Fit Point: Alternative Diet

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Alternative Diet Options
This week’s Fit Point explores Alternative diet options: Many health conscious individuals may be Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free dieters or employ other alternatives to the normal dieting habits even semi-regularly, and we want to hear about them! What are the health benefits of the way you eat, and why did you decide to eat this way? What is your favorite recipe?

I considered myself to be a vegetarian on-and-off throughout middle and high school, but my dedication was never great and the commitment never lasted long.

Now, however, I'm in an entirely different boat.  I have celiac disease, which means that I must stick to a strictly gluten-free diet.  (Gluten is a protein that is found in grains, such as wheat, barley, and rye.  It acts as a toxin in my body, causing lower-intestine inflammation and a host of other problems).  So long as I avoid all gluten-containing foods and products, I'll be fine (once all traces of the protein leave my body).

So yes, there are a LOT of things that I can't have.  Most breads, pastas, and cereals contain wheat or gluten, sauces frequently contain gluten as a thickening agent, the glue on envelopes has gluten in it -- even certain medications and cosmetics contain gluten products!
The health benefit is clear, though -- I am forced to avoid a lot of junk foods.  Most fast food, candies, cheap chocolates, and snack foods are off-limits.  Losing weight and being healthy is going to be much easier with the removal of most of my biggest temptations!

Since my diagnosis, I have been eating a lot of salads.  I'm kind of a minimalist -- my favorite salad is made with fresh baby spinach, corn, cherry tomatoes, sunflower seeds, a sprinkle of cheese, and a drizzle of low-fat dressing.  Yum -- I think I know what's for dinner tonight!