Gluten-free dieting, just another fad?

Recently, I have been researching the gluten-free life for the purpose of dieting. (Not that I am looking to diet - that's nuts for someone like me who already is forced to eat healthy.) I try to have an open mind about these kinds of things, but sometimes I can't avoid developing a negative decision from the outset. This is one of those times.

Except for those who are undiagnosed with a medical condition such as gluten intolerance or even inflammation related ailments, it seems that the reasons people are losing weight on the gluten-free diet is because they are limiting (or eliminating) carbs. Since the American diet is typically overloaded with carbs as it is, anyone will lose weight in the beginning. Why not try an eating program that limits carbs in a healthy way, instead of avoiding gluten and having to work even harder for balanced nutrition, have less options and overall spending more money (less chance of sticking with it)? South Beach comes to mind.

The biggest challenge for someone with food allergies is finding the proper balance in nutrition. Grain is a big one. When you take away variety, your chance of developing another food allergy rises. (Rice allergies are highest in Asian countries where rice is a main staple of their diet). If you do not have to remove a food for health reasons, simply adjust your eating habits to include more nutritious foods: twinkie vs. slice of bread. Both have gluten. One is nutritionally dense, the other is not. One can help you lose weight, the other cannot.

Gluten is only the enemy if your body cannot process it effectively to extract the huge amounts of nutrients packed inside the food. It is an asset if you can.

It's true, our country is wheat obsessed and anyone can benefit from limiting wheat products. Variety, remember?

So my unqualified, blog-advice is to make life as easy and enjoyable as possible. You want to lose weight? (I understand - I have lost over 50 pounds, twice, in my lifetime.) Learn how to eat nutritiously and make time to be more active. Staying hydrated, de-stressed and getting enough sleep go a long way too.