Gluten free lunch ideas

Lunch is really important…this midday meal should provide you with a store of vitamins, minerals, protein and carbohydrates that your body can use to fuel you through the second half of a busy day. Many people rely on sandwiches for easy office meals or home-cooked meals; however, the wheat, rye, and barley flours in most commercial breads are prohibited on gluten-free diets. Even microwaved fast foods can be full of trigger foods that aggravate celiac disease, food allergies, and food intolerances. If you’re tired of the fatigue, gas, and stomach ache caused by gluten-rich food products, you may be looking for lunch ideas that support your gluten-free lifestyle. By planning ahead and avoiding the pitfalls of wheat breads, pastas, noodles, and fast foods, you can prepare healthy meals that leave you feeling more energetic and vital.

Gluten-free pizza can be an easy and healthy option for lunches. A slice of gluten-free pizza can be wrapped in foil and eaten cold, or heated for a few seconds in a microwave oven. If you don’t like making your own pizza dough (this can be surprisingly easy to do with a mix of rice flour and a few other basic ingredients), just look for pre-made pizza shells that you can top with your own sauce, cheese, and toppings. of greenhouse tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese and a profusion of chopped greens will provide you with a treasure trove of nutrition you can use to stay alert and productive in the afternoon. Balance your meal by drinking straight fruit juice, skim milk, or select soy milks, and add a piece of fresh fruit for dessert.

Gluten-free corn tortillas can be purchased at most health food stores or larger grocery stores. These handy items are perfect for burritos and wraps: For a tasty Mexican vibe, you can fill your tortilla with ground beef or chicken, shredded lettuce, diced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and a delicious and tangy hot sauce, like Frank’s RedHot Original. . For a fresh, citrusy tuna salad wrap, combine canned and drained tuna with lemon juice, Annie’s Organic Nonfat Yogurt with dill dressing (or similar salad dressing), tomatoes, chopped green onions, and diced cucumber. For best results, pack your wrap fillings in separate containers and assemble your wraps just before eating; burrito meat can be reheated first in the microwave.

From time to time, you may want to buy a pre-packaged meal that you can microwave or prepare with a little boiling water; however, old standbys like Lipton Cup-A-Soup, Ramen Noodles, and Lean Cuisines can be loaded with hostile glutes. If you can find Glutino Frozen Meals in your area, consider checking out their Chicken Pad Thai Meal—it’s quick and easy to make, and packed with a tasty mix of gluten-free rice noodles, chicken, and spices. Conte’s gluten-free meat lasagna is another option that can be ordered online. Keep in mind that gluten-free microwave meals can be more expensive than their gluten-rich counterparts. If you’re looking for cup noodles, make sure they’re rice noodles with no spice mixes and gluten-free thickeners.

Knowing what to avoid in restaurants can also be helpful; for example, products like chicken nuggets are made with fillings and coatings derived from high-gluten flours. Even fast-food or restaurant salads can be contaminated by the presence of gluten-rich croutons and salad dressings. For a safe meal on the go, opt for a hamburger without a bun or a simple salad without dressing. Every once in a while, an order of French fries, which are usually gluten-free, can be a nice treat. Most diet sodas, straight fruit juices, and gourmet coffee drinks (except creamy frappes) will also be safe choices when you’re eating lunch out of the home or office. Grilled meats without sauce, rice without soy sauce, and baked potatoes can also be safe options, as long as you ask a few questions beforehand; your server can tell if certain menu selections are gluten-free or not; don’t be afraid to ask. for what you really want.

Lunches don’t have to be boring—they can be delicious, healthy, and filled with a wide variety of ingredients and flavors. Experimenting with new foods and sauces can be the key to keeping up with your diet. Splurging on some specialty condiments like gluten-free soy sauce, hot sauce, and organic salad dressings can be the perfect way to spice up meat, fish, vegetables, and basic gluten-free starches. Spend some time perusing the wings at your favorite local grocery stores and health food outlets—look for products marked with a gluten-free label. You can find some interesting snack ideas to complete your lunches: crispy rice crackers and crackers will make your meals more interesting and satisfying.