In dieting, we all know that there are many diets and so many different plans. Choosing one may be overwhelming. When new concepts appear on the weight loss market, there are always people willing to give the new plan a try hoping it will be “the plan” that finally works. There are several new diets and diet books out there that call for an end to gluten filled foods. They state that gluten can hamper weight loss and cause a broad variety of health problems. Let’s investigate this claim.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein that is found within grains. Oats, wheat, barley and rye all have gluten in them. When you think about it, tons of our carb rich foods are filled full of glutens. Gluten can cause many people problems if they are allergic to gluten. Allergic reactions can include an upset stomach and even some neurological issues.
How Does Cutting Gluten Out Help?
Gluten can raise blood sugar levels. When your blood sugar is high your body may convert that sugar into make more fat and this will in turn make you gain weight. By cutting out gluten, your blood sugar numbers can remain more normal and not elevated. Thus, avoiding gluten could be a good thing.
Some people think that because of having to cut out carbs you cannot have any natural carbs. Grains are just one group of carbs. You will need to make sure that you still eat fruits and vegetables but make sure that you don’t over do it.
You want to avoid carbs from breads, crackers, baked snacks, etc to maintain your gluten free diet. You can also look into some of the many gluten-free options on the market today.
Benefits Other than Weight Loss
Going gluten free also has benefits other than weight loss. Many scientists and doctors believe that gluten is bad for the body and can cause a toxic reaction and causes inflammation in some people. By going gluten free they say that the body can detox and be at a much healthier state that it was before. In some studies children with certain sensory issues have benefitted from going gluten free. In other studies adults that have had neurological problems have seen a reduction in symptoms by going gluten free.
Getting Rid of Gluten Foods
Gluten can be found in a lot of things you may not think off and just not in your typical breads. Crackers, flour, processed meats, candy, gravy, soups, cookies, pasta, cakes, salad dressings, and pies can all be laden with gluten. Make sure that you always read the ingredient list before you purchase to make sure that you are steering clear of gluten. If you see a gluten food listed no matter what the product is you will want to steer clear of it.
Here are some ingredients to avoid:
Barley Grass (can contain seeds)
Barley Malt
Beer (most contain barley or wheat)
Bleached Flour
Bran
Bread Flour
Brewer’s Yeast
Brown Flour
Bulgur (Bulgar Wheat/Nuts)
Bulgur Wheat
Cereal Binding
Common Wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Cookie Crumbs
Cookie Dough
Cookie Dough Pieces
Couscous
Criped Rice
Edible Coatings
Edible Films
Edible Starch
Enriched Bleached Flour
Enriched Bleached Wheat Flour
Enriched Flour
Farina
Farro
Filler
Flour (normally this is wheat)
Germ
Graham Flour
Granary Flour
Groats (barley, wheat)
Hard Wheat
Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch
Kamut (Pasta wheat)
Kecap Manis (Soy Sauce)
Malt
Malted Barley Flour
Malted Milk
Malt Extract
Malt Syrup
Malt Flavoring
Malt Vinegar
Matza
Matzah
Matzo
Meringue
Orzo Pasta
Pasta
Pearl Barley
Rice Malt
Rye
Seitan
Semolina
Spelt
Sprouted Wheat or Barley
Tabbouleh
Tabouli
Teriyaki Sauce
Udon (wheat noodles)
Unbleached Flour
Wheat Bran Extract
Wheat, Bulgur
Wheat Germ
Wheat Nuts
Wheat Protein
Whole-Meal Flour
List Source: Cellac.com
Many companies are now specifically making foods that are gluten free and labeling them. You can find these foods in a health food store and many grocery stores will now have these foods in stock Be sure to look in the health food section in your store as well as the regular isles. Another option is to research companies online to find gluten free products. Some grocery stores may provide a helpful list online of what they sell as well as coupons to help you save money when going gluten free. Gluten free products are very popular with moms and stores want to capture that market.
Cutting the gluten out of your diet can help you have a successful weight loss. Your sugar levels will not be increased by the carbs. You also will avoid any allergic reactions and inflammation that you may not be aware of. If you can find helpful recipes online that can show you what to eat and what to replace in meals to make sure that you stay full and aren’t hungry. Remember that when you first switch to a gluten free diet you may feel bad while the body detoxes but after awhile your body will become used to not having that grain foods.
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