As I was walking down the aisles of the Supermarket the other day, I noticed how much the gluten free options were popping out all over place! Crackers, cookies, chips, all types of snacks, frozen food, the list of gluten free foods seems to be growing at a very rapid pace. Not to mention that I also noticed how they were very cleverly placed — on the end caps , in the middle of the main aisle and even in the produce section…((insert dramatic music here) !
Ahhhh, U.S. Marketing at its’ finest – guys and ladies, just because the package is labeled gluten free does not mean it is a healthier option for you. It is such a common mis – conception that gluten free automatically means healthy. Remember when the huge fad was if it is fat – free it is better for you? Never mind the list of all the other stuff that went into that tiny cup of yogurt to make it palatable, it says fat free, so you can eat as many as you want. Yikes, did that ever backfire! It turns out that the whole food, the actual real deal is so much healthier for you and most of the time you end up eating less of it because you are truly satisfied! Similar to all of the fat free products, there is most likely a steep list of processed ingredients hidden behind that GF stamp. You are so not alone in thinking it may be better for you — the good news, you can educate yourself and make changes. Which brings me to my next topic, stomach issues.
Have you ever wondered why it seems that over 50% of people have some sort of stomach or digestive issue? The way we manufacture many of our consumable goods has drastically changed over the decades, it is just a fact. Science, man and our huge demand to keep the shelves stocked in a growing population are all reasons to look a little closer at what you are actually eating. It does seem that more and more young people and I’m talking children & teens are being diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s or Irritable Bowl Disease. You really have to wonder why?
Tummy issues are no fun, period. I can totally relate as I fall into the digestive disease disorder, with Crohn’s Disease. If you have ever experienced a distended, swollen and sensitive to even the lightest touch inflammation, you know how uncomfortable stomach issues can be. Inflammation at this level could be causing permanent damage. While there are heaps of anti – inflammatory foods with healing benefits, (stay tuned for a future post on this) the key is to prevent inflammation from happening in the first place and one of the ways that prevention starts is with what you choose to put into your body. Don’t get me wrong, it is a process at first and involves research, some planning, commitment, patience and mega will power. However; like any new routine, once you adapt, it becomes second nature. And the huge pay off is not only do you feel so much better, your body’s natural energy level surges, inflammation decreases and you just feel darn good. You may even notice your skin looking clearer and your jeans fitting a little loser, hey, hey, hey!! Try it, I challenge you to take three weeks and cut out all wheat and grains. Journal exactly how you feel every day and note the small changes too. Three weeks, 21 days, that is it and then decide for yourself. Why three weeks? Because it takes time for the body to adjust to what you are doing. It didn’t get to where it is overnight & it won’t get to where it needs to go overnight. Consistency + dedication = success in anything you are doing! Those small changes will add up to huge results for you! Need some support? I would love to cheer you on along the way!
Jess over at Paleo Grubs has an awesome, easy & colorful blog to begin your dedication to a healthier you . She includes some really great (easy)recipes, information and insight into how your diet can change your world for a much happier, healthier you! Paleo Grubs – Gluten Free vs. Paleo (What You Need to Know)