If Gluten Isn’t An Issue for You, Should You Still Avoid It?

Not necessarily. Look, I want to go on record as a gluten fan. I love whole wheat flours; I love baking bread and sweet treats. Sure I can work within gluten-free guidelines and a generous percentage of our at-home macrobiotic diet is naturally gluten-free. I also think there’s a real role for gluten in a healthy diet (should your condition allow for it).

I am no gluten basher.

And so while gluten-free eating can be deliciously healthy when your diet consists of gluten-free whole grains, lots of veggies, beans, nuts, seeds, great fats and fresh fruit…and if you avoid the overly processed junk foods and packaged mixes, it’s not necessary to ditch gluten completely. If you’re not allergic, sensitive or have celiac disease, there really is no reason to go gluten-free.

I would advise that the foods you consume that contain gluten are chock full of fiber and are made from 100% whole wheat (or other grains) where possible. Oh…and go for the lowest sugar content if you’re choosing something processed. Choose foods with the least amount of ingredients…but you guys know all that.

And so to answer the burning question that got us going this month in the first place…Should you go gluten-free? Is it the healthiest choice for your life? Sadly, my loves, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on you, your diet, your lifestyle and health condition, your digestion and family history. So…as usual, it’s up to you to become a proactivist in your life and work with your doctors and practitioners…and your intuition to take the best approach to your wellness.

My hope is that we turned you on to looking into this issue by digging deeper, seeking guidance and working with people you trust to create your personal health.