Eating the wrong food could land you in the hospital and that’s not what you want, so it’s important that you eat the right kinds of gluten-free foods and eat gluten-free for the right reasons.   It doesn’t matter if the reason you’re eating gluten-free has to do with an allergy or if it has to do with health reasons, things will be much easier to handle when you can avoid these common mistakes. You’ll find when you eat the right foods you won’t have nearly the troubles and you won’t have to worry about purchasing the right foods.

IT’S MORE THAN WHEAT: One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to eating a gluten-free diet has to do with what you eat. A lot of people feel gluten is simply wheat and that’s not the case. Many people feel if they just eliminate bread, they can eat almost anything and still be healthy and happy. Wheat is not the only ingredient that has gluten and when you don’t know this you may find yourself still sick despite your efforts to eat gluten-free.    Our next post will deal with What Is Gluten In?

WEIGHT LOSS: Another mistake that’s made is when people think they’ll lose weight on a gluten-free diet. The reason weight loss is not always easy is that prepackaged gluten-free items are popping up all over now. You will still have to be careful of calories if you are wanting to lose weight.  It’s not to say you can’t lose the weight eating gluten-free, but if you substitute packaged gluten-free cookies, crackers, cakes, pies and the like, you will be taking in as many calories as before.   So don’t begin a gluten-free diet just to lose weight.

EATING OUT: Fast food restaurants are another mistake people make when it comes to gluten-free eating. It is really hard to find gluten-free items at fast food places.  So if you are really hungry and drive through or go to one, you run the risk of  saying to yourself  “just this one time” which can easily weaken your resolve to eat gluten-free.   Then the guilt game kicks in.   Just don’t do that to yourself, plan ahead.

JUNK FOOD:  One last common gluten-free eating mistake has to do with junk food. There are a lot of candies and goodies now that are gluten-free you could have to overcome your sweet tooth.   While it is good that you’ve found a food you can have, remember to have everything in moderation.  Sugar isn’t good for our bodies either and we don’t want to pack on pounds by eating gluten-free.

Not knowing what is in your food can cause you to feel bloated, nauseated, have other GI problems or to put on weight. When you eat what you know you can eat and you avoid the foods that could potentially cause you harm you’ll feel good about yourself.

Now is the time to be positive as you are making new lifestyle changes. Read labels and ask questions if you are unsure, feel good that you know you can help yourself!  The changes you are making will lead to a better life for you and your family.

What we will look at in our next post is What is Gluten In? So stay tuned!