Gluten intolerance is rampant, and most people are completely unaware that they are even suffering from it.
Over 40 percent, and some neurologists say 100%, of the population have some sort of gluten aversion that creates a myriad of symptoms including, brain fog, joint pain and gastrointestinal distress. American farmers have actually modified our grains to make them more “gluten-y” because it makes them fluffier and softer on the palate, they way Americans like them.
Why is gluten bad?
Gluten is a form of grain protein found in wheat, rye, barley and many processed foods. It is also used as an additive to give foods texture, as a stabilizer and a thickening agent. Gluten hides in ice cream, mustard, baked beans and all sorts of other products, it is literally everywhere. The symptoms of gluten sensitivity can be, painful digestive issues, headaches, joint pain, infertility, osteoporosis, depression and anxiety. If that’s not scary enough, it can damage the lining of your intestines and lead to leaky gut. Gluten sensitivity also increases your chance of gaining weight, and keeping it on, as long as you keep eating gluten.
Here are a few of my alternative holiday dishes that are gluten free and also kick your nutrition game up a notch:
- Gluten Free Appetizer idea – Hot Bacon and Corn Salsa
- Gluten Free Stuffing – Try my Sage Eggplant Stuffing Recipe
- Gluten Free Potatoes – Celery Root Mashed Potatoes or Oven Roasted Radishes
- Gluten Free Mac and Cheese Alternative – Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Gluten Free Healthy Side – Garlicky Beet Greens
- And if you are looking for a Gluten Free Cranberry alternative (because not everyone loves cranberry!) – Try my Easy Delicious Beets Recipe
I encourage you to look at your favorite holiday side dishes and find creative ways to make them delicious, but also to make them healthier and gluten free. My versions of the gluten free holiday classics taste great, are easy to make and as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.
Click here to find your new favorite holiday recipe.
Kristen Coffield
I am a passionate advocate for food as medicine, life navigator and culinary coach. This is my space for sharing what excites, inspires and motivates me to live my best life. It began as a recipe blog for nourishing, simple, weekday meals and has become something much bigger… a guide to resilient wellness. I am excited to share my knowledge of how daily habits can cumulatively help you to live like you mean it and age like you want to.
