A gluten-free diet is one that does not contain gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. People who need gluten-free diets have a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, a condition in which the body cannot break down gluten properly. Since gluten is a common ingredient in the average American diet, finding tasty gluten-free meal ideas for children is important to help kids feel included in family dinners and parties, as well as to keep them healthy.
Fruits and Vegetables
All fruits and vegetables in their raw, natural state are fair game for a gluten-free child's diet, according to Celiac.com. Keep raw apple slices or carrot sticks handy in the refrigerator for snacking or to add to a child's lunch. Dried fruit can also be added to a gluten-free diet, but check the labels carefully; fruits that are sweetened with barley malt contain gluten and should be avoided. It's also wise to avoid the sweetener maltodextrin, as this is sometimes made from gluten-containing barley malt. If your child is old enough to read, have her help you read food labels and identify gluten-containing ingredients. Allowing children to help read food labels helps them feel like they are in charge of choosing their gluten-free diet, instead of the diet dictating what they can and cannot eat.
Proteins
Lean meats, poultry, fish and eggs are safe in their natural state, according to "Kids and the Gluten-Free Diet." However, packaged or processed meats, including chicken nuggets and patties, sausage, pepperoni and hot dogs, may contain gluten. Read the labels carefully to determine whether these are safe for your child. Once you've found a safe brand, read the label periodically to make sure the company has not changed its recipe to add gluten.
Treats
A gluten-free diet may mean missing out on desserts, including cakes, cookies and pies. However, some gluten-free cake, cookie and pie crust mixes or ready-made baked goods are available; check your supermarket or a health food store. Treats that are naturally gluten-free include popcorn, most types of plain chocolate and many types of hard candy.
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