Gluten-free diets are becoming more and more common these days, but it still seems like there are still some wrong ideas about the lifestyle going around - especially among people who choose to go gluten-free as a health choice rather than because of Celiac disease. Anyone who’s an expert on the diet will have probably corrected people on these topics before - and for anyone who’s wondering what the gluten-free diet is all about, pay attention!
1. “A gluten-free diet is is the same as a carb-free diet.”
Gluten does NOT equal carbs. Here’s proof.
2. “Going on a gluten-free diet is a great way to lose weight.”
If you simply cut out everything in your diet that has gluten (like bread, pasta, etc.) then yeah, you’ll probably lose weight. But if you replace them with gluten-free items…you’re still eating bread.
3. Needing to be on a gluten-free diet isn’t really a medical condition, it’s made up.
Nope. It’s an autoimmune disorder, which means that people with Celiac disease literally cannot process the gluten molecule.
4. “Having one bite of something with gluten won’t really make someone with Celiac disease sick.”
It will. Seriously.
5. “Gluten-free food just doesn’t measure up to food with gluten in it.”
Not true. It’s just as delicious. Just try some of the recipes here, here and here.
6. “Ordering something without bread in it at a restaurant is safe for a gluten-free diet.”
Gluten can sneak into foods like soup and salad dressings, so make sure the waiters know to communicate to the kitchen that they need to use gluten-free protocols.
7. “Going on a gluten-free diet is only for people with Celiac disease.”
While science doesn’t officially condone going gluten-free to lose weight, eliminating gluten can help with a range of conditions other than Celiac disease, like gluten intolerance and sensitivity.
What’s something else that people always get wrong about the gluten-free diet? Tell us in the comments below!
