Gluten Free

Research shows that gluten sensitivity in some form, including celiac disease and mild gluten intolerance,affects approximately 15% of the US population and I wouldn't be surprised to see that number rise. It seems more and more people I come in contact with have gluten intolerance or celiac disease. So what is gluten intolerance? In many people the body reacts to gluten as if the protein is a virus and their body attacks it and the surrounding tissue. This response damages the surrounding tissue and has the potential to set off many health problems within the body. Gluten sensitivity means that rather than digesting gluten the body ends up fighting gluten as if it were a virus which leads to inflammation. This reaction can result in a variety of symptoms such as; gastro-intestinal problems (IBS, bloating, pain, gas, constipation, diarrhea), aching joints, eczema, depression, head aches, exhaustion, etc...

At the requests of some of my readers I've been experimenting with some gluten free lunches. I made two this week that went over well with the kids so I thought I'd share them with you! Before I get into what I included in each lunch I will state that if you are packing a lunch for someone with a gluten sensitivity or allergy I would encourage you to read labels VERY carefully. Gluten is hidden in many foods you might not suspect such as; deli meat, dry spices, candies, sauces, salad dressing, soups, etc...

The first gluten-free lunch includes: gluten-free deli sliced turkey/grape kabobs, two protein packed peanut butter muffins, carrots/hummus, string cheese, two squares of gluten-free dark chocolate

The second lunch includes a peanut butter sandwich using a gluten-free waffleinstead of bread, hard boiled egg, cheese, cantaloupe/grapes, broccoli, gluten-free brownie