Gluten Free Foods - Going Against the Grain
 Whether you have been diagnosed with celiac disease and have to eat a gluten intolerance diet or you are suffering from gluten intolerance and choose to be gluten-free for comfort's sake, there are a variety of healthy, gluten free foods available to you. Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, rye, and barley. Many of the foods we eat on a daily basis contain gluten, which can cause painful symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, gas, vomiting, and more for people with gluten intolerance. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes similar symptoms as gluten intolerance, but it is more severe and is considered to be a rare condition. In contrast, millions of people in the United States suffer from some form of gluten intolerance.
Initially, learning how to choose gluten free foods can be a challenge, especially for children. However, there is an abundance of foods that are naturally gluten free. Foods that are often found on a gluten free food list and are part of a balanced, nutritious diet include:
- Dairy - Milk (whole, low fat, skim, dry, and evaporated), cream, whipping cream, Velveeta cheese products, American cheese, aged cheeses (cheddar, Swiss, Edam, parmesan).
- Protein - 100% meat (with no grain fillers or additives), seafood, poultry, pork, peanut butter, eggs, dried beans and peas. Acceptable breading on meats may be made from pure cornmeal, potato flour, or rice flour.
- Certain Grains and Breads - Cream of rice, rice wafers, wild rice, cornmeal, pure corn tortillas, hominy, gluten-free noodles, and specialty breads made from corn, rice, buckwheat, millet, amaranth, potato, soy beans, tapioca, arrowroot, and carob.
- Fruits and Vegetables - Most fresh, frozen, canned, or dry fruits and veggies, all fruit juices, white and sweet potatoes, yams.
- Sweets - Brown and white sugar, rennet, fruit whips, gelatin, jelly and jam, honey, molasses, pure cocoa, fruit ice, carob.
- Fats - Butter, margarine, vegetable oil, shortening, lard.
While this isn't a comprehensive list of gluten free foods, it is a good starting point when you are trying to create a healthy diet to suit your daily needs. Whether you are under doctor's orders or are choosing to be gluten-free, it is important to speak with a licensed dietitian. He or she may be able to help you create a diet to suit your individual needs and lifestyle, as well as provide you will a more comprehensive gluten free foods and list and recipes to help you along the way.
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