Ok, let’s revisit those opioid receptors for a hot-minute. For those of us doing the gluten-free trial, keep in mind that because eating gluten alters brain chemistry, so does not eating gluten. What that means - withdrawal phase. Just like withdrawal from other opioid-like substances (heroin, morphine), gluten elimination will induce cravings and might make you feel a bit off-kilter for a few days. But you probably already knew that. Hopefully, you aren’t manhandling a baked good as you read this and are able to pat yourself on the back for resisting that last temptation. Keep up the good work! It DOES get easier. If you’ve already slipped, no worries. Just start again.
In addition to the aspect of brain chemistry, there are other ways that gluten affects your body. Check out this article for a more detailed description about gluten and how it is related to depression, autism, ADHD, autoimmune disease and skin complaints.
http://www.purelydelicious.net/PDmarch2007Gluten.pdf
If you need ideas for those pesky cravings, rest assured that gluten-alternatives abound! Ask your local grocer what ideas they have. Some of my faves are Trader Joe’s Gluten-free Chocolate Walnut Cookies (of course beware the sugar factor), Angeline’s Bread, and Mary’s Gone Crackers. And remember, there is a BIG world of healthy and tasty foods out there, like: mango, asparagus, portabella mushrooms, quinoa, wild rice, salmon, coconut milk, sunflower seed butter, beets, walnuts, pine nuts, basil, garlic, lamb, buffalo, kale, berries, legumes - to name a few. Go grab a basketful already! A few of you have asked for recipes, so I’ll do my best to throw some easy, yummy ones up on here soon. In the meantime, check out the gluten-free blogs that I have linked.
Eat well!
Liz
Vishen Health Guru
P.S. Just for kicks, I found this sweet Feist video, "MUSHABOOM", on Gluten-free NYC's blog. Have a peek if you've got a minute. The bread in the video is OBVIOUSLY gluten-free. Enjoy!
No comments:
Post a Comment