Day one was certainly the hardest, but I pushed through with a plate of fresh strawberries, blackberries and Dannon Light & Fit Greek Yogurt to start off my day. I quickly became appreciative (almost immediately) of the fact that all fresh fruits and vegetables are naturally gluten-free staples to bulk up any meal. Another gluten-free breakfast I made throughout the weeks was a simple scrambled egg-and-cheese dish<\/a>. I'd occasionally splurge on Udi's Gluten-Free White English Muffins to get my bread fix.<\/p>\r\nTakeaway:<\/strong> I have a giant sweet tooth, and I usually enjoy serving my family breakfast items like french toast or Belgian waffles in the morning. My gluten-free breakfast go-tos were much lighter and healthier than what I was used to eating.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n I kept things light for lunch, since I'm typically on-the-go or chasing after my toddler in the middle of the day. My typical gluten-free lunches were usually a mixed green salad with OPA by Litehouse Ranch Greek Yogurt Dressing, or homemade <\/a>guacamole<\/a> with slices of Colby cheese.<\/p>\r\nTakeaway:<\/strong> These gluten-free lunches were definitely doable, and not far off from my usual lunch routine. I still applauded myself for steering clear of my favorite lunch wraps and sandwiches, though.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n Dinner was probably the easiest meal to cook gluten-free because there are so many delicious gluten-free recipes<\/a> for dinner out there to choose from. Since meats don't contain gluten, I mainly switched between chicken and steak recipes. One of my favorite gluten-free dinners to whip up was a simple chicken rice bowl<\/a>, made with brown rice, veggies and grilled chicken. I also ate a steak stir-fry<\/a>\u2014although I couldn't have soy sauce to top it off like I normally do.<\/p>\r\nTakeaway:<\/strong> It truthfully was not that hard to think of gluten-free dinner dishes, but there were a handful of dressings and condiments I couldn't use since they contain gluten (like salad dressings, soy sauce and gravy). I really had to think about how I could add flavor to these dishes without using gluten-filled dressings or seasonings. \r\n<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n I like to munch on snacks with my two-year-old throughout the day. I usually have a cookie\u2014or cheese and crackers\u2014but since both of those are off-limits when you ditch gluten, I opted for apple slices with peanut butter and celery dipped in hummus for most of the days.<\/p>\r\nTakeaway: <\/strong>Since I wasn't allowed to eat most of the usual processed, sugary snack items I have in my pantry that contain gluten, I was able to eat a lot healthier throughout my two week gluten-less trial.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n Kissing bread goodbye was difficult, but was it worth it?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7247,"featured_media":672608,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"footnotes":""},"tags":[305003,304988,303719,303745],"categories-v2":[308949,308935,308324,308369],"coauthors":[39576],"acf":{"long_pin":"","long_pin_file":false,"ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_moat_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false},"yoast_head":"\n Go to Recipe<\/a><\/p>\r\nIf you\u2019re planning to cut out gluten, here are the best gluten-free flour<\/a> mixes for your next baking session.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLunch<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
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Dinner<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
\r\n
Snacks<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
\r\n<\/strong>\r\n
The big challenges of going gluten-free<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nAs I said earlier, bread one of my favorite foods. When I first began my experiment, I was craving all the sandwiches, toast and wraps that I normally eat on a daily basis. Getting past the cravings was the biggest mental obstacle of going gluten-free. I had a tough time grocery shopping while consuming only gluten-free foods, since not every store has an extensive gluten-free aisle\u2014it also took me double the time since I had to look over certain items and make sure they did not contain gluten.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n
What I learned<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nGoing gluten-free for two weeks was an experience I'm happy I had, and one I would definitely do again. For the first time, I was forced to think about every single food and drink item I was putting into my body, instead of just buying the same types of processed food without considering its ingredients. Going gluten-free also made me step outside of my comfort zone, and opened my eyes to all the different foods out there that could potentially be causing allergic reactions or harm to my body. My greatest gluten-free lesson of all? I experienced first-hand how incredible my body felt at the start of the second week, once most of the gluten was out of my system. Cutting out gluten from my diet gave me more energy and made me feel less bloated. As different as it was for me, I'd certainly consider a gluten-free lifestyle going forward\u2014as long as I could cheat every once in a while with a few of my favorite bread-based recipes<\/a>.\r\n\r\n\t\t\t
<\/a><\/div>Red Pepper & Parmesan Tilapia<\/a>My husband and I are always looking for light fish recipes because of their health benefits. This Parmesan tilapia is a hit with him, and we've served it at dinner parties, too. It's a staple! \u2014Michelle Martin, Durham, North Carolina
<\/a><\/div>Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blondies<\/a>I converted these blondies to be gluten-free so that my family could enjoy a comforting dessert. We were really craving brownies one night, and this cakelike treat hit the spot! They're an enticing spin on gluten-free<\/a> peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. \u2014Becky Klope, Loudonville, New York
<\/a><\/div>Chicken with Rosemary Butter Sauce<\/a>This elegant rosemary chicken requires minimal effort but will win you major compliments. You'll love the mellow sauce! \u2014Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware
<\/a><\/div>Gluten-Free Potato Salad<\/a>In college, my best friend and I debated whose mom made the best potato salad. Turns out they were almost identical! Even though I've since tweaked our gluten-free recipe<\/a>, this potato salad still takes me home again. \u2014Ellie Martin Cliffe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
<\/a><\/div>Contest-Winning Grilled Mushrooms<\/a>Grilled mushrooms always taste good, but this easy recipe makes them taste even more fantastic. As the mother of two children, I love to cook entire meals on the grill. It's fun spending time outdoors with the kids. \u2014Melanie Knoll, Marshalltown, Iowa
<\/a><\/div>Chicken Caprese<\/a>If you can pan-fry a chicken breast, you can upgrade to chicken Caprese with ease. It\u2019s a quick, flavorful weeknight recipe with a pleasant combination of sweet, sour and salty.\u00a0
<\/a><\/div>Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies<\/a>Guests will stand in line to kiss the cook when these treats are served!\r\nFor a change of pace, try them with chunky peanut butter, too. \u2014Canada60, Tasteofhome.com Community. If you\u2019re looking for more cookie recipes, then try our gluten-free Christmas cookies<\/a> for the holidays and everyday.
<\/a><\/div>Oven Fries<\/a>I jazz up these baked french fries with paprika and garlic powder. Something about the combination of spices packs a punch. The leftovers are even good cold! \u2014Heather Byers, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
<\/a><\/div>Vegetarian Split Pea Soup<\/a>Even the pickiest eater will request this vegetarian split pea soup recipe time and again. Thick and well-seasoned, it's a nutritional powerhouse packed with fiber and protein. It's wonderful with a slice of crusty French bread. \u2014Michele Doucette, Stephenville, Newfoundland
\r\n \t
Gluten-Free Banana Bread<\/a><\/h2>\r\nThis gluten-free banana bread recipe isn't dry and crumbly\u2014it tastes like the real thing. I hope you try it! \u2014Gladys Arnold, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania\r\n
<\/a><\/div>
Red Pepper & Parmesan Tilapia<\/a><\/h2>My husband and I are always looking for light fish recipes because of their health benefits. This Parmesan tilapia is a hit with him, and we've served it at dinner parties, too. It's a staple! \u2014Michelle Martin, Durham, North Carolina
<\/a><\/div>
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blondies<\/a><\/h2>I converted these blondies to be gluten-free so that my family could enjoy a comforting dessert. We were really craving brownies one night, and this cakelike treat hit the spot! They're an enticing spin on gluten-free<\/a> peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. \u2014Becky Klope, Loudonville, New York
<\/a><\/div>
Chicken with Rosemary Butter Sauce<\/a><\/h2>This elegant rosemary chicken requires minimal effort but will win you major compliments. You'll love the mellow sauce! \u2014Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware
<\/a><\/div>
Gluten-Free Potato Salad<\/a><\/h2>In college, my best friend and I debated whose mom made the best potato salad. Turns out they were almost identical! Even though I've since tweaked our gluten-free recipe<\/a>, this potato salad still takes me home again. \u2014Ellie Martin Cliffe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
<\/a><\/div>
Contest-Winning Grilled Mushrooms<\/a><\/h2>Grilled mushrooms always taste good, but this easy recipe makes them taste even more fantastic. As the mother of two children, I love to cook entire meals on the grill. It's fun spending time outdoors with the kids. \u2014Melanie Knoll, Marshalltown, Iowa
<\/a><\/div>
Chicken Caprese<\/a><\/h2>If you can pan-fry a chicken breast, you can upgrade to chicken Caprese with ease. It\u2019s a quick, flavorful weeknight recipe with a pleasant combination of sweet, sour and salty.\u00a0
<\/a><\/div>
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies<\/a><\/h2>Guests will stand in line to kiss the cook when these treats are served!\r\nFor a change of pace, try them with chunky peanut butter, too. \u2014Canada60, Tasteofhome.com Community. If you\u2019re looking for more cookie recipes, then try our gluten-free Christmas cookies<\/a> for the holidays and everyday.
<\/a><\/div>
Oven Fries<\/a><\/h2>I jazz up these baked french fries with paprika and garlic powder. Something about the combination of spices packs a punch. The leftovers are even good cold! \u2014Heather Byers, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
<\/a><\/div>
Vegetarian Split Pea Soup<\/a><\/h2>Even the pickiest eater will request this vegetarian split pea soup recipe time and again. Thick and well-seasoned, it's a nutritional powerhouse packed with fiber and protein. It's wonderful with a slice of crusty French bread. \u2014Michele Doucette, Stephenville, Newfoundland