Is the “gluten free fad diet” a good thing?

I know what you are going to say…and trust me…I am thinking it too. Why would you choose to avoid gluten? Personally if I wasn’t allergic to wheat and gluten, I would most definitely be chomping into a crispy bit of freshly baked bread right now.

However, there has certainly been an increase in the amount of people cutting gluten from their diet: be it a celebrity fad or a healthy cleanse.

I’m not a nutritionist but understand that wheat can be hard to digest, heavy on the stomach and calorific however it can also have its benefits: high in fibre, vitamins and minerals.

As someone who is allergic to wheat and gluten, I look at this fad diet as both a hindrance and a bonus.

It can be very frustrating when someone doesn’t understand your allergy/sensitivity because they are just cutting out wheat and gluten as part of a diet plan, when you receive comments like “oh gluten I avoid that too” or “is that to lose weight?” and the very worst “oh just have a little…you’ll be fine.”

Specific gluten free products which are now becoming widely available, can end up cheating you of health benefits through lack of fibre, vitamins and making up for these with added sugar. Watch out! Just cos its gluten free, does not necessarily mean that it is healthy!

This however, can also be a bonus! An abundance of gluten free products in stores. I remember when I first found out I was allergic and there was no free from products to be seen. I was sat there with a bit of nutella on a rice cake, but now there are aisles full (literally walked into the big Sainsbury’s the other day and spent around half hour gazing at all the gluten free delights!). Yes, I know that I just said some gluten free products aren’t great for you, but it is nice to have the option even if I personally prefer fresh food.

It is also a bonus to walk into a restaurant and not be treated like an absolute freak. Its much more comforting to be greeted with “Sure, we have a menu specifically for gluten free.” Meals out without the constant worry of contamination is great – restaurants now have protocols – its fantastic.

So…really although I wouldn’t choose it myself, the gluten free diet fad has allowed for those with allergies such as me to have more option and feel more comfortable locating food (because that really is my worst nightmare…having no food).