Facts About Gluten-Free Diets

On a gluten-free diet, the dieter must abstain from all foods containing gluten which includes all wheat products and some grains. Individuals with celiac's disease and gluten allergies follow a gluten-free diet.

The Diet

On a gluten-free diet, all foods containing gluten must be strictly avoided. However, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs and dairy products are naturally gluten-free and can be eaten freely as long as they have not been cross-contaminated with gluten.

Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts and Seeds

Fresh fruits and vegetables are naturally gluten-free. However, processed fruits and vegetables such as prepackaged dinners with vegetables, soups, jams, preserves and nut butters may contain traces of gluten. Eat and enjoy artichokes, asparagus, avocado, legumes, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, celery, Brussels sprouts, corn, cucumber, eggplant, green beans, greens, mushrooms, okra, onions, garlic, parsley, peas, peppers, herbs, spices, potatoes, squashes, radishes, peaches, melons, berries, apples, pears, bananas, citrus fruits, tropical fruits, melons, cantaloupes, dried fruits, grapes, plums, tree nuts, peanuts and seeds.

Meat, Fish, Dairy and Eggs

Meats, fish and eggs are naturally gluten-free but processed meats, such as sausages, breaded chicken strips or breaded fish filets may contain gluten. Enjoy unprocessed meats such as beef, chicken, duck, lamb, goat, game, turkey, veal, venison, seafood, fish or eggs. Dairy is also naturally gluten-free, but processed dairy products such as butters, ice creams and yogurts may contain gluten or traces of gluten.

Grains and Flours

All rye, wheat and barley products contain gluten. However, other grains, meals and flours derived from nuts, seeds, or beans are naturally gluten-free, such as almond meal, quinoa, quinoa flour, amaranth, arrowroot, bean flours, rices, rice flours, buckwheat, corn flour, corn meal, corn starch, lentils, flax seed, flax seed meal, millet, pea flour, polenta, potato flour, potato starch, soy flour, tapioca flour and gluten-free all purpose flour blends. When selecting oats and cereals, be sure to select brands that display gluten-free labels and certifications.