Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Denise A. Pancyrz – Diabetes Reversal & Holistic Lifestyle Coach, Speaker, Author
There are many misconceptions when it comes to going “gluten-free.” Many people believe that replacing their bread,
pasta and cookies with gluten-free options made from rice or other gluten-free grains is a good idea, when in fact, it’s NOT.
Being gluten-free is critical for combating insulin resistance and staving off numerous other health conditions but depending on other grains to fill the void is a terrible mistake made by many due to a broad range of marketing that benefits these gluten-free companies and their sneaky ingredients that spike insulin.
If you want to be gluten free and still enjoy baked goods, there are much better alternatives that won’t cause the inflammatory response that most grains do. Afterall, white potatoes are gluten free, but it’s not recommended to eat potato chips or French fries if you are health conscious.
Making wise choices is essential, but having the right information is even more critical.
Best Alternatives:
Snacks
. Vegetables for snacking (celery, cucumber, radishes, olives)
. Pair with nut butters, hummus, guacamole, or
Greek yogurt dips
. Seed crackers such as Flackers (made with chia and flax seed)
. Almond flour crackers from Simple Mills
. Grain free tortilla chips made with cassava such as Siete brand.
Pasta
Replace Pasta with Miracle noodles (made from konjac root fiber), or spiralized vegetables such as zucchini, butternut squash or spaghetti squash. These can often be found pre-spiralized in the produce section (spaghetti squash is naturally formed angel hair like fibers).
You can purchase a spiralizer for home use or use your vegetable peeler to make fettucine-style “pasta”. There is also a newer product made from hearts of palm that is a delicious alternative to pasta, as well as one in the freezer section made from almond flour and tapioca from Cappello’s Brand.
Rice
Replace rice with finely chopped cauliflower or broccoli (found pre-done in produce section, freezer section or use a food processor).
Bread is a tough one for most people. Who doesn’t love bread? There are great gluten free recipes online that are made from cassava, coconut or almond flour and there are now really good alternatives in the freezer section such as Base Culture.
Pizza and Wraps
Please note: Avoid crusts with rice flour as they can spike your glucose.
Pizza crust can be easily made with cauliflower rice, egg and parmesan cheese. Bake first and then add sauce and ingredients to then bake again for an additional few minute (numerous recipes available online). There are some high protein pizza brands like Quest that are gluten and grain free, and very convenient for those weekend cravings.
Wrapping a sandwich or burger in lettuce is great alternative, but if you want something more grain-like there are now available in the freezer section brands like Siete that provide that chewy texture we love. Many recipes are available online to make flaxseed wraps or almond flour wraps at home as well.
If you start researching online, you can find fantastic alternatives to many of your favorite foods that are totally gluten-free and lower in carbs. However, keep in mind all alternatives do not work for everyone, and quantity can also make a difference even with these alternatives.
Staying insulin resistant and reducing
inflammation is absolutely crucial for overall health, especially for those that have diabetes.
DENISE A. PANCYRZ’S STORY
National Diabetes & Holistic Lifestyle Coach – Speaker – Author
I was a diabetic who was angered being burdened with diabetes. I was tired of taking medications and four insulin shots per day that did NOT make me feel better. The food I was taught to eat as a diabetic was not bringing me to a state of optimal health. It was keeping me medicated and constantly visiting Walgreen’s, Diabetes Educators and the doctors.
I wanted my life to be different and the medical community told me it was highly unlikely. In fact, I was told the amount of medication and insulin would increase as I age. However, I learned that you could improve or eliminate disease with proper nutrition, not with unnecessary medication.
I feel better and stronger in my 50s, than I did in my 40s. I have more energy, reversed diabetes, eliminated inflammation that was leading me to heart disease, eliminated IBS and intestinal issues ~ no more stomach aches after meals, my seasonal allergies are gone and a slight skin issue on my elbow healed. I almost forgot, I lost weight in the process.
I know it sounds too good to be true that proper nutrition was able to heal me—I’m living proof. As a national coach, speaker and author, my mission is to help others to achieve optimal health through holistic lifestyle changes. Certified in holistic nutrition and homeopathy, I can bring awareness to diabetics to make lifestyle changes for a lifetime and reverse the effects of diabetes.
To find out more please visit ReverseMyDiabetes.net, call 888-848-1763 or email Denise at Info@ReverseMyDiabetes.net.
