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:
- 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
D sources, and healthy fats.
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:
- 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
