Individuals with celiac disease, or CD, are extremely sensitive to a plant storage protein known as gluten. If you have celiac disease, your body will launch an autoimmune response whenever you ingest gluten from wheat, rye or barley. This autoimmune attack damages the villi, tiny fingerlike projections inside the wall of your small intestine, and causes symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating and nausea. You can control your disease by planning gluten-free menus for every meal.
Breakfast
Fresh fruit is naturally gluten-free, as are most canned, dried or frozen fruits. You can safely eat eggs, yogurt and other dairy products that don't have gluten added during the manufacturing process. Milk and fruit juices are gluten-free beverages, as are coffee and tea. Avoid bread, doughnuts, muffins and cereals that contain wheat, rye or barley. Some people with CD can tolerate the gluten found in oats, but others find that oatmeal and other oat products trigger an autoimmune response. Cereal made with rice, cornmeal or hominy is safe to eat as long as it doesn't contain wheat or other gluten-laden grains.
Lunch
Fresh meats, fish and poultry are gluten-free, but watch out for processed foods that have gluten added during the manufacturing process. Lettuce, tomatoes, carrots and other fresh vegetables can serve as the base for gluten-free salads. For sandwiches, choose gluten-free breads made from potato, white rice, brown rice, corn or arrowroot flour. Soup, lunch meat and hot dogs often contain gluten, says the Celiac Sprue Association. Gluten is sometimes used as a stabilizer in condiments like ketchup or teriyaki sauce. You can safely enjoy fruit juice, carbonated beverages and many nut or rice drinks with your meal. However, read labels carefully to make sure the products don't have added gluten.
Snacks
Feel free to enjoy gluten-free snacks like fresh fruits or vegetables, nuts, rice wafers or popcorn. You can also eat chips and tortillas made with pure cornmeal, gluten-free nut-based chips and vegetable chips. Indulge your sweet tooth with gluten-free gelatin, ice cream, sherbet, custard or pudding. The first time you purchase a commercial product, read the label carefully to make sure gluten hasn't been incorporated. Keep a list of gluten-free favorites to make menu planning easier.
Dinner
When choosing a main protein dish for dinner, stick with fresh or minimally processed meat, fish or poultry free from coatings or marinades. Add carbohydrates from brown rice, white rice, corn, sorghum, wild rice, flax, potatoes, soy or sweet potatoes. Fresh vegetables are gluten-free, but watch for additives in canned or frozen varieties. If you want to add alcohol, choose unfermented drinks such as wine, brandy, vodka, rum and tequila.
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