Going Gluten Free

Some people think of gluten free as a fad. I say it is and it isn't. If you are wanting to go gluten free for the wrong reasons, it really won't work, especially long term. If you are going gluten free because you have found it will help your quality of life, and you are determined  to make it part of your lifestyle, then it is more likely to work.

I learned a lot about how difficult it can be by observing how the last place I worked at went about the process of feeding the kids on gluten free diets. They felt it was important to buy all the expensive processed gluten free food. Then they were upset that they spent so much money and the kids threw it away. Of course they did, it tastes horrible and has weird textures.

My personal spin on it is to not try to replace what I was familiar with with imitations. I look at it as a way to explore other cultures and try new fresh foods. I have not found a replacement for fresh hot bread. Face it and accept it that there just really is not a comparable replacement and move on. Find new things, new ways of eating and explore. 

It really does help when the whole family gets on board. If that is not possible, it is important to compromise. If it really makes a difference to them that you occasionally make their favorite cookie or bread or other gluten containing treat, then do it. In my home I have found that food is extremely emotionally charged. It almost counts as a way to show love, a love language. I have also found that over time, new tastes and foods can gradually become acceptable. 

You know, if there ever was a time to go gluten free, now is it. If you want to go with the gluten-free substitutes, they are everywhere. Foods are labeled, there are tons of resources for ideas. It doesn't have to be hard, boring or taste bad. Just be open to new things and be patient with yourself, because there is a definite learning curve.

If you are doing this for health reasons, just jump in and be patient with those who aren't ready to jump. Try new foods, flavors. Keep it fresh. There is an amazing world of food out there that we have no idea it even exists. Focus on what you can have and not what you can't. After all, you can have it, but there is a cost. Is it worth the price?