Gluten free: Is it just another fad?

We all know somebody who has chosen to go Gluten free. Lately it seems to be the in thing to do. So is  gluten free just another diet fad like the others? Or is this diet different? Read to find out. 

Let's take a look at the pros and cons 

Pros: 

• If you have a gluten intolerance or sensitivity, you may have inflammation or damage to the intestinal tract. Eating gluten free can help reverse this damage and inflammation.

• Leads to a healthier diet filled with less processed foods

• Introduces higher quality grains, like quinoa, into your diet

Cons: 

• Possible weight gain from eating gluten-free products, which often contain higher levels of fat and sugar
• Possible weight gain as the intestinal track recovers and begins to absorb nutrients properly
• Possible weight loss and consumption of a nutrient deficient diet from eliminating too many foods for fear of a negative reaction

* When thinking about going gluten free take into consideration the proteins you may be missing out on. Such as reduced carbohydrate intake due to lack of education on nutrients and lack of fiber from traditional sources can lead to digestive issues

Gluten free diets aren't only an option for those who have a gluten allergy or Celiac Disease.  Gluten free diets are becoming a popular way to loose weigh. So does taking gluten out of your diet really make you loose weight? 

Liz Neporent has an interesting take on the gluten free fad. In her article, "Gluten-Free Diets No Help in Losing Weight," She states that the weight loss comes from reducing calories, not the absence of gluten. According to nutritionist, Jennifer Nelly, while on a gluten free diet you have fewer choices and tend not to eat as much. 

According to Cynthia Sass in her article, The Worst Gluten-Free Mistakes, the weight loss from a gluten free diet  is generally caused by giving up foods that contain gluten, which are loaded with dense amounts of refined carbs, like bagels, pasta, crackers, pretzels and baked goods. Getting rid of  these foods altogether, or replacing them with more veggies and healthy gluten-free whole grains, like quinoa and wild rice, automatically cuts excess carbs (which may have been feeding fat cells), ups fiber and nutrients, and results in soaring energy. 

So it looks like Gluten doesn't directly effect your weight loss. It just tends to be that there is a positive correlation between foods that have a lot lot of gluten and foods that are full of carbohydrates. Don't get me wrong though. Gluten free diets are very beneficial to one's health especially if you suffer from celiac disease or gluten allergies. 

                         What can you eat on a gluten free diet? 

It may seem like there isn't a wide variety of gluten free products out there, but the more popular the gluten free diet is becoming the more gluten free products are sold. These products even include bread and pasta. Don't worry because there are foods that you are probably used to eating and won't have to cut out of your diet. These foods include Beans, seeds,  natural nuts, fresh eggs, fresh meats, fruits, vegetables, and most dairy products. 

Here is a longer list of what you can and can not eat on a gluten free diet!

What is the verdict on 

Gluten Free?  

I would say that Gluten free diets aren't really diets at all. Gluten free is a lifestyle and for those who are willing and ready for a lifestyle change gluten free is a great way to go. With all that being said, a gluten free diet isn't for everyone. Most people don't have celiac diesease and aren't  allergic to gluten. Maybe all you need to do is replace foods like white bread with hearty whole grain versions, which may include spelt (in the wheat family), and rye (which, while not wheat, also contains gluten). If you don't have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, these swaps may make you feel great, and lead to weight loss, because trading refined grains for whole grains ups your intake of fiber, boosts satiety, so you feel fuller longer, and better regulates blood sugar and insulin levels. Consult a doctor or nutritionist before going gluten free and weigh out the pros and cons. It seems to be that gluten itself doesn't necessarily effect weight loss. I think that this would be a great question to ask again once there has been more research done on the tops. 

Above is a video from a girl who discovered she was  allergic to gluten. She talks about how a gluten free diet has positively affected her life. 

Remember No Wheat doesn't mean no sweets! Here's a link to some great gluten free recipes including pumpkin pie, just in time for the Holidays! Wheat free recipes!

 

Sources 

http://www.coreperformance.com/daily/nutrition/the-pros-and-cons-of-a-gluten-free-diet.html

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gluten-free-diet/my01140

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/gluten-free-lead-weight-loss/story?id=19476263

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/23/worst-gluten-free-mistakes_n_3246820.html