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Bread & the Gluten-Free Diet

Canadian Celiac Association

Children & Gluten-Free Living



Breakfast is the most important meal of the day but trying to stick with quick, healthy choices can be difficult and we can be tempted to trade time for nutrition.

Three of the biggest breakfast pitfalls we need to steer clear of are:

Doughnuts. High in sugar, trans-fats, calories and refined flour, doughnuts are not only bad for your waistline, but ultimately disastrous for your energy levels as well. The high sugar content is likely to end in a midday energy crash. If you crave a doughnut, try a piece of whole-grain bread with some jam and peanut butter instead.

Fast-Food “Breakfast Sandwiches.” The combination of low-quality, fried meats, processed cheese, and refined breads adds up to a high-calorie, high-sodium, fat-laden food. A better option is to make a sandwich at home - include whole-grain bread, low-fat cheese and fresh veggies, for an added dose of fiber.

Sugared Cereal. While different brands vary widely in the amount of added sugars (do your homework and read the labels), sugared cereals should not be a part of your morning routine - or your diet, period. If you crave sweetness, try adding a teaspoon of sugar or stevia to unsweetened whole-grain cereals, or try a bowl of steel-cut oats with some blackstrap molasses, which provides an added dose of calcium.

Here's a quick and easy option that is gluten-free, high in complete protein, provides healthy fats, fruits, and is full of flavor. Quinoa, and the cookbook Omega3 Cuisine, are both available at Nutter's!

Fruity Quinoa Cereal

3 cups apple juice
¼ teaspoon sea salt
1 cup quinoa, well rinsed and drained
¼ cup dried apricots, chopped
¼ cup dried blueberries
¼ cup dried papaya, chopped
¼ cup dried cranberries
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Pinch of ground cloves
Pinch of ground allspice
1 ripe peach, cut into ½-inch pieces
Sweet Udo* or Whipped Udo-Butter**



Bring the juice and salt to a boil in a medium pot. Stir in the quinoa, dried fruit, and spices. As soon as the mixture returns to a boil, turn the heat down to medium and cover the pot. Cook for about 15 minutes. Uncover, stir in the peach pieces, and check the consistency of the cereal. If it's getting a bit thick, add a little more juice. Cover again and cook for about 5 minutes longer. Serve immediately, with Sweet Udo or Whipped Udo-Butter on the side.

T*I*P -- Instead of apple juice, try apple-pear, cherry, blueberry, or any other subacid fruit juice. If peaches aren't in season, try another of your favorite fruit. If you choose to omit the peaches, at a bit more juice to make up for their absence.
-- from Omega3 Cuisine - Recipes for Health and Pleasure
*Sweet Udo

¼ cup Udo's Oil
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons agave nectar (CLICK HERE for more info on agave)
1 teaspoon crushed cardamom seeds

Put all of the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk furiously until the mixture is emulsified.

**Whipped Udo-Butter

4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
½ cup Udo's Oil

Whisk the butter until it is very smooth and creamy. Slowly add the oil, little by little, incorporating it thoroughly. Whisk a little longer, making sure the mixture is perfectly smooth. Scrape into a glass container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate. Stored in the refrigerator, Whipped Udo-Butter will keep at least 2 weeks, although once you start using it, don't expect it to last that long.












ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS

EFA's, as they are known, influence many areas of the body. Specifically for celiacs, EFA's are necessary to the process of producing and rebuilding cells for the already-under-attack-and-suffering villi in your intestines. A few sources: supplements or in dietary form from fish or flaxseed oil, raw nuts and seeds.
CALCIUM and MAGNESIUM

Calcium, in concert with magnesium, helps maintain the body's normal pH level, helps prevent aching joints and is important in the transmission of nerve impulses. It may prevent bone loss associated with osteoporosis. Magnesium is important in enzyme activity. Sources: seafood, green leafy vegetables and figs.
PRE and PROBIOTICS


Taking daily dairy and yeast-free pre and probiotics helps replace friendly bacteria in the gut and assists with breakdown and absorption of the foods you eat. Some sources include soybeans, raw oats and yogurts. Look for more and more pre and probiotics to be added to our foods.
VITAMIN B1 and B12


B1 helps with carbohydrate metabolism and production of hydrochloric acid necessary for proper digestion. B12 helps prevent anemia. Both help enhance your immune system. Sources include brown rice, egg yolks, fish, poultry, soybeans and soy products. Herbs include alfalfa and bladderwrack.
MULTIVITAMINS

Celiac disease causes malabsorption of vitamins A, B, D, E and K. If you have gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, it is important to choose a multivitamin that
is yeast free and wheat free.
Be very observant when reading the labels.
ZINC and COPPER

Zinc is required for protein synthesis and promotes a healthy immune system, having antioxidant activity comparable to vitamins C, E and beta-carotene. Copper is involved with healing, healthy skin and joints and the formation of hemoglobin. Sources: egg yolks, almonds, avocados, mushrooms, seafood, soybeans and raisins.
GLUTATHIONE

Considered with the amino acids, Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that can help repair the intestinal tract. Supplement form can be expensive so supplementing with the raw materials the body uses to make Glutathione is an acceptable alternative; N-acetyl-cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine.
VITAMIN D3

Vitamin D has both the properties of a vitamin and a hormone. It is important in the prevention of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis and enhances immunity. D3 is synthesized in the skin in response to the sun. Of the 3 types of D, D3 is considered the most natural and active. Sources: egg yolks, butter, fish liver oils, tuna and sweet potatoes.

HERBS THAT HELP
Alfalfa supplies vitamin K which is normally produced by friendly bacteria in the intestines. Not getting enough through your diet is rare unless your intestines are damaged and unable to absorb the molecule. It may also help prevent osteoporosis and is important in blood clotting. Alfalfa can be taken as a tea or in supplement form. Do not take large doses if you are pregnant or taking anticoagulant drugs. Megadoses can cause flushing and sweating.

Nutter's Bulk & Natural Foods 107, 1601 Dunmore Road SE., Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z8 (403) 529-1664 Locate A Store