How To Go Gluten-Free

Gluten-free diets have gained lots of traction over the last few years and it’s not for no reason. While only a small number of Americans actually suffer from Celiac disease, where gluten makes them sick, thousands of people are ditching the bread for a variety of other reasons. So, whether you’re one of the few who suffers from the disease, or choose to go gluten-free voluntarily here’s how you can start your new diet:

The #1 Mistake
Let’s start out with the number one mistake people make. If you don’t actively plan out your diet you can easily find yourself going back to “gluten-free” packaged foods instead of the stuff that’s actually healthier for you. Gluten-free brownies and gluten-free pizza are often made with refined grains and are heavy in sugar. The result? You may find yourself gaining weight.

Coming Up With a Plan
Contrary to popular belief, gluten-free diets are very similar to most “healthy” diets. You don’t necessarily need to seek out the most expensive or the fanciest foods in the grocery store – in fact, vegetables, fruits, beans, fish and lean meats will do the trick! Create a shopping list at the beginning of each week and stick to the list when you actually walk through the aisles.

Don’t plan on cutting out all grains, especially if you really enjoy them. Rice, millet and quinoa are a few examples of grains you can eat that meet the gluten-free diet requirements. Keep this in mind as you head out to your favorite restaurants, because chances are they’ll have gluten-free options whether they advertise it or not.

Planning on coming out to Chip’s Family Restaurant? You can rest assured knowing that we offer gluten-free options for a variety of our menu items. Have a question about a particular food? Feel free to ask our friendly staff! After all, your health and well-being is a top priority.