Whole Foods Living: what is gluten

Wheat bread contains gluten. Photo: SXC.HU

The current buzz word in almost every health magazine and health segment on television is gluten. What's the big deal and what is it?

Gluten is a protein found in several grains. The most common include wheat, barley and rye.

Unfortunately some people believe avoiding gluten is a diet fad to lose a few pounds. Well, I'm here to tell you two things:

If you stop eating bread and everything else you assume contains gluten, you will lose weight--and be unhealthy. You need carbohydrates to live.
Second, for some people, avoiding gluten is a medical necessity. I'm one of those unlucky people. I'm gluten sensitive and on the border of being diagnosed with Celiac Disease, but I refuse to have the intestinal biopsy to seal the deal. Two confirmed blood tests and feeling worlds better after altering my diet is enough proof for me.

So, If you're trying to lose weight, this whole gluten thing isn't for you. Talk to your doctor about healthy dietary changes that can help you trim your waistline.

For people like me that have to avoid gluten or suffer terrible digestive upset, joint pain and migraines, I'm here to sympathize with you! Being gluten-free is no picnic. I do write about my challenges and reasons for going gluten free quite often. Here's a few articles for those who are interested in learning more about gluten sensitivity:

Are you on a gluten-free diet or know someone who is? How do you/they cope with the general public thinking it's a weight loss program, not a medical necessity?

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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Going gluten-free isn't an easy dietary transition. Although I've been without wheat, barley and rye for a little over a year, I still have a lot to learn.

When I was approached to review The Complete Gluten-Free Whole Grains Cookbook by Judith Finlayson on Whole Foods Living, I agreed and added the cookbook to my bedside stand. Yes, really. I'm not into regurgitating press releases.

(Disclaimer: Yes, the cookbook was provided free of charge for review purposes. But, all opinions expressed on Whole Foods Living come from me, Angela Tague.)

Since going gluten-free, I've struggled with two areas: how to explain sources of gluten to family and how to bake without wheat-based flour. The Complete Gluten-Free Whole Grains Cookbook by Judith Finlayson has nailed these two concerns.

The cookbook starts with 33 pages of background information on gluten and uncommon whole grains such a job's tears and amaranth. In addition to a glossary titled "Just the Grains" which showcases several types of gluten-free grains, there are sections called "What is Gluten and Why Does it Matter?" and "A Whole Grains Primer". Anyone who is new to a gluten-free lifestyle, or who needs a few talking points to educate others, must read this cookbook.

Finally, the recipes!

Like all great cookbooks, this one offers variety. There's 125 recipes broken into the following chapters:

Bread and Breakfasts
Appetizers
Soups
Salads
Poultry
Fish and Seafood
Meat
Meatless Mains
Side, Sundried and Basics
Desserts

As a bonus, there's an appendix listing diabetic food values (carbs, fats, food groups) for each recipe.

The other night I turned to the Desserts section and had to test one of the recipes. Since I struggle with baking gluten-free, I wanted to try a dessert. I decided to make the Oatmeal Shortbread Squares on page 198. This simple recipe wasn't covered in chocolate, fruit or any other disguise to "make it taste better."

The recipe was quick to assemble in my food processor and came together just as promised in the recipe. Since I used a slightly smaller baking pan than recommended, I had to bake the cookies longer, but also enjoyed thicker treats.

The Oatmeal Shortbread Squares were fabulous: tender, flaky and sweet. In addition to eating them plain, I served them topped with fresh strawberries and vanilla ice cream for dessert. The gluten-eating hubby even went back for seconds. We were both impressed and have already marked this page in the cookbook as "Great! Tender and buttery. Let cool or they crumble."

Yes, I write in my cookbooks. And yes, I ignored the instructions to let the dessert cool or they will crumble. I have an addiction to warm cookies. The leftovers were perfectly formed squares--as promised by the author.

Now I'm anxious to try more recipes in the The Complete Gluten-Free Whole Grains Cookbook by Judith Finlayson. My short list includes:

Cranberry Orange Pecan Muffins, page 36
Vegetable Tempura, page 63
Asian Style Quinoa Salad with Chili-Orange Dressing, page 84
Gluten-Free Pizza Crust, page 184
Rhubarb-Strawberry Cobbler, page 204

Each recipe includes a helpful "Nutrient per Serving" information box, cooking tips and variations on the original recipe. Most recipes are paired with a colorful photo sure to make you drool.

OK, time to finish off those Oatmeal Shortbread Squares with a cup of tea.

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

PS: Here are more titles from this author:

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Whole Foods Living

Pages

What's All the Fuss About Gluten?

Review: The Complete Gluten-Free Whole Grains Cookbook by Judith Finlayson