Going Gluten-Free

Australians are becoming more mindful of the implications of eating gluten and the effects it has on the body.

More than an ‘on trend’ diet, wheat allergies and gluten sensitivities have serious medical implications for people with coeliac disease.

The rise of the gluten-free diet has led to a surge in awareness with many food manufactures producing gluten-free alternatives, and many restaurants offering gluten-free menu selections.

We know many of our coeliac or gluten-free customers love Slendier because it provides a delicious substitute for a hearty meal without them feeling like they are missing out.

So, what is Gluten? Where it’s found? Why it is a problem?

Gluten is found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. It’s made up of a family of proteins that gives that spongy texture to bread and elasticity to dough.

When someone is diagnosed as a coeliac or has a gluten sensitivity, the body attacks gluten as it identifies it as a foreign substance. During this attack, the healthy cells lining the walls of the body sustain damage which prevents the body from absorbing nutrients effectively.

This reaction within the body can lead to serious side effects comprising of Itchy rash, nausea, abdominal pain, swollen tongue or lips, difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis.

So, what’s involved in a gluten free diet?

Simply put, to go gluten-free you remove foods that contain the protein with gluten-free alternatives. However, this is easier said than done with many food products such as processed cheese and protein bars containing hidden gluten or could have been cross-contaminated.

Once going gluten-free, you should aim to eat a healthy balanced diet of lean protein, healthy fats, fresh fruits and vegetables. You’ll need to be more aware of your grain selections. Items such as Slendier konjac products and bean pastas, corn, rice, quinoa are good choices.

Remember, a gluten-free cupcake is still a cupcake. Therefore, when eating gluten-free packaged foods, be mindful as majority of food products only remove the gluten aspect. It may still be deemed as an unhealthy food choice and be loaded with sugar and carbs.

When in doubt, read the ingredients label on packaging before committing.

You can still enjoy your favourite recipes with packaged foods, try gluten-free products including Slendier as a great healthy alternative.