Going Gluten-Free to Lose Weight?

If you're trying to lose weight or simply eat healthier, you may be considering ditching gluten. Of course, there are some who cannot digest gluten and have no choice but to give it up. However, many dieters voluntarily give up gluten as a way to lose weight. But, before you give up gluten, there are a few things you need to be aware of.

Over the past few years gluten has gotten a bad reputation. This makes sense because it can be found in junk foods like white bread, pasta, pizza, doughnuts, cake, and cookies, just to name a few. But if your goal in giving up gluten is to eat healthy and maybe even shed a few pounds, it's important to remember that just because a food is gluten-free, that doesn't necessarily make it healthy. There are many gluten-free foods that are junk foods, like candy, cookies, chips and sugary beverages. These gluten-free options are not going to do any favors for your weight loss goals.

Specialty gluten-free foods can be very expensive. Gluten-free foods such as bread, cookies, pretzels and pasta are often made with lots of sugar and fillers. That and the high price tag means these types of food items should be avoided altogether.

If you're craving a treat, make a gluten-free option at home. In your own kitchen, you have control over the amount and type of ingredients you use. There is a large variety of recipes available online for a delicious gluten-free treat. They are much more affordable and far healthier than the pre-packed gluten-free food items found in your local grocery or health food store.

The key to success with your weight loss and healthy eating goals is to consume mainly whole foods. Whether those whole, clean foods are gluten-free or not, a diet of mostly whole foods will have you looking and feeling your best. However, cutting out gluten can be a useful tool if you find yourself frequently tempted by empty carbohydrates. If feeling bloated is something you suffer with, giving up gluten may provide you some bloat relief. Cutting out gluten can be helpful in forcing you to choose healthier foods when eating out.

Armed with knowledge, a gluten-free diet can be an excellent option for weight loss. Or, if you're not ready to completely give up gluten, eating far less foods containing gluten, especially empty carbohydrates, can go a long way in helping you maintain a healthy diet.