How to Eat on a Gluten-Free Diet

I love all food, but it doesn't all love me.  Unfortunately this one food happens to be everywhere and in just about everything we eat! It's not just wheat, but the protein in wheat, barley and rye—gluten.

Many people don't associate low-grade chronic health conditions with a specific food, but the problem is that a sensitivity to gluten is insidious. Its sinister symptoms like headaches, brain fog, constipation, joint pain, and even depression, don't appear immediately after you eat it so it's hard to pin point their cause.  Some research shows that up to 50 percent of the population may have a sensitivity to gluten!

If you have been diagnosed with celiac disease, or you just feel better off of gluten, you know what I'm talking about. If not, you may want to take a 7-day elimination challenge to find out if your body is happier without it.  All you need to do is avoid gluten for at least a week, then add it back into your diet and see how you feel over the next few days.

If you're adjusting to a gluten free diet, or exploring one, join Kath Gallant, owner of the Blue Moon Evolution, and I for a cooking and wellness class on March 4th from 7 pm to 9 pm to unravel all the health issues around gluten and learn how to enjoy a hassle-free gluten-free diet.

You'll learn:

• What the difference is between celiac, gluten sensitivity, and gluten intolerance.
• How to make gluten free snacks and breads.
• The secret recipe for Blue Moon Evolution's "flour blend" which they use for all their delicious baked goods.
• Flour alternatives that are low on the glycemic index. 
• Our favorite gluten free products.
• Tips for eating a gluten-free while dining out and traveling.

We'll also give you the low-down on the industrial wheat that has been perfected over the last few decades that is great for making bread, but not so great for our belly.

This class is hosted by the Food and Health Forum, a eating, cooking and learning adventure to help revolutionize our food system from the ground up. We want to inspire and educate communities, get folks into the kitchen, and help reestablish the link between what we eat, where our food comes from, and how it affects our health and our environment. The class fee is $45. The Blue Moon Evolution is located at 8 Clifford Street.

For more events and how to register go to www.foodandhealthforum.com.