Today, more than 1.3 million Americans
follow a gluten-free (GF) diet, often due to celiac disease, a condition where
the consumption of gluten can damage the small intestine.
May has been officially designated
National Celiac Awareness Month, a time to increase awareness and support for
those living with celiac disease and gluten intolerance.
The folks at MIGHTYLICIOUS Gluten Free, makers of award-winning
certified gluten free cookies and gluten free Flour Mixes, is celebrating with month-long
discounts(Promo code CELIAC15),giveaways on Instagram, and a donation
of 10% of sales to Celiac.com.
Mightylicious founder Carolyn Haeler was
diagnosed with Celiac disease, and when she couldn’t find a decent tasting
Gluten-free cookie, she gave up her job in finance and started MIGHTYLICIOUS.
Today her company offers seven gluten free varieties including vegan and
vegetarian cookies, as well as three gluten-free flour mixes (the brownie mix
sells out quickly), all certified gluten-free and kosher, as well as non-GMO.
Made with clean ingredients, MIGHTYLICIOUS is available at nationwide retailers
including WALMART.
Says Haeler, “After suffering with
celiac disease, I wanted to help others learn to eat gluten free without
sacrificing taste and texture. For those diagnosed with gluten intolerance or
celiac disease, adhering to a gluten-free diet is essential. When done
correctly, a gluten-free diet can be a lifesaver, but it's easy to make
mistakes due to the restrictive nature of the diet, which eliminates wheat,
rye, barley, and along with foods that may have come into contact with those
grains.
Here are some of the most common
mistakes made by individuals following a gluten-free diet.”
Common Mistakes People Make on a
Gluten-Free Diet
Relying Too
Much on Processed Gluten-Free Foods: While
gluten-free packaged foods can be convenient, they often contain unhealthy
amounts of sugar, fat, and additives, which can lead to nutrient
imbalances.
Nutrient
Deficiencies: Many gluten-free foods lack
important nutrients, such as fiber, iron, and B vitamins, which are
commonly found in gluten-containing grains. It's important to carefully
plan meals to ensure you're getting a balanced diet.
Not Reading
Labels Closely: Many foods that appear
gluten-free may still contain trace amounts of gluten or be made in
facilities that process gluten-containing products. Reading labels
carefully is crucial to avoid hidden sources of gluten.
Cross-Contamination:
Even a tiny amount of gluten can trigger symptoms in those with celiac
disease. It's important to be vigilant about cross-contamination in
kitchens, especially when using shared equipment and surfaces.
Medications
and Supplements Containing Gluten: Gluten isn't just found in
food—medications and dietary supplements may also contain gluten. Always
check with your healthcare provider to ensure your medications are
gluten-free.
Being Too
Trusting at Restaurants: Dining out can be tricky.
Always confirm that restaurants are well-versed in how to prepare
gluten-free meals to avoid cross-contact with gluten-containing foods.
Following a
Gluten-Free Diet Without a Medical Need: Some
people follow a gluten-free diet without being diagnosed with celiac
disease or gluten intolerance, believing it’s a healthier option. However,
this diet is only beneficial for those with specific medical conditions.
Simple Fixes for a Healthy Gluten-Free
Diet
If you have celiac disease or gluten
intolerance, maintaining a gluten-free diet doesn’t have to be overwhelming. To
ensure success:
Focus on
Whole Foods: Emphasize fresh fruits,
vegetables, lean proteins, and gluten-free grains such as quinoa, rice,
and oats.
Read Labels
Thoroughly: Always check ingredient lists
for hidden sources of gluten and verify cross-contamination warnings.
Consult with
a Nutritionist: A healthcare professional or
dietitian can help guide you toward nutrient-rich foods and ensure you're
meeting all your dietary needs.
Talk to Your Doctor Before Making
Dietary Changes
If you’ve not been diagnosed with celiac
disease or gluten intolerance but are considering a gluten-free diet, it’s
essential to talk to your doctor. A healthcare provider can help you understand
whether a gluten-free diet will benefit your health or if a more balanced,
regular diet would be a better option.
About
MIGHTYLICIOUS
Mightylicious cookies are handcrafted with care, made without
gluten, wheat, rye, barley, or RBST. They are available in seven varieties:
Vegan: New Double Dutch Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal Raisin Vegan,
Chocolate Chip and Grandma Arline’s Oatmeal Coconut. Also available are
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip and Brown Butter Shortbread (both dairy), and
Salted Peanut Butter (grain and dairy-free).
All ingredients
are natural and non-GMO, so every bite is packed with flavor, perfect texture,
and wholesome ingredients. (6.5 oz bags, MSRP: $7.99).
New to the
market is MIGHTYLICIOUS’s three Gluten Free Flour Mixes- vegan and vegetarian
all-purpose flours and brownie mix. All MIGHTYLICIOUS products are certified
gluten-free, kosher, and non-GMO.
Find
Mightylicious online and at major retailers, including Walmart, Whole Foods,
Costco, King’s, Price Chopper, Ralph’s, and more.
National Celiac
Awareness Month aims to raise awareness of celiac disease, promote better
understanding, and encourage early detection and diagnosis. Educating the
public on the importance of recognizing the signs of Celiac disease and
supporting those who need to follow a gluten-free diet is a vital part of the
campaign.
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