With the increasing awareness of celiac disease and gluten intolerance, the food industry has responded by developing an array of gluten-free products, such as gluten-free breakfast cereals, bread, sauces, snack foods and cereal bars. Celiac disease is present in approximately 1 percent of the population, while gluten intolerance touches 6 percent of Americans, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The only treatment for these conditions is the complete elimination of gluten, the protein present in wheat, barley, rye and oats.
Gluten-Free Products
Gluten-free products are marketed for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. For them, eliminating gluten from their diet is essential to stay healthy. However, because these products are found in health food stores and in the health section of grocery stores, many believe that gluten-free products are a healthier alternative. If you suspect you have an intolerance to gluten and have symptoms similar to irritable bowel syndrome, such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain and cramping, talk to your doctor to get tested. Other symptoms of gluten intolerance include headaches, weight gain, fatigue, foggy mind and tingling of the extremities.
Read the Label
The products labeled as gluten-free at a grocery store are processed, refined foods for the most part. Although they can make a convenient option for people who need to avoid gluten, a gluten-free food is not necessarily healthy. For example, gluten-free cereal bar may contain a lot of calories, sugar or questionable chemicals. Whenever buying a food that is packaged, read the ingredient list and have a look at the nutrition facts label and you will see that some gluten-free cereal bars are healthier than others.
Make Your Own
A good alternative to the commercially prepared gluten-free cereal bars is to make your own. You save money and can include only the highest quality and healthiest ingredients. Mix 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup with 1/2 cup of almond or peanut butter, 2 cups of gluten-free cereals or certified gluten-free oat flakes, 1 1/2 cups of a mixture of your favorite nuts and seeds, 1/2 cup of dried unsweetened coconut and 1/2 cup of dried fruits of your choice. Put the mixture in a baking dish and bake about 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once cooled, cut into 20 bars and keep in an airtight container. If you have too many, refrigerate or freeze for later use.
Whole, Unprocessed Snack Foods
Gluten-free cereal bars are processed and may be a convenient option if you are in a hurry, too busy to prepare your own bars or traveling, but shouldn't be part of your everyday diet. There are plenty of foods that are naturally free of gluten that you can have as a healthy snack. For example, a piece of fruit, like a banana, an apple, a pear, an orange or berries make a healthy snack. You can also mix your fruits with plain yogurt for a change. Nuts and seeds are convenient to carry with you and can keep at room temperatures. Keep a bag of almonds, peanuts, walnuts, cashews, sunflower seeds or macadamia nuts at your office, in your gym bag or in your purse for a quick and satisfying gluten-free snack.
