Five years ago, Hazel Brown felt overwhelmed when she changed to a gluten-free diet. She notes, “I had no idea where to start.” Hazel has perfected the art of gluten-free living now and offers her best advice to assist novices adjust more easily.
1. Start Simple
“Don’t complicate things too much,” Hazel counsels. Starting with naturally gluten-free foods like fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and grains, she advises “You don’t immediately need elegant gluten-free equivalents. First, give whole foods top priority.
2. Examine Labels Closely
One of the toughest issues is manufactured food concealed gluten. “Always peruse the ingredient list,” Hazel says. Products such soy sauce, salad dressings, and even soups allow gluten to slip in under disguise. Hazel suggests simplifying shopping by downloading a gluten-free barcode scanner app.
3. Look at substitutes free of gluten.
Hazel advises trying gluten-free flours and grains once you feel comfortable with the basics. She explains, “Quinoa, buckwheat, and almond flour are life savers.” “They are nutrient-dense and rather flexible.”
4. Design Your Meals
Eliminating gluten depends mostly on meal planning. Hazel notes, “You’re less likely to grab something convenient that might not be safe when you have a plan.” For hectic days, she enjoys making homemade granola bars or trail mix free from gluten.
5. Participate in a Community Service Project
Hazel notes, “Having support makes all the difference.” To trade ideas and recipes, she advises visiting neighborhood organizations or gluten-free forums. Knowing you are not alone is consoling.
Hazel ends, “Living gluten-free may feel intimidating at first, but it gets easier with time. Just step one at a time.
