Naturally Gluten Free

When I was first diagnosed with Celiac I focused on what I couldn't eat. I checked all the labels looking for hidden gluten and I searched for gluten free substitutes for all the foods I could no longer have- pasta, cookies, pizza, bagels, bread. I discovered that some of these "substitutes" were good,  some not so good (they are much better today) and very expensive! In 6 months, my blood tests were back to normal but I had gained 15 lbs! My doctor said this meant my body was getting healthy and was absorbing the nutrients I needed. I was happy that I was getting healthy but not happy about the weight gain. I  realized I had been consuming a lot more calories than I used to trying all these foods! I had been an overweight teen and young adult. I lost over 60 lbs in my late 20's and kept it off by eating healthy meals and cutting back on carbs. I promised myself I would never gain back the weight. Before my diagnosis, I didn't eat a lot of carbs, I rarely ate desserts.  Now, I was eating  a lot of processed gluten free foods that were loaded with rice and potato flours and lots of sugar to improve the taste and most of them weren't very good! I guess I so desperately wanted to feel like I didn't have to give anything up. No wonder I gained weight! My focus was on replacing all the foods I couldn't eat instead of on all the healthy, naturally gluten free foods I could eat... fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, chicken, fish, eggs, rice and so much more!

Now my gluten free diet consists of lean protein, lots of vegetables, fruit, gluten-free grains and healthy fats. I include gluten free pasta, bread and desserts, but I  limit how much of these I eat. Gluten free or not, if you consume too many calories-you will gain weight!

I cook dinner every night.  I work a 9-5 job, 40 hours a week, but it is possible to cook healthy, tasty meals  in an hour with a little planning. My meals are totally gluten free and I focus on naturally gluten free foods and quick and easy recipes.  I always make enough so I have lunch for the next day. Once a week , we have a pasta dish, using gluten free pasta. I save my splurges for the weekends, recipes that are require more time and are more indulgent!

PS. I lost the 15 lbs I gained and have kept it off!