"Gluten-Free" does NOT always mean healthy, and a lot of foods with that label are still just as bad for weight gain as their gluten-filled alternatives.  Dr. Thomas O'Bryan states that gluten is completely indigestible by humans. 

For millions of people, even the tiniest amount of gluten triggers an immune reaction that could result in severe stomach pain, damage to the gastrointestinal tract, systemic inflammation, vitamin and mineral deficiencies and a host of other painful and debilitating symptoms.  When I think of "gluten-free" foods, I think of foods that have never had gluten in them in the first place -- like fruit, vegetables, meat, nuts, etc...But lets talk about gluten free foods that are packaged...that would normally have gluten in them (crackers, breads, baking mixes etc.) -- that have been made gluten free by using different ingredients.  While these foods don't have gluten in them, they are often made with substitutes that are just as high glycemic as their wheat based counterparts -- like rice, corn, and potatoes. Which means they will harm your blood-sugar regulation system as much as wheat does.

On top of that, these gluten-free foods still contain common allergens, including ALL other grains, soy, dairy, & corn. All of these can cause systemic inflammation, and frequently lead to weight gain.  some also have aspartame, corn syrup, sucralose and more...make sure you read the ingredients carefully before making your decision to buy. If it's stuffed with these harmful ingredients - you really don't want to be eating it - ESPECIALLY if your goal is to lose weight.

You can bake gluten free yourself by using coconut, almond, pecan flours instead as well as sweeten with stevia, raw honey, molasses or real fruit.  Just remember "Gluten Free" does not always mean healthy, read your labels carefully!

Lynn Thier, RHN
Certified Professional Cancer Coach