Is Gluten Harming Your Weight Loss Goals?

Gluten-free is the new raging trend, but surprisingly, this may actually be the key to achieving your weight loss goals. Many people may not realize it, but gluten intolerance is a common underlying contributing factor behind weight gain. So, see below to discover how gluten might be preventing you from losing weight and how you can start cutting it out of your diet!

Gluten is essentially the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten intolerance is when your body has difficulty absorbing this protein. People with gluten intolerance may experience many digestive issues, such as cramping, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and gas. But every person often has different symptoms that they might encounter. People with gluten intolerance who continue to eat gluten also often suffer from vitamin deficiencies because their body cannot absorb nutrients from their food. Extensive vitamin deficiencies can put you at risk for autoimmune diseases and other physical health issues down the line.

Research has shown that gluten intolerance can also lead to weight gain. Additionally, even people without gluten intolerance have found that a gluten-free diet can generally promote weight loss and improve their digestive health. Many of the foods that we eat today with high amounts of gluten also have other refined sugars and artificial ingredients that may be further contributing to a variety of physical health issues. 

To discover if you might be gluten intolerant, try eliminating it completely from your diet and see how you feel. If you notice that you are not experiencing some of the symptoms you felt before, then gluten intolerance might be what you have been struggling with all along! Even if you aren’t gluten intolerant, eliminating gluten from your diet can be very beneficial for assisting you on your weight loss journey regardless. 

If you are ready to start your gluten-free journey, make sure that you have the essential items listed below in your pantry or refrigerator to help get you started! There are many additional resources online that can further help you to think of new and innovative ways to still eat the foods you love but without the gluten.

Gluten-Free Shopping List Essentials:

1. Vegetables: Any of them! They are all naturally gluten-free. 

2. Fruits: Any of them! They are all naturally gluten-free. 

3. Meats: Most meats are gluten-free, but some processed meats (e.g., sausage, hot dogs, lunch meats, packaged meats, etc.) can contain gluten fillers.

4. Legumes and Beans: These are all naturally gluten-free. Chickpeas, black beans, and lentils are a great source of additional nutrition as well if your body tolerates them well..  

5. Dairy Products: All dairy products are naturally gluten-free, but do make sure to check for gluten additives or fillers as well. Most people do best on a dairy free diet as well, but this can be a place where gluten can be sneaky and hide! Check that cookie dough ice cream! ;)

6. Gluten-Free Grains: Quinoa, millet, rice, corn, buckwheat, and gluten-free oats. Most gluten free substitutes like breads and pastas are made from these grains. Keep these grains to a minimum in your gluten free diet.

Although gluten-free is trendy, there is actually a real benefit to this fad when it is approached correctly.. Gluten intolerance may be the key to your weight loss journey and discovering a vast improvement in overall health.