Gluten free diet - is it the new fad diet?

I imagine that by now you have either heard someone say, or you have read something about people who go on a gluten free diet to lose weight. I get where people are coming from: going on a gluten free diet means you have to eliminate things like bread, pasta, cake etc which are high in carbs (carbohydrates).

However, what may not be so obvious is that wheat flour is only one of many types of flour. These days there are numerous types of flour readily available including besan (or chickpea) flour, rice flour, buckwheat flour (which despite its confusing name is gluten free), tapioca flour and potato flour.

This means that there are a number of breads and cakes around that are gluten free and are made from almond meal or one of these other types of flours.

Meaning... I have to shatter the theory that a gluten free diet is not necessarily healthier. The truth is that lots of gluten free products (e.g. bread, pasta and cake) are higher GI (Glycemic Index) and higher in fat and sugar than the glutinous versions. Which of course means that the chances are you may put on even MORE weight going on a gluten free diet!

I know I did, although that may have been something to do with the fact that after being diagnosed, every time I saw something labelled "gluten free" I decided that I must try it. Fortunately (but unfortunately in this case) there are plenty of gluten free options around these days.

Summary

If you are diagnosed with coeliac disease, then you must adhere to a gluten free diet.

If you are gluten intolerant then restrict your intake of gluten.

If you just want to eat a healthy diet then don't cut out gluten altogether but go 'back to basics.' - eat lots of fruit and vegetables and get into the kitchen and make your own sauces etc. It'll often be cheaper, almost always be healthier, and who knows, you may actually have fun (making a mess is always fun!).

Also, if you take my advice I would love to hear about your successes and even disasters in the kitchen. please visit my blog at www.glutenfreezones.com.

Article written by:
Petra Aitken
Gluten Free Zones
www.glutenfreezones.com 

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