Good day to you.  We all know being diagnosed as a celiac is not easy nor convenient in regard to a gluten-free diet so as to get the nutrition we need.

That said, celiacs also have nutrient absorption issues due to our disease.  Erin Elberson (https://twitter.com/#!/ErinElberson) explains this quite well in her blog (http://www.glutenfreefitness.com) per this link:  http://www.glutenfreefitness.com/common-nutrient-absorption-issues-with-celiac-and-what-to-do-about-it/.  Therefore, having good nutrition in a celiac’s diet is that much more important.

Why am I broaching the subject of the celiac diet in correlation to nutrition?  On the Twitter feed, I’ve been observing a dis-proportionate number of tweets pertaining to dessert or sweet recipes versus the number of tweets in regard to food entrees or side dish recipes.  This observation troubles me as it causes me to wonder if the celiac is eating with “nutrition and health” in mind, or with “satiating cravings” in mind.  Fellow tweep Heather Spurley (https://twitter.com/#!/catalytic1) is of the opinion celiacs approach their daily diet with the “gluten diet” in the back of their mind and wanting to recreate that diet gluten-free.  Fellow tweep T. R. Crumbley (https://twitter.com/#!/TRCrumbley) agrees with Heather but also observes:  “its … easier to make a savory dish #glutenfree than desserts.”

Now the kicker - if Heather’s opinion is factual, then be advised the typical daily ”gluten diet” is not followed with nutrition as its foundation; therefore, neither is the typical celiac diet.  Why do I say this?  Simple.  The “gluten diet” is full of empty carbohydrates such as muffins, cakes, cookies, breads, bagels and the like.  Don’t forget “snacks” such as Sun Chips, pretzels, Wheat Thins, and Goldfish crackers.  Then there’s meals which include macaroni and cheese, pancakes, Ramen Noodles, dumplings and so on.  Do you see where I’m going here?  None of the aforementioned items are considered nutrient dense.  If Heather’s opinion is factual, the celiac wants to emulate that “gluten diet” as gluten-free.  This means the aforementioned items are now made or purchased gluten-free.  Are you starting to see the correlation between the typical daily celiac diet with lacking nutrition and health?

Nutrition as the foundation of a typical daily celiac diet should include more complex carbohydrates and fiber such as vegetables and fruits; and proteins such as legumes and nuts (dairy and meats in moderation if tolerated).  Other aspects of the celiac diet can include treats of the “less healthful kind” but should be ingested in moderation.  Disclaimer:  I am not a Registered Dietitian nor a Medical Practitioner.  Please consult with your Registered Dietitian or Medical Practitioner in regard to following the best nutrition-based celiac diet for you.

There are bonus side affects for nutrition as the base of your celiac diet:

  • You are less likely to crave unhealthy snacks because your body is getting the nutrition required for homeostasis (and you are too full eating healthily)
  • You are more likely to feel better as you are absorbing more nutrients in the form of vitamins and minerals required for homeostasis
  • You are less likely to cheat with or accidently ingest gluten because you are more aware of what you are ingesting
  • You are more likely to advocate your nutrition-based celiac diet to other celiacs because you feel so much better

Agreed, the celiac diet is not easy.  It’s even more difficult using nutrition as the base of this diet.  However, I think if you approach your celiac diet with nutrition as its foundation your body will thank you and you will be more healthy.

Research, educate, and advocate all celiac and gluten-free.

Peace be with you.