Children with special needs due to celiac disease, wheat or casein intolerance, or allergy may benefit from a gluten-free, casein-free diet. The GFCG diet is also used to help autism, though the benefits are anecdotal and not research-supported, states the University of Texas. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Casein is a protein found in milk and milk products. Many foods, however, are naturally free of these proteins. A dietitian can help plan the GFCF diet that is best for your child.
Fruits and Vegetables
Unprocessed and unseasoned fruits and vegetables are naturally gluten- and casein-free. Vegetable choices could include carrots, corn, peas, beans and squash, or kid-friendly fruits such as apples, bananas, citrus fruits or seasonal fruits such as strawberries. Work with a nutritionist or your child's pediatrician to ensure your child is receiving a balanced amount of fruits, vegetables and other foods as part of a special diet, suggests the University of Virginia Health System. Choose fresh produce when possible. Canned fruits and vegetables may contain additives, spices or seasonings that may contain gluten or casein additives; reading product labels will help you determine if these additives are present.
Meats
Fresh, unprocessed meats are naturally free of gluten and casein. Choose plain cuts of beef, pork, poultry or fish. Meat products that have been basted, seasoned or injected with spices may contain gluten or casein additives. Be cautious with processed meat products such as hot dogs, lunch meat, sausages or snack meats as these may also contain gluten or casein additives. Instead, consider plain meats that you prepare and season at home.
Proteins
Many protein sources are gluten- and casein-free, including natural peanut butter and unflavored nuts such as walnuts, pistachios and almonds. Beans and legumes are a versatile protein source that can be added to many meals and side-dishes. Consider kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, chickpeas or lentils.
Grains
Removing gluten from your child's diet means she can no longer consume products made with wheat, barley, spelt or rye. Many grain alternatives are gluten-free, however, and can replace traditional gluten-based grains. Flax, quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat, millet, tapioca and teff are gluten free, casein free. Gluten-free, casein-free products made from these grains are commercially available to replace common, wheat-based foods such as breads, pasta, crackers and baked goods. check your local whole foods or organic store for gluten-free, casein-free products made from these grains.
