Welcome to our gluten-free FAQ. These are generally the most common questions we get on a daily basis, with quick, short and straight to the point answers for you.
If necessary, we link to a in-dept guide for that topic in case you want more details.
A recent study by the ‘Journal of Consumer Research’ reveals some very interesting details about the impact of social influence. Apparently, every decision that you believe that you made ‘independently’ may be influenced by the people around you.
And when it involves a highly sensationalized lifestyle change that is being touted as the secret to good health by all and sundry, you can’t help but get influenced by it. Like going gluten-free.
Everybody wants to go gluten-free, but most people do not even know what gluten is and why it needs to be avoided, or if it’s even necessary for that individual.
Each day, we receive scores of emails from our readers who are curious, confused, unaware or plain misinformed about this ancient protein that has risen from being an obscure name, known to a selected few, to one of the most debated topics in health circles.
We figured that it was time for some myth-busting. Here’s a list of the common questions associated with gluten-free that we are hearing more often than others.
If we are missing anything, or you have any questions you’d like to be added or modified, or need more details – don’t hesitate to comment below or send us an email so that we may clear everything up for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Simply click on any of the questions below and it will take you to the answer, or scroll down below for all of them — it’s that easy!
- What is a Gluten-Free Diet?
- Can it cure Celiac Disease?
- Can I eat gluten in small amounts if I have Celiac?
- Can I lose weight by going on a gluten-free diet?
- Why do you claim that going gluten-free results in weight loss?
- Will I feel better by following a gluten-free diet?
- How much weight will I lose?
- What foods can I eat?
- Do you have a sample menu?
- Are potatoes Gluten-Free?
- Is Pop Corn Gluten-Free?
- Is Oatmeal Gluten-Free?
What is a gluten-free diet?
In a gluten-free diet you must avoid all beverages and food that contain wheat, rye and barley.
We’ve written a beginners guide to the gluten-free diet guide that explains everything you need to know, from how to get started, to what you should eat and avoid.
Can it cure Celiac Disease?
No! There is no cure for Celiac Disease, living a gluten-free lifestyle is the only solution to keep the disease in check.
In time, the body heals from damage caused by the gluten protein prior to beginning the diet.
Can I eat gluten in small amounts if I have Celiac or Gluten Sensitivity?
No! If you eat even small amounts of gluten it will lead to autoimmune responses that can lead to serious intestinal problems and other complications.
Keep in mind that damage to your system occurs even when you don’t experience obvious symptoms when gluten has been consumed.
Can I lose weight by going on a gluten-free diet?
Yes, you can lose weight in a gluten-free diet because it’s quite restrictive and many staple foods can no longer be eaten, turning to high quality and naturally grown foods such as fruits, vegetables and certain gluten-free grains that aids in weight loss, such as quinoa which is technically a seed.
Normally, people who undergo a gluten-free diet lose one pound a day for the first 15-20 days.
Why is this? Because Gliadin, a component unique to gluten is a big appetite stimulant right after digestion. If you remove it, your appetite thereby drops.
With less cravings and less hunger, your calorie intake will drop to 300-450 calories per day (or more depending on the person). This all occurs without worrying about cutting calories, or even limiting portion sizes.
It happens naturally, just by removing gluten.
Will I feel better by following a gluten-free diet?
After the detoxification process that normally lasts a few days to two weeks, you’ll feel better. Of course, not every person reacts the same exact way, how quickly you experience changes after beginning the diet will depend on many factors.
Afterwards, you will begin to feel mental clarity, more energetic, better mood and especially in most cases, weight loss results.
How much weight will I lose?
How much weight you lose is completely dependent on you. Of course, including an exercise to your regimen will speed your weight loss process indefinitely.
Cutting out common foods that impede weight loss such as dairy, artificial sweeteners and especially wheat products, making a gluten-free diet perfect for people who seek to lose weight.
In the beginning you’ll see most weight loss results are from water loss, it’s quite normal, so don’t confuse it with fat loss. Although, in a more positive note, this effect shows that your body is beginning to adjust to a fat burning mode.
What foods can I eat?
That’s a normal question to ask. Of course, the main thing is to cut out and stay away from gluten completely in all it’s forms such as wheat, barley and rye and you also have to be careful with cross-contamination.
I’ve put together a list of gluten-free foods to get you started on building a shopping list, and leading yourself to a healthier lifestyle.
Do you have a sample menu?
When it comes to this, it’s not easy to answer. Every single person is different, so their dietary menu changes from the amount of calories, carbs, proteins and fats aside from other factors. I have, however, created a meal plan that you can follow.
You can view the 30 Day Gluten-Free Diet Plan to get an idea of what you should eat on a regular basis.
