We’ve been bombarding our bodies with all sorts of naughty treats during the holidays. And we’re not feeling all that great. Now that it’s a New Year, we’ve decided to make some dietary changes as one of our resolutions. Following in the food footsteps of many Canadians, we’re going to try eating gluten-free… at least for a few days.
Keyrsten McEwan, Holistic Nutritionist at Integrative Healing Arts in Vancouver, shared with us that most people feel better after reducing or eliminating gluten from their diets. Some common signs of gluten sensitivity are gas, bloating or general discomfort after eating foods containing gluten. Even fatigue, frequent colds, flu, and headaches can be attributed to gluten sensitivity.
Stay clear of wheat (in all forms), rye, barley, licorice, imitation crab meat, beer, and soy sauce, to name several on your gluten-free diet no-list. But, when you go grocery shopping, be aware that just because something says “gluten-free” doesn’t mean it’s necessary healthy. “Often times gluten-free alternatives are full of highly processed starches and sugars,” says McEwan. “There are some wonderful gluten-free products on the market, but make sure you are reading labels, so you know what you’re getting.” Great advice!
Are you going gluten-free in 2014? Baking without gluten can be a challenge, so why not leave it to the experts? These five Vancouver bakeries are serving up some of the tastiest gluten-free goodies in town.
Panne Rizo |1939 Cornwall Avenue, 604-736-0885
Options: 100 percent gluten-free
Products: Freshly baked breads, cookies, pies, cakes, mixes, crepes, etc
Our pick: Buttery shortbread
The Gluten Free Epicurean | 633 East 15th Avenue, 604-876-4114
Options: 100 percent gluten-free, many items are dairy-free and/or vegan
Products: Cookies, bars, cakes, sausage rolls, pancake and waffle mix, chicken pot pie, etc
Our pick: Vegan salted peanut butter brownie
Lemonade Gluten Free Bakery | 3385 Cambie Street, 604-873-9993
Options: 100 percent gluten-free, many items are dairy-free and/or vegan
Products: Freshly baked breads, cakes, tarts, cookies, granola, etc
Our pick: Peach blackberry crostada
Edible Flours |2280 West Broadway, 604-734-8351
Options: Several gluten-free and vegan choices
Products: Cupcakes, cookies, banana loaf, scones and donuts
Our pick: Caramel cupcake
Choices Markets Rice Bakery | 2595 West 16th Avenue, 604-736-0301
Options: 100 percent gluten-free
Products: Cookies, muffins, tarts, pies, frozen pizzas and quiches, etc
Our pick: Double chocolate fudge rice cookies
You may be interested in attending Canada’s largest gluten-free event, the Gluten Free Expo. It will be at the PNE in Vancouver, January 25th and 26th, 2014. For other city dates, visit glutenfreeexpo.ca.