The Complete Guide to Going Gluten-Free

You’ve made up your mind that you are ready to go gluten-free. Congratulations on your decision!  We’re firm believers in the power of positive thinking, so here a few words of encouragement to help get you started…

• A big concern most people have is that they won’t be able to enjoy the foods they love. Gluten-free products, including baked goods and recipes, have come A LONG way in the past ten years. Now is an excellent opportunity to explore new foods and get creative in the kitchen. Many of us get stuck in an eating rut – see this as a great excuse to try something new and expand your tastebuds!
• Because so many people are switching to a gluten-free diet, it is not hard to access delicious, gluten-free foods, even in your favorite restaurants. You’ll be surprised at how accommodating waitstaff and chefs will be. The fact that gluten-free eating is becoming much more of the norm across the country really helps potentially awkward (and hungry) situations.
• Remember – you are doing this for your overall health and because you want to feel better!  Some of the impact you may be able to feel directly, some may be more preventative, but this is about creating vibrant health. You are empowering yourself to enjoy optimal health, and soon you will wonder what the big deal was – it’s just a matter of time.

Give this a try…

Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy, and not even be aware of it. Take some quiet time to reflect on the following questions and explore what life would be like if you felt better. Feel free to write down some of your ideas if it’s helpful.  Remember to be completely honest with yourself – even if the answers that arise surprise you.  This is a conversation between you and you.

• How would feeling healthy, energetic and vibrant change your daily life?
• What is exciting about that?
• What is frightening about feeling better?
• Are there things in your life that you don’t have to do because you don’t feel well?
• How can you let go or address your fears and step into health?

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

― Marianne Williamson, Return to Love