boost. Double the amount of vanilla or try extra cinnamon or nutmeg to deepen flavor.
10. Check Your Temps: When baking gluten-free treats, lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees, as they tend to brown more easily.
Gluten-Free Resources From GIANT Food Stores
GIANT Food Stores are a great resource whether you’re shopping for budget-friendly food, looking for advice on how to get healthier, or trying to find great store brand products. Now they’re also tops on my list for resources for going gluten-free. When friends and family ask me for info I can point them directly to this list of resources.
Gluten-Free Signs
GIANT recently added a helpful way to find products for those with gluten allergies and Celiac Disease. This cute little sign (pictured above) that will appear on shelves next to gluten-free items.
GIANT Twitter Chat
GIANT will also be hosting an informative twitter chat this week with a store nutritionist to help answer your questions on May 29th from 11am-noon ET. Details and RSVP here.
Whether you’re getting started with a gluten-free diet or want to know how you can serve up a gluten-free feast for friends or family you can find a great resource from GIANT with a list of ingredients to avoid, resources, and more.
Gluten-free Shopping List
Part of the pamphlet you can print, this gluten-free shopping list is extremely helpful even for seasoned gluten-free pros like me.
Kelly
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by GIANT Food Stores.
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