Whether or not you are new to the gluten-free lifestyle, it’s easy to fall prey to less than wise food choices.

Perhaps even more surprising, you can follow a gluten-free diet religiously and still be eating poorly.

How is that possible?

Well, just because your diet is gluten-free – or vegan, vegetarian or something else entirely – it doesn’t mean your diet is healthy.

After all, temptation is everywhere.

And regardless of which diet you follow, processed, sugary foods are often pervasive.

However, fear not. Below are some easy tips that could easily get you back on the right track.

 

Embrace Whole Foods

There is joy to be found in eating low on the food chain.

That means embracing the foods that come directly from the earth, with little to no processing.

In fact, that is the very definition of a whole food.

The fewer ingredients, the better off you will be. Plus, you can be sure that none of these products contain gluten or any other suspect ingredients.

Indeed, whole foods are about as pure as you can get.

Next time you’re shopping for groceries, here are some questions you can ask before tossing less than healthy choices into your grocery cart.

• Where does the food come from?
• Is it naturally derived from the earth?
• Can you imagine it growing in a field?

The journey of a whole food from earth to market is a direct one. These are the foods that are packed full of nutritional benefits that will jump-start your diet in no time.

And that’s what you want.

 

Eat the Rainbow

Look for the freshest, most beautiful ingredients you can find, especially when buying produce.

Remind yourself to ‘eat the rainbow’.

If you’re not sure what that means, eating the rainbow refers to the kaleidoscope of colors found in nature. Your choices in produce – in a range of colors from red, green, purple, orange and yellow – are the very foods you need to include to ensure optimal health.

Be sure to grab a copy of the March issue of Whole Living Magazine – for an in-depth look at what this concept really means.

Not only are the pictures gorgeous but there are also some delicious recipes for you to experiment with.

 

Focus on Quality

Beyond produce, look for hormone-free, grass-fed beef and organic, cage-free poultry. Choose wild fish over farmed.

Focus on quality, organic ingredients wherever possible, whether purchasing fresh, frozen or canned.

Speaking of canned, keep in mind that most cans – whether aluminum or steel – are coated with the chemical BPA (bisphenol A), which has recently been the subject of many health concerns.

I buy Eden brand canned beans and Nature Forest Coconut Milk –  two brands that are known to be BPA-free.

Make sure your diet also includes whole grains and legumes, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats.

That’s right – fats can be healthy, too!

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