Gluten-free diets are currently one of the most popular trends in the dieting industry. You’ve probably heard about it, but what is gluten and what exactly does this diet entail?                                        

While it may sound limiting, the good news is that whether you’re going gluten-free out of medical necessity or simply looking to cut back on the amount of gluten you consume, there are plenty of delicious gluten-free recipe options out there for you – many of which contain whole grains.

There is a large amount of whole grains available that are naturally gluten-free, including buckwheat, quinoa, rice and oats. Gluten is a protein found naturally in grains like wheat, barley and rye. It causes illness in people with Celiac disease and can also impact those with gluten sensitivities or wheat allergies. By eating gluten-free food, you’ll be removing those grains from your diet.                       

Our Roasted Roots Power Bowl uses quinoa and makes a great gluten-free lunch or dinner. However, it’s important to note that some grains, like oats, are often processed in facilities that also process wheat. Therefore, in some cases, especially for those with Celiac disease, it’s important to look for certified gluten-free oats to avoid becoming ill due to cross-contamination. 

If you’re looking to replace traditional wheat-based products in your diet with gluten-free options you have several choices. For example, wheat pasta noodles can be replaced with highly popular zoodles or other spiralized veggie noodles (there are also several brands of gluten-free pasta available).                        

Using zoodles is an easy (and fun) way to incorporate some extra vegetables to your diet! Try this delicious Creamy Pesto Zoodles!

In baked goods, wheat flour can often easily be replaced with gluten-free options like almond flour, oat flour and coconut flour. You can use choices like almond meal or other finely chopped nuts to replace breadcrumbs. Riced cauliflower is a wildly popular option for making gluten-free pizza crust and dairy products are naturally gluten-free as well. For a delicious gluten-free recipe, try these Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks.