You are hearing it everywhere, gluten free this, gluten free that! You may not even really know what it means, but you want to learn more. For many, this is a way of life as so much of the population has been diagnosed with Celiac disease. This very common condition means the body is unable to breakdown the protein gluten and these individuals must avoid gluten for the rest of their life. Now this is not a curse, this is actually a wonderful way to live as gluten free eating and living can be fun and innovative.
It’s important to understand that this is not a trend or the latest fad diet, it is a serious way of living and some have no choice. However, if you are making the choice to eat this way for health or digestive reasons, I must warn you, there are a lot of claims for gluten free products that may not have even contained gluten to begin with. Then there are gluten free products that are made with processed or poor ingredients like: canola oil, sugar, potato starch, corn starch and other overly processed non-health promoting additives. This is a common mistake that people make when “going gluten free”. They think that anything labelled as gluten free is healthy and safe to eat. There can also be traces of milk, butter or eggs in some of these items which is used to replace to gluten to give them their softness and texture, so if you are vegan, you want to be sure to double check your ingredients list.
Now where I come from and my standpoint on gluten free eating, is of course to keep it as natural and wholesome as you can. You can even make soft moist muffins without dairy! (See the delicious recipe below). Now, I do not have Celiac disease, nor am I intolerant to gluten, but I do choose to eat a gluten free diet most of the time. Eating gluten free means that you are ultimately making it really easy for your body to digest (less bloating) and break down that particular grain. What’s even better, is that most gluten free grains like quinoa, millet, amaranth, and brown rice happen to be really good for you nutritionally as they are loaded with protein, fibre and essential vitamins.
So be mindful and explore the world of gluten free with these tips in mind. Keep it natural, keep it clean and your belly will not only feel less bloated but you will also get the chance to explore some wonderful new ingredients!
To find out more on gluten free grains and Celiac disease please read this article.
The good news!
There are lots of incredible foods to choose from that are natural and gluten free including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Then of course, you can add some amazing gluten free grains while keeping your meals totally pure and natural. You can get breads, pastas, crackers, cookies and other favourites made from real ingredients that are tasty and wholesome – many of which are vegan and sometimes even nut free. Just be sure to practice label-reading so you can become an amazing gluten-free shopper.
Below is my guide to living an exceptionally delicious gluten free lifestyle whether it’s all of the time or sometimes!
Gluten Free Find – a great resource for all things gluten free, from products, to upcoming events, workshops and so much more!
Some of my Favourite GF Products
Little Steam Bakery Bread or Organics Works
Come and see some of the companies below at Marni’s Mini Market and shop for all your gluten free needs!
Coconut 4 Ways Brownies
INGREDIENTS
½ cup dark cacao powder (Cocoa Camino or you can use Giddy Yoyo)
½ cup vegan semi sweet chocolate chips (Enjoy Life)
1 cup light coconut milk
½ cup coconut nectar or maple syrup
2 Tbsp coconut sugar or 10 drops of stevia
3 Tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla bean powder
3 Tbsp flax meal or ground chia
¾ cup + 2 Tbsp coconut flour
3 Tbsp arrowroot powder
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp baking powder
⅛ tsp pinch of salt
¼ cup cacao nibs
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 365 degrees F.
Heat coconut milk to just about a boil. Pour into to a bowl. Add the flax meal, dark chocolate and let sit for minute. Then mix well to melt to a smooth consistency.
Add the coconut nectar, coconut sugar, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and mix well. Let sit for 5 minutes.
In another bowl, add coconut flour, arrowroot baking powder and soda and salt. Whisk well.
Add dry to the wet and mix to combine. Fold in the cacao nibs.
Transfer batter/dough to greased or parchment lined pan. Pat down to flatten.
Bake at 365 degrees F for 24 to 25 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Brownies are best served warm right after baking. Store on the counter for the day and refrigerator for a few days.
