In the past few years, there has been an immense increase of gluten free foods in most supermarkets and restaurants. Although many people have adopted a gluten free lifestyle whether they have gluten sensitivities or not, others still see it as a fad, due to the fact that it has become such a diet trend among celebrities and personalities. 

Gluten intolerance is often developed later in life and it can be set off by life-changing, stressful events. During pregnancy, there are many changes happening to the woman’s body, causing a repression in the immune system. It’s not uncommon to see autoimmune diseases going into remission during pregnancy or postpartum period. 

Even if you don’t have any gluten sensitivities, problems can arise when we constantly eat gluten throughout the day:

1. Breakfast - Bread
2. Lunch - Pizza
3. Snack - Crackers 
4. Dinner - Pasta 

If most of our meals contain gluten, it can cause an immune reaction because gluten is hard to digest efficiently. When our bodies are going through one of the most stressful life events, such as pregnancy, postpartum, and even early motherhood, cutting down the amount of gluten can make a difference in restoring health. It’s also important to note that being gluten-free does not necessarily equate to guilt-free.

Gluten free cookies or pasta are still industrialized foods with very little or no nutritional content. Our bodies thrive when we consume whole foods such as vegetables and fruits. Instead of making gluten free pasta, how about making zucchini noodle pasta? Or how about eating dates instead of gluten free cookies? 

I constantly talk about mothers as being the role models to kids, but being a role model comes with great responsibility. Shifting your food choices may earn you longevity, prevent autoimmune diseases, and teach your kids and loved ones how to live a wonderful healthy life. 

Of course, if you don’t have any underlying health issues, perhaps completely cutting out gluten isn’t for you, and that’s okay too. For me, I live a 90/10 lifestyle. I’m happy with making great decisions 90% of the time and doing whatever else during my 10% free time. If I’m traveling and this place has the best pizza ever, of course I’m eating it! I just go back to conscious nutrition the day after.

Always tune in and ask yourself questions. Make a food diary. Watch your bowel movements and the quality of your poop. Pay attention to how you feel after eating certain foods. Watch out for bloating, flatulence, and fatigue. If you have a doctor you trust, ask him/her for advice. What’s important is to understand the stages of life and make the decisions that best help you move through them with ease.

I have attached a few articles for you to learn more about gluten and its influence on your health:

• Going gluten-free just because? Here’s what you need to know
• 10 Supercharged Health Benefits of Eating a Gluten-Free Diet
• Advantages and Benefits of a Gluten Free Diet  

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Edited by: Lily Zara