| Whether you're going gluten free because of | | | | 4. Don't bake from scratch. At least not at first. |
| celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or you just want | | | | This may sound strange, but I think it's important. |
| the benefits of a gluten free diet, it can seem like | | | | When starting out I highly recommend buying |
| a daunting task at first. With some planning and | | | | pre-made baked products or boxed mixes. Gluten |
| knowledge it does not have to be difficult. The | | | | free baking is very different than baking with |
| following tips can help. | | | | wheat flour. Recipes often need many ingredients |
| 1. Eat familiar foods. There are gluten free | | | | (sometimes hard to find) and often need a good |
| versions of virtually everything these days. There | | | | bit of experimentation before you get a taste and |
| is gluten free bread, pasta, pizza crust, crackers, | | | | texture that is acceptable to you. It can be |
| cookies, and just about anything else you can | | | | frustrating, and is best left for later in my opinion. |
| think of. Eat gluten free versions of what you | | | | 5. Don't be shy. By this I mean don't be afraid to |
| already eat to make it easier on yourself. | | | | ask for what you need. If you are eating out |
| 2. Read labels carefully. There are many web sites | | | | don't be afraid of asking for certain measures to |
| that have lists of all gluten ingredients to be | | | | be taken to prevent cross-contamination. You are |
| avoided. Familiarize yourself with them and READ | | | | perfectly justified in asking for a clean work |
| labels. This is very important. Gluten can be lurking | | | | surface, clean utensils, and for the person |
| in places you would least expect. | | | | preparing your food to change their gloves if |
| 3. Join a forum. I can't stress this enough. There | | | | necessary. Don't be afraid to ask others not to |
| are several gluten free forums online. These are | | | | bring gluten containing items into your home. If |
| great places to ask questions, get support, and | | | | you are invited to someone else's home, bring |
| save time. If you're looking into a specific | | | | something you can eat. |
| restaurant or product, someone on the forum | | | | I hope these tips for going gluten free have been |
| may already have contacted the company and | | | | helpful. Although it's a huge lifestyle change, the |
| can pass along the information to you. (Just make | | | | rewards can be many, and with some planning |
| sure you're getting recent information. Ingredients | | | | and knowledge it's not nearly as difficult as it may |
| and menus can change.) | | | | seem. |