The Gluten Free Diet - who needs it?

Following a gluten free diet is a necessity for those of us diagnosed with Coeliac Disease as their is no other treatment available. Surgery cannot help, nor can injections or medication.

In addition to Coeliac there are other conditions that can be relieved by sticking to the gluten free diet, including ADHD, autism, fibromyalgia, MS, IBS and dermatitis herpetiformis.

When you first hear about the diet it can seem overwhelming and you wonder how on earth you are going to cope without eating the foods you are used to, such as basics like bread, cakes, pasta and cookies.

Having followed the diet myself for over 47 years this site is my way of helping others who may be new to this way of eating. I am a positive person and tend to look on the gluten free diet as an adventure and a challenge rather than a life sentance. Hopefully, through these pages, I can help you to look at your situation in a new light and pass on encouragement and new ideas.

Foods containing gluten

This extensive list of foods containing gluten includes many everyday food products that are taboo for anyone following the gluten free diet. The page starts with the more obvious grains and baked goods but also lists foods that you might not think off straight away.

How to avoid gluten

Gluten is the protein found in wheat, rye and barley. These grains are used in many of today's processed foods and can be "hidden" under various aliases. How to avoid gluten will explain some of the ingredient names to watch out for!

Gluten free food list

With the forbidden foods out of the way, let's take a look at what we can eat on the diet. You may well be surprised at the vast choice available on the gluten free food list. Some ingredients may be new to you but don't panic I'll help you discover them and how you can include them in your day to day life. Due to eliminating some foods from your diet you must ensure the rules of proper nutrition are still followed.

Gluten free flours

The modern diet in the western world tends to use wheat flour almost to the exclusion of all others. In fact, before you heard about the gluten free diet you probably didn't realise there was any other kind, am I right?

There are many other grains, seeds, nuts etc. that can be ground into flours or meals to use in the kitchen. Gluten free flours will introduce you to some of these and the ways in which they can be used.

Gluten free cooking

Of course it is important to avoid contamination during your gluten free cooking sessions. Find out how to keep your kitchen safe when storing, preparing, cooking and serving gluten free meals.

Gluten free Christmas dinner

Just because you have dietary restrictions it doesn't mean you can't enjoy celebrations like everyone else. This plan for cooking a safe gluten free Christmas dinner will let you join in the feast.

Gluten free baby food

If you have a baby in the family it is advisable to keep gluten out of his/her diet until the age of 6 months, then to introduce it gradually. I have some information and gluten free baby food recipes to get you started.

Save money

Something that is dear to all our hearts is saving money. Gluten free grocery store foods can help that budget which tends to be stretched when you need to follow a special diet.

Gluten free cookbooks can help

This website will give you loads of information and recipes but you may be looking for even more! There are many gluten free diet books available on the subject including those that you can download onto your computer such as the Essential Gluten Free Guide. I am also currently writing my own ebook all about gluten free party food.

A day in the life

It often helps to have a practical example to follow when learning something new. This page from my diary will give you an idea of a typical gluten free day.

New to the diet?

There are many challenges facing you when starting a gluten free diet. It is wise to be informed beforehand of problems you may experience so that you don't feel excluded from normal life.

Vegan or vegetarian?

Can you be a gluten free vegan or vegetarian? No problem! Whether you have avoided meat products for some time or are new to the idea there is no reason why you can't safely keep to both sets of rules. I've even found a FREE recipe book online that you will love!

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