The G free life

If you are in the same boat as us you know what this title means.  Whether by force or choice, being gluten free can be a real challenge and a huge benefit.   Gluten grains such as wheat, barley, and rye are difficult to digest.  Removing them can lead to less bloating and other intestinal issues.  Benefit- less embarrassing moments. Celiacs, sensitivity, and allergy to gluten. It sucks the big one. I have been told how great it must be to not deal with temptation of gluten filled treats.  It is a temptation.  A tempting death.  Sometimes I would like the option to truly say no to a donut. Or yes.

Choosing a gluten product, you need to know what is in it. Whole wheat and complex grains are necessary for your well being in the gluten world.  When choosing a gluten free product, you need to do the same. Unrefined and complex grains. I  look for brown rice, quinoa, millet, amaranth, flax, and buckwheat when possible. These are the healthiest options. I will take white rice if I absolutely need a certain product.  Also, limit processed items, starches, and sugars.  Do read the ingredient list and not just the "gluten free label." 

Companies lie. Bold face on the ingredient list lie.

Taste is important. Remember, I am a girl who likes to eat.  Fortunately the G free market had come a long way. However, many companies still try to pass off products that taste like cardboard and children's tears. Don't be afraid to return and get your money back. Be that gluten free jerk. To save time, read reviews and the rest of this post. I and my family have consumed a disproportionate amount of the G free market.

Going gluten free doesn't necessarily mean it's healthier as a lot of people assume.  Those gluten free oreos are just as cheat day material as the gluten ones.  Damn delicious and only in small doses. Unless its cheat day. Be shameless. Glutino has awesome products period.  Live G Free, Pamela, and Kroger brands are great too.  Udi is a hit or miss.

The only gluten free pretzels worth eating is Snyder. 

Pizza. I used to love pizza. Now I am weary of it. I have made some decent crusts but sometimes a girl just wants to call it in or shove it in the oven. Freschetta makes the best "in my yoga pants and I can only handle the oven tonight" frozen gluten free pizza. Live G free frozen pizza would be second on that list. I have not tried a restaurant option that doesn't taste like a dog chew toy covered in cheese. Pieology has been suggested and it's in the books. They are the only known G free pizza place I haven't tried. The obvious pizza places- those crusts belongs to the dogs.

When I buy a box pasta I have a few favorites. I avoid anything with corn at all cost.  It just makes crunchy pasta and you can never cook it enough.  It's inhumane.  Live G Free from Aldi or pastas with brown rice/quinoa are it.  I take the corn thing back, Live G Free elbow macaroni pasta is the only corn pasta I have found that doesn't have a crunch.  I don't cook pastas often as we love our zoodles and broccolini which are even better alternatives.  Even my veggie hater of a hubby loves zoodles over gluten free or gluten pastas.  But when you have a G free pasta need, go brown rice. 

Baking is where it gets really sticky for me.  G free alternative flours do not cook like conventional flour. Its a bitch. Either cooks too fast, too light weight, or temperamental in texture. It takes time and practice.  Pillsbury makes an awesome all purpose gluten free flour.  Bob's Red Mill does a great one to one that is excellent for everything but not as much bang for your buck.  I save it for pastry recipes - it is the better flour blend for that.  If I need to be a purist then it is brown rice flour or white rice flour. Tapioca flour is the best lighter gluten free flour when a recipe calls for a light weight.  There are almond flours, coconut, etc.  A lot of them my step son is allergic too.  Coconut flours I find to be too dense for me but it does have a great taste.  Chick pea and soy flours are very heavy and that needs to be considered in your recipe. They taste awful. But if you don't care about taste then go for it.  Trial runs on new recipes with gluten free flours are highly suggested. If you don't have the time for trials, gluten free box works too. Great in a PMS G free pinch or any sweet G free emergency.  Pillsbury G free, Biquick G free, and Aldi Live G Free brands are my go to when cheating in the baking arena. If you do not see it here, that brand sucks.

 This is a start on being G free and it not being a complete revolting taste experience.  After working through these things I feel less bitter about it.  Until I see a donut.  

Namaste and be deliciously G free

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