GLUTEN-FREE SNACKS

An important way to help yourself become more successful in switching to a gluten-free diet, is to try to have gluten-free snacks on hand for you or your kids. Constantly having accessible snacks in your purse, car, desk at work, etc, helps you to curb the impulse to eat gluten. I was acquainted to a girl who after being diagnosed with Celiac's still continued to eat random wheat items weekly. A lot of people I think run in to this discouraging problem but for a variety of reasons, so I asked her why she personally continued to do this. She explained she would get hungry and find that running to a vending machine or store, she could more readily just grab a flour based snack such as crackers or pretzels. She said she knew she was being lazy, but that it was just easier when she was already hungry to eat gluten. So we outlined a list of snacks she could easily have on hand to prevent being in this position, and that required no special trips to the health food store or expensive substitutes. Preparation is the key to prevention. And once she was really off gluten, she saw how differently she felt and knew it was definitely worth any preparatory effort. Here are some of the snacks I suggested to her and to you now:

Trail Mix
Nuts
--Not only are these two items great sources of protein, they have a long shelf-life and can easily be stored for quite some time.

String Cheese
Yogurt
--More great protein ideas.

Dry Cereal--I have actually kept a full box of cereal in my desk before, or sometimes on Sundays I will bag about 5 sandwich bags full of a variety of cereals for the week. And just throw one in my purse in the mornings, so I have it if needed.

Tortilla Chips--I do the same thing as the cereal, fill snack bags with them at the beginning of the week, and have them quick and ready to go with me.

Microwave Popcorn--Obviously not the most helpful snack while in your car, but great for a snack at the office; keep a box in your desk.

Fruit snacks
Fruit Roll Ups
Dried Fruit
Boxes of Raisins
--All of which can also be stored for months.

These are a few ideas that will healthily help your hunger subside while you get to a point you can eat a full gluten-free meal. I know it can be tricky, but don't sacrifice your health for the convenience of a granola bar or a vending machine burrito. Have some snacks or treats ready so you don't give in to the temptation to go back to eating gluten, even if it is done sparingly.