Exploring a Gluten-Free Diet: My Experience and Results

Thank you for the opportunity to discuss my experience with a wheat-free diet. I started this dietary change in 2014 when I began following the Perfect Health Diet, a nutrition plan designed to eliminate foods that often contribute to inflammation or disease. This plan is similar to a Paleo or Whole30 diet, as it eliminates foods known to cause issues for many individuals.

Adopting a Gluten-Free Diet

We, my wife and I, adopted and stuck to this diet by preparing most of our meals at home. It is not as difficult as one might think, given control over ingredients. However, wheat is often absent from many standard meals such as sandwiches and pasta. Occasionally, we do buy gluten-free bread, but the consumption of pasta is limited.

Meal Preparation and Variety

The majority of our meals consist of protein-rich items such as fish, beef, poultry, and vegetables. We often substitute grains like wheat with more versatile options like potatoes or white rice. We enjoy making various dishes, experimenting with different herbs, spices, and sauces to add flavor. Sometimes, we prepare stews or soups, and an automatic pressure cooker has proven to be a handy tool for this.

Lunch Choices and Portion Control

For lunch, we often pack leftovers from the previous evening's dinner, which helps with both variety and portion control. Occasionally, we do have breakfast, usually consisting of some fruit. Eating out can be challenging, as many fast food options are off-limits. To limit restaurant meals, we typically choose a few nice steakhouses, as steak meals are usually wheat-free, and many finer restaurants can prepare meals to order.

Personal Experience and Health Benefits

Initially, I didn't know what specific health changes to expect, but since making this diet change, I have seen some remarkable results. In particular, I have noticed the disappearance of a few chronic conditions, which I cannot wholly attribute to eliminating wheat alone, as I also removed several other foods. My GERD and heartburn symptoms have nearly disappeared, and I haven't had an asthma attack in six years. My appetite is normal, my bowel movements are good, and I have lost 40 pounds.

Alternatives and Preparation Methods

If you decide to adopt a gluten-free diet but find it challenging to stick to, you can certainly go several months without eating wheat. There are many alternatives available that can be prepared in exciting ways. You can find a plethora of recipes in books or online. Some alternative grains and root vegetables that can be used in pastries include:
Buckwheat Oats (make sure they are certified gluten-free) Quinoa Coconut flour Tapioca Amaranth Chickpea (or garbanzo) flour Sweet potatoes Yams Potatoes Turnips

Conclusion

This change in diet will be a permanent part of my life. The benefits have been substantial, both in terms of physical health and enjoyment of the food I eat. If you're considering a wheat-free or gluten-free diet, I believe you'll find it to be a rewarding and liberating experience.