Enjoying the Benefits of a Gluten-Free Diet
By Ryan Nelson, Trainer at Lions Gym

Do you experience overwhelming fatigue, headaches, aching joints, poor concentration, emotional irritability, diarrhea, muscle cramps, bloating or gas after eating? If you answered yes to any of the following you may in fact be intolerant to gluten. Consider the benefits of a gluten-free diet. Basing your diet around gluten-free food is healthier and will benefit your cholesterol levels, digestion, and energy level. You don't have to worry about the little things like soy sauce and malt flavorings at first, but if you avoid the major red flags in the gluten-free diet, you will start to feel much healthier. A strict gluten-free diet means no oats, wheat, rye, or barley. This does mean you may have to make several changes in your diet. Most desserts will be off-limits, decreasing your sugar and fat intake. Healthy grains like quinoa and rice, as well as sweet potatoes and veggies will be your main source of carbohydrates. Start eating more fruits, vegetables, meats, in addition to the healthy grains I mentioned. You will also be giving up most fast food, helping avoid grease, fat, and oil. Overall, you would consume less junk food and more fresh food, which is a healthier way for anyone to eat. I have been following a gluten-free diet for more than a year and have noticed several changes, both physical and mental. I noticed after 1 month of being gluten-free that I had lost nearly 10 pounds of water weight. I noticed that I was more flexible, had more energy, and was mentally clearer. I have also found many healthy gluten-free alternatives to old gluten favorites. The change to gluten-free has been rewarding and also inspired me to be more conscious of the food I eat. Here is a gluten-free breakfast favorite of mine: Turkey bacon, onions, quinoa, slivered almonds, cucumbers, fried eggs with a dash of salt and pepper, cooked in coconut oil.