Celiac disease is defined as inflammation of the small intestine caused by gluten, which is found in various grains, including wheat, rye, malt, barley and oats. When a person affected by celiac disease eats these grains, their intestinal mucosa become damaged. This leads to weight loss, malnutrition and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Celiac disease can develop at any point in your life. Once diagnosed, you will need to follow a gluten-free diet.
Breakfast
A sample breakfast on a gluten-free diet might include a whole-grain, gluten-free waffle, with maple syrup, strawberries and low-fat milk. Orange juice is acceptable as well. Eggs are also gluten-free. Make an omelet with low-fat cheese and fresh vegetables. Jam, jelly or preserves on a rice cake or gluten-free toast can be eaten. Avoid cereals made with rye, barley and wheat. Avoid cereals made with added malt extract, malt syrup or malt flavoring.
Lunch
An example of a gluten-free lunch includes pizza made with whole-grain, gluten-free pizza crust. Top the pizza with low-fat cheese, grilled chicken and fresh vegetables. Another idea is black bean tacos made with corn tortillas, black beans, fresh vegetables, low-fat cheese and salsa. Prepare a large tossed salad with fresh vegetables and top with grilled chicken or tuna. Make a sandwich with gluten-free bread and fresh turkey or chicken with lettuce and tomato.
Dinner
Menu choices for your dinner can include a gluten-free pasta with pesto sauce. Choose pasta that is not made with wheat or wheat starch. Chicken and vegetables stir fried in oil is another quick gluten-free dinner idea. Eat the stir-fry with white or brown rice. Add a mixed green salad topped with fresh vegetables and oil and vinegar dressing to any dinner. Avoid any vegetables prepared with sauces. Avoid fried potatoes, as they may have been fried in the same oil as another food that contains gluten. Avoid fried vegetables and scalloped potatoes.
Snacks and Beverages
Possible snack ideas include low-fat yogurt, cottage cheese, rice cakes, rice crackers, nuts, popcorn, cheese, potato chips and corn tortilla chips. Add gluten-free cereal or fresh fruit to your yogurt. At night, you can snack on most ice creams and sherbet. Beverages that you can have include tea, instant or ground coffee, cocoa, fruit and vegetable juices and soft drinks. If you drink alcohol, choose distilled alcoholic beverages, wine or gluten-free beer.
References
- "Nutrition Therapy and Pathophysiology"; Marcia Nelms, et al.; 2007
- PudMed Health; Celiac Disease -- Sprue; 2010
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology; Gluten-Free Diet; Frank W. Jackson
- "Nutrition Care Manual: Gluten-Free Nutrition Therapy"; American Dietetic Association; 2009
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