Gluten Free Diet Meals For Kids

Children who are gluten sensitive or those who have celiac disease, can't safely consume foods that contain gluten, a plant storage protein found in rye, barley and wheat. If your child gluten sensitive, whenever she eats something that contains gluten, her body identifies the protein as a foreign body and mount an attack to destroy it. A gluten-free diet is the only proven treatment to stop celiac disease from damaging the small intestine. Some parents choose a gluten-free diet for children with autism because they believe gluten interferes with normal bowel function, sleep and behaviors.

Entrees

Meats, fish, poultry and eggs are all gluten-free in their natural states. Entrees made with these protein sources are safe for your gluten-sensitive child as long as gluten hasn't been added during the manufacturing process. You should serve minimally-processed types of these entrees and avoid breaded or marinated forms. You can also safely serve legume entrees made with lentils, beans or peas if you don't add a gluten-containing ingredient during the cooking process.

Side Dishes

Fresh fruits and vegetables are naturally gluten-free. You can serve your child canned, frozen or dried fruits and vegetables that do not contain preservatives, thickeners or additives made with wheat, barley or rye. Gluten-free grains include quinoa, brown rice, wild rice, white rice, kasha, risotto and tapioca. You can serve these allowed grains as a side dish or add them to salads.

Desserts

Chocolate is gluten-free, as are most brands of ice cream, sherbet or yogurt. Gelatin provides another gluten-free dessert for gluten-sensitive youngsters, and you can safely add fresh fruit to liven it up. Most types of custard and junket are gluten-free, as are homemade rice or tapioca puddings made without gluten-containing ingredients. Walnuts, almonds, peanuts and other nuts are naturally gluten-free and can be eaten whole or as a garnish on a gluten-free dessert.

Beverages

You can comfortably serve milk to a child who is gluten-sensitive; chocolate made with cocoa is another good choice. Fruit juices are typically gluten-free, as are carbonated and flavored waters. Some rice and nut beverages are gluten-free, but others are not. Check the label carefully before buying a new beverage for your youngster. While many soft drinks are gluten-free, most root beer brands contain gluten.