Healthy Gluten-Free Foods
June 21, 2011
Question:
I have known about my celiac disease for 3 years. During this 3-year time frame, I really have mastered which foods to avoid. However, I have not mastered what to eat to stay healthy. What foods will really help me maintain a healthy diet and avoid irregular bowels?
From,
Jen
Answer:
Hi Jen. I am very happy that you feel like you have mastered the gluten-free diet! The good news is that there are many healthy foods that are naturally gluten-free. The USDA just came out with new dietary guidelines for Americans to help us choose healthy foods. Check out the website: www.choosemyplate.gov. You will see that the old pyramid-style guideline has been changed and a plate is now used to show approximate proportions of the various food groups. Notice that fruits and vegetables make up ½ the plate, while there is a small portion of lean protein and then grains to finish up the plate. There is a side serving of dairy.
The USDA also makes the following recommendations:
Balance Calories:
- Enjoy your food, but eat less
- Avoid oversized portions
Foods to Increase:
- Make half your plate fruits & veggies
- Make at least 1/2 your grains whole grains
- Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk
Foods to Reduce:
- Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals – and choose the foods with lower numbers.
- Drink water instead of sugary drinks
Source: USDA website, www.choosemyplate.gov
You could also make an appointment with a registered dietitian who would have you keep a food journal for a couple of days. The dietitian can then help you analyze your current intake and make recommendations more specific to your needs.
Sincerely,
Nancy Dickens, BS, RD, LDN
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