Gluten

As you are walking down the aisles of a health food store in an attempt to be healthy, you may be wondering to yourself why everything is labeled "gluten-free."  What the heck is gluten, and why should we want gluten-free products?

Gluten is the name for proteins found in specific grains and all forms of wheat.  A few favorites, such as pasta, bread, cookies, and cereal, all contain gluten.  Unfortunately, these favorites that contain gluten can cause severe reactions to an estimated 3 million Americans who have been diagnosed with celiac disease.  Many other Americans who do not have celiac disease are still sensitive to gluten and experience painful symptoms after consuming gluten-containing products.  Hence the need for gluten-free foods. 

Avoiding gluten-containing foods is a safe method for avoiding the reactions that come with celiac disease.  But if you don't have celiac disease and you aren't sensitive to gluten, another motive for avoiding gluten-containing foods is that you might just drop a few pounds if you drop the gluten from your diet. 

Foods Naturally Free of Gluten:

- Eggs

- Milk

- Cheese

- Many Yogurts (check the label just in case!)

- Most nuts (unless they are coated)

- Fresh, frozen, dried, or canned fruits and vegetables

If you don't have access to a health food store or you don't want to pay the expensive price of shopping at a health food store, buy these naturally gluten-free foods to drop a few pounds or simply to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  :)