Yesterday was National Celiac Awareness Day. Celiac Disease is one of the most common chronic illnesses in the western world, so it is no wonder that gluten-free diets are making a huge splash in the media lately. But with so much information, where do you begin your research? Since so many people are affected by Celiac Disease, we decided to extend the day of recognition, by putting together a guide of some of our favorite resources, including restaurants, books, products and more to help de-mystify the gluten-free diet.

Restaurants

One Lucky Duck – New York City – The take-away spot from the renowned vegan restaurant Pure Food & Wine, best known for their smoothies, juices and raw desserts.

BabyCakes – New York City; Los Angeles, CA; Orlando, FL – Fresh-baked cupcakes without all the sugar, flour and butter cream, making for a gluten-free, guilt-free indulgence!

The Art Café & Bakery – Atascadero, CA – Home to Oprah’s favorite sandwich, the café strives to suit all needs with a gluten-free line of breads and baked goods.

Donna Marie’s – Rochester, NY – With the motto, “It’s gluten-free, not taste-free,” this bakery offers muffins, brownies and custom cakes all made without wheat flour.

Have you noticed how more people are adopting the gluten-free diet lately?

For a long time there wasn’t a clear test to diagnose this food allergy, but now doctors can do blood work to see if people have an autoimmune disorder to this protein found in wheat flour. The symptoms show up as skin rashes, runny noses or even anaphylactic shock.

As more people are being diagnosed with this food allergy restaurants and diet books are following this trend. It may seem impossible to find foods without this protein, but they are out there. While you still should check food labels for any possibility of cross-contamination: buckwheat, rice and  chickpeas are a great alternative. Oats are also good, but some are made in the same factory as other products with gluten, so be sure to check the labels.

You may not have a gluten intolerance, but many people feel better by eliminating or decreasing the amount of bread or pasta they eat. Try it for a few days and see if you feel clearer or experience better digestion.

Here’s a great gluten-free recipe:

Buckwheat with Carrot and Arame

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients:

1/2 cup arame
1 cup raw buckwheat
1 2/3 cups water
1 large carrot, shredded

Directions:

1) Soak arame and rinse.
2) Dry-toast buckwheat until its nutty and golden brown.
3) Bring water to boil.
4) Slowly add buckwheat and bring back to a boil.
5) Reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes.
6) Remove pot from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
7) Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.

Gluten-free diets are gaining popularity with Americans as more people are realizing they have sensitivities to eating products with wheat, barley or rye. One study found that we spend more than $2 billion dollars a year on gluten-free products.  

Gluten, found in cereals, bread, cookies and cakes, is associated with many health problems like allergies, brain fog, candida and mineral deficiencies, and more minor symptoms like bloating, constipation or gas. Many people are allergic to wheat but don’t know it. If you think you might be sensitive or allergic to gluten, you can remove all wheat and gluten products from your diet for a few weeks and see how you feel. 

While it may seem difficult to avoid wheat, there are delicious grains like amaranth, brown rice, buckwheat, millet, quinoa, sorghum and teff that you can add to your meals. Many people find that when they remove these products from their diet, they start eating more fruits and vegetables. Instead of whole wheat bread for your sandwich, make a wrap using lettuce.

Even those who know they are not allergic to gluten say they feel healthier by sticking to a gluten-free diet. Try it out and let us know how you feel.