Hello Beautiful Friend,
Pizza. The American food that is easy, quick and delicious. There is nothing like a pizza pie, diet coke and a movie. However, I’ve learned my lesson enough times to find an alternative to the gut bomb of gluten and dairy that leaves me uncomfortable for days. Below you will find a gluten free (dairy-free option) Tortilla Pizza recipe but first a PSA about GLUTEN.
Do you ever wonder if you could benefit from taking gluten out of your diet?
My intention today is to bring clarity to if going gluten-free is right for you and if so, set you up with simple guidelines to get started.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is the protein found in wheat, rye, barley, spelt, kamut, oat, triticale, semolina, pumpernickel and farro. Gluten is a pro-inflammatory food that could be irritating your digestive system and can be contributing to a host of other ailments ranging from depression to osteoporosis.
Foods like cookies, cakes, breads, tortillas, pizza, pasta, pancakes, waffles, most fried foods, couscous and sauces thickened with white flour all contain gluten. (Don’t worry there are plenty yummy alternatives that won’t leave you feeling yucky.)
When you have gluten sensitivity your body reacts by sending white blood cells and other molecules to rid your body of the foreign invader (gluten). If you continue to eat gluten (the invader), inflammation increases along with your uncomfortable symptoms.
Gluten sensitivity symptoms include digestive woes (constipation, gas, bloating or diarrhea), joint pain, allergies, skin rashes, asthma, belly fat and/or irritability. Gluten intolerance is linked to insulin resistance and inhibits weight loss (The Blood Sugar Solution by Dr. Mark Hyman). If any of the above symptoms are extreme you should contact your medical professional to be tested for Celiac Disease stat because gluten damages the surface of the small intestine leading to malabsorption of vitamins, minerals, carbs, fats and proteins.
The good news is many of these symptoms can be reduced or eliminated by removing gluten from your diet. If you think gluten is a culprit try going gluten-free for 2 weeks. Some people start seeing increased energy, improved digestion and weight loss within the first week. During the 14-Day Mind Body Detox my clients are pleasantly surprised to see reduced cravings for carbs, reduced allergy symptoms and a flat tummy. Gluten sensitivity ranges from person to person. I’ve found I can eat gluten a couple times per week but have clients who feel their best avoiding gluten totally. Experiment to see what amount of gluten is best for your body (please reach out for a consult if you want help navigating going gluten-free).
Want to try it out?
Start cooking with gluten-free grains like brown rice, quinoa, non-GMO corn products (polenta), or (sweet) potatoes as opposed to using pasta or breads. Below is a list of GF grains and their protein content.
Grain, Amount, and Protein (grams)
• Amaranth, 1 cup, 16 grams
• Buckwheat, (Kashi), 1 cup (cooked), 5.6 grams
• Cornmeal (polenta), 1 cup, 10 grams
• Millet, 1 cup, 6 grams
• Quinoa, 1 cup, 22 grams
• Brown Rice, 1 cup, 4.5 grams
• Sweet Potato, medium, 2.2 grams
• Wild Rice, 1 cup, 7 grams
Spend some time in the GF isle next time you are at the grocery store and try out a couple new products. My favorite products/alternatives:
• Whole Foods – Bakery has some great bread options
• Food for Life – bread and tortillas
• Collard Greens work great as a wrap instead of a tortilla
• Vans Gluten Free Waffles
• Bob’s Red Mill Products
• Tinkyada Brown Rice Pasta
Note: You might not have to give gluten up forever. Gluten sensitivity ranges from person to person. I’ve found I can eat gluten a couple times per week but have clients who feel their best avoiding gluten totally. Experiment to see what amount of gluten is best for your body (please reach out for a consult if you want help navigating going gluten-free).
Action Step: Try going gluten-free for the next 2 weeks and see if your symptoms disappear or reduce.
Please share? Have you ever tried going gluten-free? Or do you have a favorite gluten free product? Share with the group in the comments section below.
Get creative with substituting GF grains for your favorite dishes and have fun. Start with this recipe:
Gluten Free (GF) Tortilla Pizza
Serves 1
Mix and match toppings to individualize each pizza. This is a healthy, cost effective and quick weeknight meal that kids, and husbands love. Use the left over tortilla/pitas for wraps or freeze them.
Ingredients:
1. 1-2, small GF tortilla (if uses 2 add a layer of cheese in between to thicken the crust. Pita also work well for crust – it is a little tricky finding a GF pita)
2. Vegan (Daiya is the brand I use) or regular cheese – desired amount
3. Thin layer of pizza sauce (I used 365 brand spaghetti sauce I had left over)
4. Topping of choice: Portabella and Basil is the one shown in pic (or try banana pepper slices)
Heat toaster oven to 400 degrees. Cook pizza on rack for 6-8 minutes.
Sending love your way,
Jackie
PS:
Curious about how good your body could look and feel? Join me for upcoming 14-Day Mind Body Detox Workshops in the Atlanta Area. Both include 14 days of unlimited yoga, weekly meal plans, recipes and guidance from me along the way. It’s going to be awesome and I hope you’ll join us.
– Balance Yoga Atlanta: Starts Wednesday, April 23 at 5:45pm. Click HERE for details and to register*
– Be Yoga Marietta: Starts Thursday, April 24 at 6pm. Click HERE for details and to register*
*click the Workshop Tab
Want to do the Detox but don’t live in Atlanta? If we get a group of 6 together we can start a virtual group the week of April 28th. Go HERE to let me know you would be in!