Gluten Free Start Up Suggestions- AND GF Dining Tips For Lansing Michigan

Trying to eat Gluten Free?

Here's some good starter info- BUT FIRST, WHY EAT GLUTEN FREE? 

• Gluten is a very sticky molecule, it sticks to cell receptor sites- essentially "gumming up the works" 
• Gluten has been modified over the last 150- years to be even MORE glutinous- we are now more reactive to this wheat as it's different than all previous wheat historically
• Gluten inhibits cells ability to uptake sugar- adding insult to injury with those with sugar imbalances
• Gluten makes you fat! - It's true, if you don't digest it well (most people don't), it doesn't completely leave the intestinal tract, adding weight over time
• Gluten contributes to malabsorbtion of nutrients. This means your getting LESS of all those good foods your spending good money on. 
• Contributes to skin problems, yeast problems, breathing problems and digestive issues- probably alot more than that to...
• Gluten can easily be avoided these days with a bit of work at first but you get used to it! 

Here are some suggestion for alternatives: 

• Wheat Bread: Spelt Bread or Ezekiel Bread (available at most health food stores). These are ancient forms of grains, easier to digest and don't activate the allergic responses in the body so easily. 
• Wheat Noodles: Quinoa Noodles (amazing) you can't tell the difference at all! The link has the brand I like. 
• Quinoa at meals instead of wheat based sides. Quinoa is SO delicious, cooks faster than rice and is GF!
• Pizza is a toughie- they do make gluten free pizza's in the area but I haven't been able to try them yet. Here's a spot in Okemos that I've been wanting to go. Guido's Pizza is supposed to be really good. 

Lastly here's a list of restaurants that have gluten free options in Lansing

• Spotted Dog Cafe (downtown- AMAZING), 
• The deli at Better Health in frandor makes gluten free wraps...
• Here's a few more

If you are severely allergic to wheat you will need to go beyond these guidelines as wheat is in soups, sauces, and all sorts of boxed foods. However you can reverse wheat intolerance with the proper nutrients. Beginning to supplement with L'Glutamine is the first step.  This would need to be done daily for months to improvement. There are other cofactors that would help expedite this process.  

Please reach out to me at desiree@modernhippie.org for more information on food allergies.