While a gluten-free diet is a necessity for those with celiac disease, many people make the decision to go gluten-free because they believe it provides health benefits, most notably improved gastrointestinal health. 

The following items can generally be considered as gluten-free, however this may not always be the case: fruits, vegetables, meat and poultry, seafood, dairy, beans, legumes, nuts. 

I have been gluten-free for around 5 years and when I do eat the occasional item with gluten in it, I definitely notice the difference. I feel more sluggish and my stomach is generally not happy. 

I have listed the below three prompts that really helped me when I made the decision to go gluten-free 5 years ago, and I still follow these today. 

• I always read the labels – there are a lot of foods out there that you wouldn’t expect to contain gluten but actually do. 
• I don’t buy highly processed replacements. Just because I am buying gluten-free versions of certain items, it doesn’t mean I am eating healthily. There are many highly processed gluten-free items out there. 
• Set expectations – gluten free alternatives may not taste the same as the non-gluten-free version. They may also not look the same, and they may cook differently as well.  

Here are a few of my favourite gluten free recipes:

4-ingredient cookies that are simple and easy to make, and are gluten free and plant based

A simple treat – chocolate banana nutty bars – gluten free and vegan

A simple gluten free and vegan pizza that cooks in under 50 minutes

Scrumptious chocolate coconut bites – gluten free and vegan

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