Just because you’re eating gluten-free, doesn’t mean you’re eating healthy. Carbs, sugars, unhealthy fats and additives, GMO’s and unpronounceable ingredients all can lurk in foods labeled “gluten-free”.
Many of the traditional gluten-free substitutes are high in carbs, which have a high glycemic index that create high insulin levels that can cause weight gain and many health problems.
Things like sugar or even worse – high fructose corn sugar or artificial sweeteners – as well as the quality of the ingredients used in what you eat all impact whether these foods are good for you or not.
The gluten-free food market is a booming business, making billions in revenue annually. The problem is that much of this gluten-free food is processed junk food made with genetically modified/engineered (GMO/GE) ingredients like corn and soy, which have been implicated in a wide variety of health problems.
Gluten-free foods can be sneaky
The grocery store shelves are increasingly stocked with gluten-free items to help people with food sensitivities. You’ll see gluten-free labels pop out encouragingly as you walk down the market aisles, enticing you to grab them as you put together your gluten-free diet. But before you pat yourself on the back for making good choices, first read the label.
- Many gluten-free products are made with GMO (Genetically Modified/Engineered) ingredients (corn, soy, etc.). Make sure the label says either Organic or NonGMO for the healthiest choices.
- Watch out for gluten-free packaged products that contain high amounts of sugar in any form. Just because you’re eating gluten-free, doesn’t mean you’re eating healthy. Sugars cause excessive insulin as does other grains, corn and white potatoes.
- Try to limit your intake of packaged foods which are mostly high glycemic index carbs anyway, and choose high quality fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, wild caught fish, free range poultry and their eggs, and grass fed meats.
So cheers! Here’s to healthier gluten-free eating. For more about healthy gluten-free eating, visit either my Eating For Vitality Diet website or my Gluten-Free Vitality Diet site.
