The Rise of Gluten-Free Foods (Contd.)

Gluten-free foods are on the rise, with more and more people buying them every day.

Gluten-Free Foods Can Lead to a Healthy Lifestyle | (310) 322–7357

Gluten-Free Foods and Creative Solutions

You may already make your own bread at home using gluten-free flours and have some awesome recipes already cataloged, but it's well worth being aware of the many thriving brands out there which offer creative foods suitable for gluten-sensitivity.
So how can so many gluten-free foods be available when it feels like so many ingredients are out of bounds? There's actually a huge list of alternatives that are used to make these foods, for example there are many starches and grains that are gluten-free. Arrowroot, amaranth, cornmeal, buckwheat, millet, quinoa, flax, rice, tapioca and sorghum to name just a few. Rice flour, soy flour, corn flour, potato flour and even bean flour (and many combinations of these!) are used to make the pizza bases, wraps, breads and cakes that you can buy in the store. Although it can be great to buy the raw ingredients for yourself and experiment, the range of ready prepared gluten-free items is a great way to get started and understand what tastes you prefer and which flavors and textures give the best 'gluten' feel, because many people miss the stretchy, chewy, doughy consistency of gluten heavy foods when they first cut it out of their diet, and it can be difficult to replicate this in your own kitchen without experience.

Gluten-Free Foods Online and in The Store

Many brands on the shelf at the moment can also make you more aware of your general health because lots of gluten-free foods are also dairy-free, egg-free and preservative-free in an effort not just to remove gluten, but to remove as many allergens as possible and take food back to its most natural state. You've probably already come across some of the more well-known companies manufacturing gluten-free foods, but if not, look out for Udi's, Schar and Barkat. It's rare to find a store these days which doesn't have a 'Free From' section, and if you don't have a large one near you, then you can always order online - there's a fantastic variety of foods available now to help you live with your gluten-sensitivity, and there's very little you can't replicate or re-create using a gluten-free ingredient. Don't let your diet cause you pain and discomfort anymore - try using some of these gluten-free foods in place of your current menu and you'll soon feel the difference, as well as start enjoying mealtimes a lot more!

Read more on this subject here.

Venice Bakery
134 Main Street
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 322–7357
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The Rise of Gluten-Free Foods

Gluten-free wraps are one of several foods to help you with food sensitivity.

 

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Gluten-Free Wraps and Celiac Awareness

More and more people nowadays are realizing that they suffer from gluten-sensitivity. The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) states that research suggests around 18 million Americans have some level of gluten-sensitivity, even if they are not Celiac. Non-Celiac gluten-sensitivity means that you may have unpleasant symptoms such as headaches, 'brain-fog' and joint pain, as well as the more obvious stomach and digestive problems including bloating and discomfort.

Even though being gluten-sensitive rather than Celiac means you're unlikely to develop intestinal damage or worsening long-term conditions as a result of eating gluten, increasing numbers of people are choosing to limit or remove gluten from their diet in order to improve their health and well-being, removing the symptoms they experience when eating gluten-heavy foods like pasta, pizza and bread.
So if you already know or suspect you're gluten-sensitive, what foods have you replaced in your diet? Gluten is found in many grains such as barley, wheat and rye which renders supermarket bread, pasta, couscous, pizza bases, cakes and other treats unsuitable for gluten-free diets. This means people suffering from gluten-sensitivity often find themselves having to completely overhaul their store cupboard and their daily food routine. Anything you previously made with normal wheat flour is off the menu. Although many healthy and delicious foods are naturally gluten free such as beans, nuts, seeds, eggs, fruit, vegetables and dairy products, it can be time consuming and frustrating to feel that you have to cook from scratch three times a day, and can quickly run out of ideas.

The Good News About Gluten-Free Flatbreads

The great news for sufferers is that there is an ever-increasing range of gluten-free foods available such as gluten-free wraps, flatbreads, pizza crusts and more. The gluten free food industry is burgeoning due to the sheer numbers of people experimenting with gluten-free diets, so the demand has risen exponentially in recent years.

Market research group NPD found in 2014 that almost a third of US adults are trying to cut back on gluten or completely eliminate it from their diets, and the industry is said to be worth well over $4 billion and growing all the time. As a result, the range of gluten-free foods is impressive and can make life easier for days when a healthy quick-fix is needed.
So, relax.  Just because your body has a problem with gluten doesn't mean that you have to give up on all of your favorite foods.  You just need to start including foods such as gluten-free flatbreads.
Venice Bakery
134 Main Street
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 322–7357
Contact Us

Gluten-Free Flatbreads and a Healthy Lunch

Gluten-free wraps are a great way to eat a healthy lunch, while at the same time enjoying your food as well.

Gluten Free Flatbreads| (310) 322–7357

Gluten-Free Wraps: What's For Lunch?

People argue back and forth about this, but suffice it to say, lunch is important.  In the case of someone with blood sugar issues, it can literally save a life.  But what if you are someone with a gluten-sensitivity? 
As we said before, lunch is important.  Eating lunch gives you energy reserves to make it through the rest of the day as well as giving you a store of proteins, vitamins and minerals.  However, with carbohydrates, if you have a gluten sensitivity, you might be in trouble. Most lunchtime fare consists of sandwiches.  After all, they're easy.  However, the wheat, rye and barley flours in most commercial breads can trigger a dangerous physiological response. Even fast microwave meals can be filled with food triggers that aggravate Celiac disease, food allergies, and sensitivities like gluten sensitivity. You may be looking for lunch ideas that support your gluten free lifestyle, such as gluten-free flatbreads. By using these, you can prepare healthy meals that make you feel more energetic and alive, while at the same time, keeping yourself safe.

Eating Gluten-Free

Gluten free pizza is a healthy lunch option. A slice of gluten free pizza can be wrapped in aluminum foil and eaten cold, or warmed for a few seconds in a microwave oven. If you're not into making your own pizza dough then look for pre-made gluten-free pizza crusts you can cover with your own sauce, cheese and toppings. Sliced hothouse tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a profusion of chopped veggies will provide you with a treasure trove of nutrition you can use to stay alert and productive in the afternoon. Balance your meal by drinking pure fruit juice, skim milk, and adding in a piece of fresh fruit for dessert.  To keep your calories down, control your portion sizes and skip processed sugars. 
You will also want some variety in your diet.  The more boring your diet is, the bigger the temptation is to try a food that is on the proscribed list, namely the foods that you can't have.  Being gluten-free doesn't mean that you have to eat boring foods.  In fact, if you're clever, you can include foods that are nutritious, not dangerous, and most importantly of all, delicious.  Such as gluten-free wraps for example. 

Venice Bakery
134 Main Street
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 322–7357
http://www.venicebakery.com/

Why Purchase Gluten- Free Products? Contd

There are several compelling reasons to go on a gluten-free diet.  Some of them are the symptoms gluten-sensitivity or Celiac disease can manifest.

Gluten-free foods may also help improve overall health | (310) 322–7357

Gluten-Free Foods and Avoiding Adverse Symptoms
As we covered previously, gluten-sensitvity can manifest some serious symptoms. 
Dermatitis Herpertiformis
This condition is characterized by a very itchy rash and intense burning on the skin. You may also have some bumps and blisters if you suffer from dermatitis herpertiformis. It usually affects the back, scalp, knees, buttocks, and elbows. It is advisable to purchase gluten-free products to avoid dermatitis herpertiformis attacks and complications.

Wheat Allergy
If you suffer from wheat allergy, you should exclude all gluten foods from your diet. This allergy can present itself in various ways including contact hives, respiratory symptoms, and food allergy. Some of the symptoms include itching, eczema, hives, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, swollen mouth, and vomiting. These symptoms can affect various parts of the body including gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, eyes, mouth, skin, and nose.
Gluten Sensitivity
People who suffer from gluten sensitivity may experience fatigue, skin rash, headaches, abdominal pain or discomfort, gas, bloating, diarrhea, depression, and lethargy when they consume foods that contain gluten.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
This is another medical condition that has been associated with gluten foods. Irritable bowel syndrome can be very debilitating and frustrating. Its symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. Research has revealed that people who suffer from this condition may show improvements in their symptoms when they switch to a gluten-free diet.
Foods to Purchase
There are various foods that you can eat while you are on a gluten-free diet without worrying about side effects. These include:

• Rice
• Arrowroot
• Corn
• Flax
• Buckwheat
• Millet
• Nut flours
• Quinoa
• Sorghum
• Potatoes

If you enjoy eating bread, it is very important to make sure it is gluten-free. You can get bread made from potatoes or rice.

Gluten Sensitivity and a Gluten-Free Diet

It is often difficult to diagnose conditions associated with foods that contain gluten. In most cases, you will have to eliminate all forms of gluten foods to observe if your symptoms will improve. A gluten-free diet is not a fad especially for those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, Celiac disease, and gluten sensitivity. Continued consumption of these foods can aggravate your condition and cause long term damage to your small intestines.
There are various stores that offer gluten-free products to promote good health . These products will still provide the nutrients your body requires without leading to gluten reactions. Manufacturers are also producing gluten-free wheat products to meet the increasing demand. This means that you have a lot more options to consider when it comes to planning your delicious gluten-free diet.
Venice Bakery
134 Main Street
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 322–7357
http://www.venicebakery.com