Finding Balance

3 Easy Tips To Maintain a Healthy Diet

- Emily Freedner

As you become more comfortable living a gluten-free lifestyle, you may begin to notice that some packaged gluten-free products actually seem downright unhealthy! Sometimes when people begin a gluten-free diet they find themselves gaining weight. This can be a good thing because the body is finally absorbing nutrients from food and thriving. On the f lip side, the additional pounds can be the unwanted result of overindulging in packaged gluten-free foods.

While following a gluten-free diet can be incredibly beneficial to one’s health for so many reasons, it’s important to remember a “gluten-free” label on a product does not necessarily mean that product is healthy. Removing gluten from foods often means manufacturers are using extra fat, sugar and starch to make up for the difference in f lavor and consistency in the absence of wheat. The result is usually a higher calorie count, more carbohydrates and higher levels of saturated fat when compared to similar gluten-containing products.

The good news is there are so many gluten-free products available today and some rise above the rest in terms of quality and healthy ingredients. By making smart choices in the store, you can satisfy your cravings while still maintaining a healthy diet!

1. FILL YOUR PLATE WITH WHOLE FOODS.

Whole foods are foods that are as close to their natural form as possible. All unprocessed vegetables, fruit, fish, meat, legumes and nuts are all considered whole foods and are naturally gluten-free. Unprocessed whole foods retain their fiber and all the nutrients that make them so healthy for us. These are the foods our bodies thrive on so the more you can incorporate them into your regular meal plan the better. Most of these healthy foods live on the perimeter of the grocery store so spend plenty of time in that area filling your cart with all the goodness you find there.

2. LIMIT PROCESSED FOODS.