Meal Planning for People With Celiac Lunch Choices

Today I will go over some healthy gluten free lunch ideas.  I find the best way to eat healthy and gluten free is to bring your lunch to school or work.  You never have to worry about cross contamination or if your choice is truly gluten free.  You must plan, shop and prepare ahead of time for the week.  Here are some healthy balanced lunches.

Meal Planning For People With Celiac Breakfast Choices

Having to eat gluten free can be a challenge.  You should  eat healthy foods to make sure you get in all the vitamins and minerals you need.  You must  plan healthy meals, and learn to read labels.  Eating healthy and balanced is important to prevent any deficiencies.  Today I  will give you sample breakfasts that are gluten free and healthy.

Celiac Mom R.D.: Gluten Free Banana Bread

Celiac Mom R.D.: Gluten Free Banana Bread: This yummy banana bread recipe I have been using for years. It can be made with gluten free flour or regular flour.  Everywhere I bring this...

Almonds

Vitamin A Deficiency

The United States National Institutes of Health recommends testing vitamin A levels in people with Celiac disease at time of diagnosis.
This is because vitamin A deficiency is common in celiac due to incomplete digestion, absorption and metabolism.

So how does this  develop in people with Celiac disease, some due to upper digestive problems, such as low stomach acid.  If there is a protein deficiency there could be an impairment of vitamin A absorption.  Finally, the liver cannot mobilize stored vitamin A to maintain adequate blood levels when blood protein and zinc levels are low.
Vitamin A deficiency can persist or develop after diagnosis if the new gluten free diet does not include adequate amounts of vitamin A, protein, zinc and fat.

Unlikely Sources Of Gluten

Gluten hides in many different places, here are some very unlikely suspects.  I will list a few and you may be surprised. 

1.  Medication and supplements- Gluten may be used to bind pills together.  So when looking for vitamins and medications, check and make sure they are gluten free.

Cross Contaimination

I have touched on this subject before, for Celiac people this is important and often overlooked.  It is something many people don't know or think about, when it comes to gluten free.  It is also one of the main reasons people still feel sick within the first few months of adhering to a strict gluten free diet.

When you have Celiac disease you think about cross contamination all the time, people often don't realize how this can make you feel sick.  Long gone are the days of just running into a store for a snack.  Life is about preparing and always carrying a safe food in case you feel hungry.