Wheat Free Diet Plans

A wheat allergy is probably the most difficult food allergy with which to cope. Those who have it are usually allergic to the protein gluten contained in wheat. Most commercial foods contain wheat. Symptoms can include headaches, nasal congestion, gastritis, flatulence, dizziness and even shortness of breath. Fortunately, many of these symptoms can be avoided just by avoiding certain foods. There are also plenty of substitute foods on the market.

Changing Your Diet

Having to change your diet because of a wheat allergy can be a traumatic experience. You will have to eliminate many foods that you have eaten for years. Realize that you will not starve to death. The key is to find substitute foods. Eventually, you will grow to like your new diet, you'll feel much better and you may even shed a few pounds.

Foods You Should Avoid

All breads, pastries, pizzas, cookies, crackers, noodles, muffins, pancakes and many other items found at the store contain wheat. Wheat is also an ingredient in many drinks such as beer and root beer. Croutons and breaded products contain wheat, as do packaged foods in boxes. If you have wheat allergies, you need to start looking at the ingredients in the foods you eat. Read every label you come across before purchasing the food. Wheat must be eliminated from your diet.

You will also need to avoid certain foods when you eat at restaurants. Make sure you ask the chef about possible wheat ingredients if any food is in question. People with wheat allergies may not be able to eat barley, either. If you have been diagnosed by a doctor, he will have guidelines for you as well.

What Foods You Can Eat

Starting with breakfast, you need to replace all multi-grain cereals with gluten-free products. Cereals made with rice are a common substitute. Oats and corn cereals can be eaten as well. Just check the labels and make sure foods do not contain multiple grains. The majority of hot cereals are made from single grains. For toast, you can use rice bread. Most large grocery chains today have health food sections; there are plenty of wheat and gluten-free products on the shelves, and even in the dairy case.

If you enjoy foods like pasta for lunch or dinner, you can find rice pasta in a variety of styles. You can also eat foods made from potato and tapioca starch, or sorghum and bean flours. There are many alternative grains that you can buy at the health food store, such as millet, kamut, amaranth and quinoa. People with wheat allergies may even be able to tolerate spelt, an old-fashioned wheat variety.

For snacks, there are plenty of delicious crackers and cookies that are made from pecans, almonds, walnuts or hazelnuts. Some snacks contain cornstarch or beans. Experiment with different foods until you find something you like.

Children often outgrow wheat allergies. Some adults have success with rotation diets, with wheat introduced every fourth day. Over time, you may be able to put wheat back into your diet. For now, take solace in the many good foods out there that you can eat.