Friendly, Fun, and Fresh!

Many people who are first entering into the Gluten Free diet fixate on the lack of classic foods and grains that they are used to. Unfortunately this can cause a serious imbalance in their diet as often they continually eat grains and starchy foods to try and replace the simple carbs (white breads, noodles, snacks and cookies)  which are suddenly absent from their lifestyle.

Unfortunately, this sudden absence induced, carb crunching, starch stashing type of a diet is not a healthy way to transition into a gluten free lifestyle; it not only leaves a precedent for eating disproportionate amounts of starch, it is also a seriously unbalanced diet and is lacking in many nutrients and fibers.

I want to share some of my ideas for a friendly, fun, and fresh way to transition into a gluten free diet while beating those starch and carb cravings!

11)      Try eating brown rice!

Brown rice is higher in fiber than its starchier white rice counterpart, and has a slightly richer nutty flavor. Using brown rice in dishes such as fried rice, rice pilaf, or as a side can enhance flavor, satisfy your craving for starch and provide a greater amount of nutrients than using plain white rice would.

Here’re a few ideas!

Brown rice pilaf- cook brown rice with water and chicken broth (either on the stove or in a rice cooker), then toss on medium heat with some veggies of choice (cook veggies previously or use left overs!) garlic, onions, salt and pepper! Jazz up the recipe as you like, and serve with stir fry, fish, or some protein!

Brown rice Bake- Here’s a recipe that I’ve loved ever since I was little, my mom would make it for us all the time! In an oven safe container with a lid place a thin layer of rice (uncooked) a layer of chicken breasts (or thighs, boneless) and cover with another few cups of rice, then add a few cans of gluten free cream of mushroom soup and as much water as needed for the rice to cook. Now, bake the covered container in the oven for about an hour or as long as needed for the chicken to cook through without getting dry, at 350 degrees F. You can adjust the recipe for however many people you are feeding, we usually cooked about half a cup of uncooked rice per person!

22)      Grab fruits and veggies!

Bananas and Apples are delicious, sweet, and slightly starchy which make them a great alternative to grabbing a gluten free muffin or bagel! Squashes and yams also make good healthy alternatives to classic potato or rice starch breads. Making a refreshing fruit salad or eating a nice warm squash dish are both excellent ways to get good vitamins, minerals and fiber while still satisfying a craving for starchy simple sugars and carbs! Try tossing sliced apples and bananas with yummy vanilla yogurt or even topping a bowl of gluten free oatmeal (high in fiber) with some fruits as well! The oatmeal will help to sate a craving for nutty, creamy carbs while the fruit helps add just the right touch of fresh yummy deliciousness!

Try baking veggies to make yummy roasted veggie snacks (baked carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower are my all-time favorites) or thin slice carrots and bake with kale to make chips!

33)      If you just have to have that bowl of pasta, those pancakes, or that slice of toast try to jazz them up and balance them out!          

Pasta is delicious on its own, one of the classic ways to serve it is just plain with some sauce, but consider adding chopped veggies, serving it with a side, or jazzing up your classic store bought tomato sauce to add more nutrients, flavor, and deliciousness! We always like to ‘edit’ the tomato sauces we purchase at the grocery market; we usually like to combine our sauce with some yummy caramelized onions or lightly sautéed garlic. We also like putting chopped broccoli, julienned green beans, carrots, peppers, bell peppers, or peas into our sauces to add more flavor and more… well just more! Chopping fresh cherry tomatoes to top our plates adds a refreshing pop and dazzle to each bite, and adding green herbs like chives, cilantro, fresh basil, or any other herb really adds a nice flavor and a rich color contrast!

A great way to add panache to your pancake is to dress it up in style! Try making a home-made quick jam or syrup to top it! Try making a delicious strawberry topping by combining water, sugar, and chopped or mashed berries over a medium-low heat on the stove. Or top with a simple and delicious apple pie-esque topping by combining apple slices, cinnamon, a bit of sugar or honey, ginger and a starch of your choice in the microwave or on the stove! If you have dried fruits or berries on hand pop them in the batter with a small handful of chocolate chips for a yummy treat, or a small handful of oats for a filling oatcake on the go! (Gluten free oats please!)

Toast is a go to for a quick carb craving, but try making it into a real treat (and a healthier one at that) by adding a melted slice of cheese and some sliced veggies, or cream cheese with fruit! Peanut butter and bananas are a delicious, high protein option, which can settle food cravings and provide a satisfyingly sweet treat!

44)      Don’t be afraid to mix and match!

Combine as many of your favorite treats and eats to make a satisfying, high nutrient addition to your diet!

55)      And most importantly… Enjoy!!!!

NaOmi’s random cooking/baking tip: Remember that rice and beans form a complete protein, so if you want to make some yummy and nutritious meals try combining them! Lentil soup with rice is always a favorite!