Don't Go Gluten Free for Weight Loss

Lately the media has spent a lot of time talking about the benefits of a gluten-free diet, but what exactly does it mean to be “gluten-free”? And why the recent focus on this particular diet? Here’s some basic information about gluten-free living.

Gluten refers to certain proteins found in wheat, rye and barley. People that are on gluten-free diets must avoid all products containing these three grains. Common substitutions for these grains include corn, potatoes, rice, quinoa, and soybeans.

High profile coverage of celiac disease is one reason why the public knows so much about gluten-free living. Celic disease is a condition in which the body has an autoimmune response to the ingestion of gluten and ultimately causes deterioration of the lining of small intestine. The only successful treatment for patients with celiac disease is an entirely gluten-free diet.

However, there’s disagreement about whether a gluten-free diet can benefit those without celiac disease. While many report feeling more energetic on a gluten-free diet, there’s a lack of conclusive research on gluten intolerance due to the difficulty of obtaining a diagnosis. Unnecessarily switching to a gluten-free diet might cause you to become deficient in iron, B12 or other healthy nutrients found in products containing gluten. In addition, many of the new gluten-free products on the market contain added fats or sugars, and you might end up replacing gluten with unneeded empty calories.

For those who think that a gluten-free diet can help accelerate or kick-start weight loss, our nutritionists agree that it’s better to eat a more balanced diet. Ultimately, you’re better off replacing processed grains with whole grains and incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet. If you suspect you might have sensitivity to gluten, talk to your doctor.

In Motion Nutritional Analysis
In Motion’s nutritional analysis and evaluation is performed by a Registered Dietitian, who does more than talk to you about an ideal clothing size. They measure your body and listen as you describe how you use it every day. Whether you’re an elite athlete or someone for whom housework and recreation provide exercise, a dietitian can estimate what your body needs to perform at its best, and can recommend the adjustments you should make to your diet.

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Source: “Should you go gluten free?”