As I’m sure most of you are aware by now, I’ve been on a very strict gluten free diet since early September. And if you caught my last post, you know I’m now on that diet forever. As I was testing out the gluten free thing to see if I was any healthier, I heard some interesting responses when I was telling people. I decided to take this opportunity to discuss some myths surrounding a gluten free diet.
Gluten Free Diet Myths
‘Oh, that must be healthier’
This one I’ll never understand. There seems to be a strong opinion that gluten is unhealthy. And unless you’re coeliac/ intolerant/ have another health issue that gluten triggers, it’s not bad for you. Certain foods often labelled healthier include gluten, like rye and spelt.
In a lot of cases, the gluten free product may be less healthy as the ingredients are more processed. Obviously, not in all cases. My switching out whole wheat flour for GF oat flour in my pancakes is a healthier switch. But when you compare a basic bread recipe to the ingredients on the back of a gluten free loaf, I know which one I’d rather eat…
‘Do you think you’ll lose weight?’
Unless I lost weight because of how impossible it is to eat out, I don’t see a reason why that would happen. Not eating barley? Eat rice/ quinoa instead. Not eating whole wheat crackers? Eat a rice cake. Pasta? We all know I love lentil. Most whole foods are gluten free. My diet was 95% gluten free before. The changes are quite small for me. But even if I did eat a lot of gluten prior to this, there are alternatives that are like for like in terms of calories and nutrition for most things.
‘Maybe I should try that’
Similarly to the first one, unless you’re having problems when you eat gluten. You’ll likely not see any differences on a gluten free diet other than an increased grocery bill.
Have you heard any of these gluten free diet myths? Or have you ever wondered if any of them are true?
Until next time,
Sophie
I’m happy that it’s working for you! My mum went on a crazy gluten free diet a few years ago with no symptoms of an intolerance or anything. I enjoyed getting inventive with recipes though ♀️
Kenna,
Oh, where do I start?! There are so many gluten-free myths and untruths, it’s unbelievable!
This was really interesting to read. I’ve definitely previously thought that having a gluten-free diet might lead to weight loss but I have no idea why I made that assumption, haha! x
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
I haven’t heard many myths apart from it being associated with weight loss x
This was so informative to read. Thank you so much for sharing.
New Post – http://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/2019/11/beauty-of-listening_10.html
I saw your tweets about this! I hope you are finding your new diet better x
Thank you so much! I’m feeling a lot healthier already x
I‘ve heard a lot of people thinking that it‘s healthier… I just think gluten free products don’t feel as heavy in my stomach but that‘s pretty much it haha Xx
Laura || https://get-ready-with-laura.blogspot.com
This is so interesting! I think there’s a lot of misconceptions about why some people go gluten free so this was a great read 🙂
I’ve heard a lot of people say that they go gluten free because it’s healthier but you just busted that myth. I haven’t thought to go gluten free and I font think I will as I don’t have an intolerance but it’s great that you’re doing it x
I lost like 3 lbs when I went gluten free, and that was only because I was eating less fast food. So it wasn’t the lack of gluten, it was me making better food decisions for my body. thanks to delicious lentils and home made GF bread and pancakes, i gained back the 3 lbs plus some.
GF worked better for what my body wanted. it’s not made me skinnier, i have no idea if it’s healthier. I just know my insides are happier when i’m not chowing down on wheat. I have no formal diagnosis, I have not spoken to a doctor. I just try different things and listen to my body.
thank you for this post!
I’ve always thought this! In Uni I had a flatmate that would eat gluten free versions of things because “It’s healthier” and I was never quite convinced. It’s good to know that I was right! I also had a hunch with your last point – that it wouldn’t make a difference unless you actually have gluten issues.
Jas xx
I’ve heard so many gluten free myths so it’s nice to see you addressing them! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
You have good points there.. it really is frustrating thought that it costs more!! On top of GF im dairy free too and its shocking how much they charge for products!!
This was such an interesting post! Loved hearing your thoughts on the myths, I don’t understand why so many people seem to think gluten free is far healthier! So many seemed to have made the change in their diet when it wasn’t needed xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Glad it is working for you.
xx- Nina
http://www.stylingwithnina.com/
I definitely used to wonder a lot about myth #1. It seemed to me that since my body was reacting better to gf-foods, that most gluten must be unhealthy altogether. That’s definitely not the case! And like you mentioned, rye is one of those great options.
I’ve noticed a lot of junk in gluten free products getting them for my husband. So, you really have to watch the labels just as you would with other stuff & gluten free products can be expensive more so than ones with gluten in them, so that’s something to watch too.
I’ve never understood why people are so adamant to be gluten free when they don’t need to be? We’ve bought gluten free bread a handful of times in my house and it was SO EXPENSIVE! x
I think it’s so unfair that gluten free options cost more! I understand why but I don’t think it’s fair x
This is so interesting to read! I must admit as not having any intolerances I’ve always wondered if it meant you’d be healthier or lost weight etc. Great to read some insight!
Jessica & James | http://www.foodandbaker.co.uk
I’ve recently been diagnosed with IBS, and I’ve switched to a couple gluten free products to help reduce symptoms and it is making a real difference. I do agree with you about people eating gluten free because it is ‘healthier’.
Ellyn x | Life Of A Beauty Nerd
Great post – I think there are so many myths surrounding gluten issues!
Jess x
Great post! Thanks for sharing such good insight into these myths and sharing your experience!
This is so true. I don’t think people realise that gluten free food tends to be higher in carbs and fats. And as for the cost, take an ingredient out, add a couple of £s on!
As a coeliac it kind of annoys me when people assume I’ve jumped on the bandwagon of some ‘health kick’
Great post x
Myths can be quite harmful sometimes. People in all their ignorance will say things that can be frustrating, as they are on the outside looking in, and seeing only what the glass permits.
It is glorious to see you spreading the truth around and giving people cause to think!
This post has helped me become so much less ignorant, wow! I honestly thought gluten free items were healthier – I don’t even know why I thought that haha?!
Soph – https://girlvsworldblog.com x
Such an interesting post!
Carina | https://carinazz.blogspot.com/
Hi Sophie, I also do my best to follow a gluten free diet because I have serious bloating issues. Having said that I totally agree with you. I don’t think it makes such difference for me having gluten free or a normal bread.
This was an interesting read. I have always wondered whether there is a significant difference unless you have an intolerance. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Ashlee | ashleemoyo.com