MY GLUTEN-FREE LIFE

by Kathy Cretsinger

If you are under the impression that you can lose weight eating gluten-free, you are mistaken. Gluten and carbs are not the same. Carbs are everywhere, and we eat them all the time.

My doctor suggested I download the app “My Fitness Pal” to keep up with the calories I eat to lose weight. It is a free app, and I do like it. When I enter my food for each meal, it breaks it down into calories, carbs, protein, fat, sodium, and sugar. That helps me to know if I am overeating sodium and sugar in particular. I also know how many calories I have consumed in a meal, and it helps me plan my next meal.

It’s hard at the beginning to stick with any diet plan. We should feel better when we eat more fruits and vegetables, but at times we all slip back into our old ways. It takes a lot of determination to reach a goal.

Even when you are on a gluten-free diet, it takes a lot of determination. I’m slipping back to the way I used to eat constantly. I love the taste of bread, and gluten-free bread is not the best in the world. I’d much rather have a good biscuit than one that is hard and greasy. My search is still on for a good biscuit and a good cookie.

A friend told me one day to listen to my body. It’s incredible what your body will tell you.

If you are thinking about going gluten-free, take it slow. Learn as much as you can about gluten-free food. Some of it is not as good as others. Look for the gluten-free logos on the packages. Learn what is gluten-free and what is not. Find a good health food store and find their gluten-free aisle. They will have better food than you can buy in Walmart and Kroger. A health food store has a larger variety. Gluten-free is not cheap, but if you feel better leaving gluten behind, go for it.

Happy gluten-free eating.