Gluten-free… two words that seem to be all over the news these days. Why? Because millions of folks throughout the country and around the world suddenly find themselves allergic to gluten. What is gluten? If you don’t know, brace yourself for the answer. Gluten is an adhesive. That’s right, an adhesive… like glue. Sounds pretty unhealthy, doesn’t it? And it is.
Gluten is an adhesive mixture of plant proteins. It’s used as a substitute for flour in literally millions of processed foods, and it’s been linked to some pretty serious health problems. Eating gluten can cause symptoms such as abdominal bloating and diarrhea. It’s also associated with serious diseases such as celiac disease and even multiple sclerosis. For many people, consuming gluten causes irritation to the small intestine that may lead to complications involving the bones, central nervous system, and brain. And one of the difficulties with such gluten sensitivities is the inability to find foods that don’t cause this irritation. Thankfully, gluten-free options are more plentiful than ever, even among breakfast selections. Following are some great gluten-free breakfast ideas from gourmet cafes in Montville for those who need to eliminate gluten from their diets.
Yogurt and fruit
Fruit is an excellent breakfast food for everyone, especially for anyone who has a sensitivity to gluten. The good news is that nearly all fresh fruits are gluten-free. If you’re a fan of the canned, you should always check the label to make sure gluten isn’t present. It’s really best to just buy fresh, though, for best prevention. Add some of your favorite fresh fruit to yogurt, for a fabulous breakfast that’s gluten-free, delicious, and perfect to get out the door in a hurry. However, it’s important to know that not all yogurts are gluten-free. Though the yogurt may be gluten-free, there may be ingredients added that do contain gluten. Always read the label and buy organic or products that are labeled ‘gluten-free.’
Smoothies
Smoothies are hugely popular these days, and for good reason. They’re naturally delicious, nutritious, and easy to drink on the go. And, if they’re made with fruits and veggies that are gluten-free, folks who are gluten sensitive can’t go wrong with a smoothie first thing in the morning. Of course, never include foods that contain gluten when preparing a smoothie. It’s also important to know that some canned and otherwise packaged fruits also contain gluten. Always check labels.
Eggs
Eggs are one of the most brain-friendly breakfast foods you can eat, and the great news is that most are gluten-free. It’s important to note that, though, most eggs do not contain gluten, some chickens are fed diets that include feed that contains gluten. If you’re dining out, ask your server for organic. And, of course, when purchasing eggs yourself, always opt for organic or eggs that are labeled gluten-free.
Additional tips on eating gluten-free
- When eating out, don’t be too shy to ask if there’s anything added to your meal that may contain gluten. Let your server know that if you don’t eat gluten-free, you’ll become ill. (They likely won’t want an ill person on their hands, not to mention the liability that will go along with consequences.) Many seasonings contain gluten, and your server needs to know your body can’t tolerate it.
- Be sure to ask if they use just one grill to cook, or if they separate gluten-filled from gluten-free cooking. Many restaurants, even some that call themselves ‘gluten-free,’ will use the same area for cooking both gluten and non-gluten foods. The problem with this is that it can add gluten to your food unintentionally. This kind of cross contamination possibility needs to be known ahead of time.
- Watch out for hidden gluten in packaged foods that you’d never suspect contain it. Many processed sauces and gravies contain the adhesive. That’s why it’s best for those who need to eaten totally gluten-free to purchase foods that are labeled ‘gluten-free.’ However, even some of these can still contain traces of the stuff. Always do your research beforehand.
Eating gluten-free can pose challenges for many folks, but gourmet cafes in Montville are stepping up to the plate. If you’re someone who needs to eat a gluten-free diet, you have so many more options today than ever before. And the best news is that these options are as delicious as they are nutritious. For breakfast tomorrow morning, try eggs, gluten-free yogurt, or a delicious, healthy smoothie to start your day off right. And always be sure to talk to your server about your gluten sensitivity when ordering at a restaurant.