All Organic Bistro Whole Life Meals are gluten-free

What is gluten? 

Gluten is a protein found in many grains.  Wheat, barley, oats, rye, pumpernickel, spelt, kamut and other grains contain this protein.  Breads, pasta, crackers and many snack foods commonly contain these grains.  In addition, many other foods have ingredients made from gluten-containing grains - foods like soup, salad dressings, candy and soy sauce.  Gluten can also be found in some medications.  

Grains that do not have gluten include quinoa, rice, amaranth, corn, teff, sorghum and tapioca.  We use these grains in Organic Bistro meals.

Who needs to avoid eating gluten-containing foods?
People who have an inherited immune system disorder called celiac disease must avoid gluten-containing foods for life. The University of Maryland's Center for Celiac Research estimates that 1 in 133 Americans have celiac disease.  People who have a demonstrated allergy to gluten must avoid these foods, as well. The National Institutes of Health data tells us that 30 million Americans suffer from some kind of food intolerance.

What can I eat if I need to avoid gluten? 

The good news is – plenty!  All fruits, vegetables, nuts, oils, unprocessed meats and fish and many grains are healthy options for people who need to avoid gluten.  Grains that are gluten-free include rice, millet, buckwheat, quinoa, amaranth and corn.  Eating gluten-free is an opportunity to choose more of the healthy foods that everyone should eat to reduce their risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.  Plentiful vegetables, 2-3 fruits daily, gluten-free whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats are the best way to eat for us all.  When you’re going gluten-free, it can be a true path to wellness.

• Gluten-Free Living

Eating Smart and Gluten-Free

And there are many good reasons to be on a gluten-free diet.  Celiac disease.  Autism.  Food allergies.  People who have been diagnosed with celiac disease avoid gluten not only to stop the symptoms of celiac disease, but to prevent other related diseases (thyroid disease, some types of cancer).  Many parents whose children have autism have found that a gluten-free and casein-free diet is helpful.  People with food allergies, especially to grains, find that avoiding gluten-containing grains is helpful in alleviating their symptoms. 

The variety of delicious and healthful foods that are gluten-free is exciting

All vegetables and fruits – in their natural forms.  All nuts, seeds and oils.  All fish. All animal proteins – in an unprocessed state.  Many grains like quinoa, rice, buckwheat, amaranth, corn and millet are gluten-free. The wide variety of foods inspires the chef and eater alike.  A few tips: 

1.    Learn to read labels. 

If you need a little advice, try making an appointment with a registered dietitian or reading the book “Eating Between the Lines” by Kim Lord Stewart - www.eatingbetweenthelines.net

3.    Find direction on what to eat.

Learn by becoming familiar with one of the smart science-based food pyramids:

5.    Shop differently.

Look in your area for a gluten-free bakery, gluten-free section in a natural foods store or gluten-free products in your favorite grocery - just ask customer service.

6.    Communicate your needs when eating out.

Make friends with the waitstaff and communicate about your health when asking about the menu and ordering.

Generally safe options: steamed vegetables, grilled fish and meats, rice noodles, pureed vegetables.  When in doubt, ask nicely – you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how helpful many restaurants are with food intolerant guests.

7.    Set some goals. 

• Try a new vegetable every week – learn new recipes from Deborah Madison’s cookbooks “Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone” and “Local Flavors: Cooking from America’s Farmer’s Markets.”
• Buy some prepared gluten-free pizza dough and amaze your friends with your creativity.  Practice makes perfect with anything new.
• Start a gluten-free dinner club with members from the local support group.

Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. You should not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication or other treatment.