Many restaurants offer gluten-free options and grocery stores now have gluten-free products. Many patients we've helped here at Integrative Medica with severe illnesses such as IBS have improved after eliminating gluten from their diet. If you're gluten-intolerant, the presence of these options makes you happy knowing you have choices. Here are five gluten-free options you love:
- Rice: A popular source of carbohydrates and nutrients for gluten intolerant individuals, rice is a great choice that can be used in many meals. You can pair rice with any protein such as fish and chicken. You can also make a tasty vegetable stir fry with gluten-free soy sauce. You don't have to limit yourself to regular long grain white rice. You can also try out different forms of brown rice and basmati rice.
- Corn: This popular gluten-free option is used in many dishes. Are you craving Mexican food? Corn tortillas are the way to go. When you're at a Mexican restaurant, always order your tacos with corn tortillas. Corn can be used in a variety of dishes from salads or even as a fun snack in the form of popcorn. Plain, fresh corn is always gluten-free but sometimes corn in its different forms may be prepared in recipes with gluten. When you're eating out at a restaurant or considering buying pre-packaged food with corn as the main ingredient, do your research and check if there has been cross-contamination.
- Beans: Beans such as black beans are packed with nutrition and can be used in many different recipes such as salads and soups. If you don't like seafood but want a lot of the nutrients found in seafood, black beans are a great choice for you. It's a good source of protein with little fat and is also high in magnesium and folic acid. Kidney beans are another bean option that provides needed nutrients that can be used in dips and stews. You can find kidney beans that are canned and pre-cooked. Kidney beans are also available in dried varieties.
- Soy: Did you know that pure soybeans do not have gluten? You can experience the benefits of soy in different forms from tofu to soy milk. Let's focus on tofu for a bit. Tofu is a popular, long-standing member of many Asian cuisines. With over 10 grams of protein per half-cup serving, tofu also will help you receive a healthy serving of iron and calcium.
- Potato: Potatoes can be served in a variety of ways from french fries to baked potatoes to mashed potatoes. When you're traveling, be aware of the fact that not all potato dishes are gluten-free when you go out to eat at restaurants. When eating at a restaurant, ask to talk to a chef or manager to learn how potatoes are prepared since some recipes call for potatoes to be coated in butter and flour for extra crispiness.
Which ingredients are you going to try this week? Let us know in the comments!
Integrative Medica specializes in complementary and alternative medicine. Patients that come into Integrative Medica can feel comfortable that they are receiving the most effective alternative medicine treatments available. Contact us for your next appointment!