Healthy Eating on the Gluten-Free Diet

To date, the only treatment for celiac disease is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet.
People who follow a standard gluten-free diet may not get enough iron, calcium, fiber, or whole grains. ¹

But if you focus on nutrition and balance, the gluten-free diet is very healthy.

KEY POINTS:

 D sources, and healthy fats. 

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A healthy gluten-free diet contains fruits and vegetables, whole grains labeled gluten-free, legumes, lean protein, nuts and seeds, low-fat dairy or other calcium and vitamin
Click here for a 15-page guide to the gluten-free diet by Food Category. 

Focus on adding a variety of new and healthy gluten-free foods to your diet.

Avoid eating too many gluten-free processed foods. They tend to be low in fiber, vitamins and minerals. These foods can be high in sugar, fat and calories.

Example:

NUTRIENTS	GLUTEN FREE MUFFIN	GLUTEN CONTAINING MUFFIN
Calories	210	120
Carbohydrates (grams)	39	25
Fat (grams)	3.5	1
Fiber (grams)	1	1

Reference: Dennis M. Weight Gain: A Common, and Sometimes Unwelcome, Measure of Healing. In Real Life with Celiac Disease: Troubleshooting and Thriving Gluten Free . Dennis M, Leffler D, eds. AGA Press, Bethesda, MD, 2010.

• Your doctor or dietitian may suggest gluten-free vitamin and/or mineral supplements to balance your diet.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE: 

• Eating healthy is more than just following the gluten-free diet. A healthy balance of key nutrients is very important.
• Meet with a dietitian skilled in celiac disease to review and balance your diet.
• Extra gluten-free vitamin and mineral supplements may be needed.

References:

1. Decher, N., Parrish, C. R. "Balanced and Delicious: A Healthy Gluten-Free Diet" Real Life with Celiac Disease: Troubleshooting and Thriving Gluten Free . Dennis M, Leffler D, eds. AGA Press, Bethesda, MD, 2010. 
   
   Revision Date: 8-10-12 
   Author: Melinda Dennis, MS, RD, LDN 
   Editors: Mary Kay Sharrett MS, RD, LDN, CNSD and Daniel Leffler, MD, MS

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