You’ve probably been hearing or seeing the phrase “gluten free food” a lot. Some people need to ditch foods with gluten due to medical reasons and others choose to do it because they perceive it to be healthier.
Going on a gluten free diet is a fad that’s catching up with people and if you’re keen to try it out to see make sure you get the go ahead from a registered physician. This diet may have done wonders for a friend or family, but remember that different people have different types of body’s and there’s no one size that fits all when it comes to a diet plan.
If you’re sitting on the fence about switching to a gluten free diet, we have collected everything you need to know about going gluten free and even suggested some easy gluten free recipes for you to try out.
If you’ve noticed an adverse allergic reaction when you consume food that has gluten in it, then you need to visit your doctor and get tested. If the tests reveal an allergy then you need to go on a gluten free diet as soon as possible. Lucky for you, these easy gluten free recipes should make that switch easier for you.
Gluten is a protein composite that’s found in food like wheat, barley, rye and triticale. Going on a gluten free diet means avoiding food that has this protein in it. Here are some things you need to avoid if you’re going on a gluten- free diet:
The following food products are a huge No-No if you’re going on a gluten free diet
- Avoid baking products and cereal made from wheat, corn flour (wheaten), wheat bran, barley, porridge and oats.
- Breakfast cereals containing rye, wheat, oats or barley, rice or corn cereals containing malt extract from barley and some baking powders are also a complete no-no.
- You may love your pasta and noodles but you will have to avoid pasta, spaghetti, lasagne, gnocchi, and two-minute noodles.
- Most bread, cakes and biscuits are made from flour which has gluten in it. So it’s advisable that you avoid it
- When it comes to meat products, avoid any products that are prepared with breadcrumbs or batter. Steer clear of sausages and other processed meats as well.
- Beers contain gluten, but there is now a range of gluten-free boutique beers available.
Wondering what you might be able to actually eat if you eliminate all the grains that we have just mentioned? Breathe easy because we have a list of all the things you can eat without worrying about whether it’s gluten free or not.
Here’s what you can have happily, without any worries if you’re on a gluten free diet. You can include these in any easy gluten free recipes that you know, or in the ones that we’ve shared.
- Meat that’s not processed, like: bacon, ham, chicken. You can have meats that are frozen but no sauces.
- When you’re buying dairy products you can shop for, full-cream milk or low-fat milk, evaporated milk, condensed milk, fresh cream and processed or block cheese will also do just fine.
- Buy fruits and vegetables that are fresh or frozen, but make sure that they aren’t sauced. You can buy canned fruits and vegetables as well. But fresh vegetables are always the better choice.
- You can’t eat wheat and bread made from wheat but you can most definitely substitute it with cereal and baking products that are made from corn, soya, lentil, rice (all types), rice flour, rice bran, potato flour, millet, amaranth and breakfast cereals made from corn and rice.
- Switch to rice crackers or corn, rice crisp breads, corn taco shells and corn tortillas when buying cakes and biscuits.
- When it comes to pasta and noodles, switch to gluten free pasta, rice noodles, and rice or bean vermicelli.
Make sure you check the labels on food packets before you buy them to make sure that the food you’re consuming is gluten free indeed.
Always keep an eye out for cross-contamination. Cross-contamination happens when food that contains gluten comes into contact with gluten free food. This can happen during the manufacturing process of food. For example, if the same equipment is used while processing food with gluten and gluten free food at the same time.
Contamination can also happen at home when you use the same vessels to cook food. If the label on the back of a food packet fails to clearly state if its gluten free, then it’s best to avoid it, especially if you are allergic to gluten.
Going on a gluten free diet doesn’t mean the food you switch to has to be boring. There are many recipes that are not only lip smackingly delightful, but are also extremely healthy.
We have rounded up the 10 healthiest easy gluten free recipes that you can whip up in absolutely no time. And once you’re done making them, we’re pretty sure you’re going to be pleased with yourselves. So get ready to make some absolutely delicious easy gluten free recipes.
Toasted Cumin Flat Breads:
Ditch your bread and try baking some cumin flat bread. Not only is it a healthy alternative, it takes just 10 minutes to prepare. All you need is some gluten free self raising flour, cumin powder and curd. Make some dip on the side and enjoy a healthy and appetizing lunch.
Super Green Mackerel Salad
Love munching on salads for lunch? This super healthy salad is not only gluten free; it’s also a treat for your taste buds. You don’t need to go searching high and low to make this simple gluten free salad. Spinach leaves, green beans, broccoli mackerel and toasted sunflower seeds is what you need. A simple dressing made from lemon, yoghurt, mustard and dill adds great flavor to the salad.
Mackerel is rich in omega 3 and Omega- 6 fatty acids, selenium, potassium, phosphorous. It’ is also rich in anti-carcinogenic properties and is known to boost immunity.
Spicy Tuna and Cottage Cheese Jacket
Easy Gluten Free Recipes Spicy Tuna and Cottage Cheese Jacket
If you thought going on a gluten free diet meant switching to boring food, you thought wrong. Try some spicy tuna and cottage cheese jacket and add some lean protein to your diet with this easy gluten free recipe.
The filling is made from spicy tuna and cottage cheese and is nutritious and light. The potatoes are rich in carbohydrates and tuna is a rich source of selenium and vitamin B12. It’s also rich in omega 3 fatty acids. This easy gluten free recipe definitely ranks high in flavor and nutrition.
Quinoa Stew with Squash, Prunes and Pomegranate
Quinoa looks like grains but it’s actually a plant based protein. A lot of people have been adding quinoa to their diet because of its many health benefits. It’s rich in calcium, vitamins, riboflavin, and the list of health benefits can go on and on. This recipe is also rich in iron and protein. So if you’re looking for a gluten free recipe that’s absolutely delicious and healthy, then this one is a must try.
Parmesan Spinach Cheese Cake:
Chop some spinach and bake a cheese cake out if it. Yes you heard right, this easy gluten free recipe tastes so good that it’s fit to be served to the king.
Spinach is great for the skin and hair. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals and is known to control diabetes, improve bone health and reduce the risk of developing asthma. Chop the spinach, get some gluten free flour and cheese and bake away. You’ll have a sumptuous gluten free feast in front of you in no time, waiting to be eaten.
Grilled Tuna with Olive Relish
Not only is tuna rich in selenium, it’s packed with vitamins, nutrients, and is a very good source of protein. This recipe is a great way to enjoy tuna plus, the olive relish is not only healthy, it adds the right amount of flavor. Do we hear you ask for some more of this gluten free delight already?
South Western Tofu Scramble
Give scrambled eggs a miss and give this southwestern tofu scramble a try. Tofu is known to help lower cholesterol levels and is an excellent source of amino acids, iron, calcium and magnesium. Scramble it with some zucchini, corn, scallions and stir in some cheese to make this delicious and extremely healthy, easy gluten free recipe. Make some salsa and serve it with some corn tortillas on the side.
Pinto Beans Chilaquiles
This recipe is for all you Mexican food lovers. Now you don’t have to go hunting for a good Mexican restaurant, all you need is a skillet, some corn tortillas and eggs. Yes, it’s that easy! This easy gluten free recipe is not only a culinary delight; it’s a great way for you to enjoy some gluten free food without feeling like you’re depriving your body.
Chicken Salad
Get your intake of protein with this wholesome and nutritious gluten free recipe. The name of the recipe pretty much gives away what all you need to get cooking.
Stuffed Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene and vitamins and nutrients that play a key role in keeping you healthy. Also this healthy gluten free food takes absolutely no time to make. Don’t believe us? Pull out your timer and get started!
If you were sitting on the fence earlier about going on a gluten free diet because you were worried that it’s going to be cumbersome, we’re pretty sure by now you know that these easy gluten free recipes would put a huge smile on the most critical gourmands face.
Do go ahead and try these recipes and tell us how well they worked for you. If you’re already on a gluten free diet, share some of your favourite recipes with us, we’d be absolutely delighted to hear from you!
