Here are the best gluten-free deals from around the internet for Black Friday! Keep reading for gluten-free food and other essentials!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here.
Eating gluten-free for the holidays can be tricky—especially if it’s your first year being gluten-free due to Celiac or gluten intolerance. But don’t worry! I have the tips and the holiday essentials you need to make prepping your first gluten-free Thanksgiving easy and stress-free!
Are you new here? I also have the following posts to help you live gluten-free without the stress!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here.
Pieces of this content are reproduced, with permission, from Thrive Market.
How to Make a Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Meal
The first step in planning a gluten-free Thanksgiving meal is to plan the menu. To do this, be sure to think of all your favorite dishes—any dish has a gluten-free substitute or can be naturally made gluten-free!
While many traditional Thanksgiving foods can be made deliciously gluten-free from scratch, there are also so many shortcuts to having a great meal. Keep reading for the different elements of a traditional Thanksgiving menu, including the main course and the sides, and easy ways to make each part gluten-free.
The Main Course
Whatever you traditionally eat at Thanksgiving, whether it’s turkey, eat ham, or a vegan main, there is definitely a delicious gluten-free option available that everyone—even non Celiacs will love!
Turkey. A fresh turkey is gluten-free (just watch out for added spices and flavorings). Simply season it yourself—try a blend of pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika for a delicious rub! Click here for some of my favorite gluten-free seasoning brands.
By preparing this yourself, you can ensure If there is anything added to the turkey you want, simply contact the manufacturer to ensure that it meets your dietary needs.
Ham. Gluten in ham can be a bit trickier to detect since it is cured and seasoned (and some are already glazed) there is a possibility that it has gluten in it. That said, many brands, such as Boar’s Head, do guarantee that their ham is gluten-free.
Pro Tip: Order your holiday meats from Thrive Market! It makes planning so much easier—Pederson’s Natural Farms Hams are pre-cooked and Mary’s Free-Range Turkey and Turkey Breasts are ready to be delivered to your door! Mary’s Turkey Breast is perfect for a smaller holiday gathering—unless you want leftovers. Then cook the whole bird! Click here to get your Ham and Turkey delivered right to you!
Meatless. If you prefer a plant-based main, it can be tricky to find a premade one that is gluten-free. Try making your own lentil loaf or go untraditional and serve a gluten-free pasta dish!
Are you ready to simplify your dinner routine? Download “FIVE IN FIVE”–my FREE e-cookbook of simple & easy gluten free dinners containing 5 ingredients or less!
Stuffing
If stuffing is your favorite part of the meal—you can still have gluten-free stuffing! I promise.
You have a few options here: make your own from scratch, buy a box mix, or order premade gluten-free stuffing from a local gluten-free bakery.
Make your own gluten-free stuffing. If you have a traditional stuffing recipe you already love, dry your own gluten-free bread cubes from a loaf of gluten-free bread! My favorite brand of gluten-free bread that is hearty and won’t simply crumble into dust is Canyon Bakehouse.
If you like cornbread stuffing you can make your own gluten-free cornbread from scratch or use a gluten-free box mix.
Or try a rice-based stuffing. Rice stuffing is delicious and is typically made gluten-free, naturally.
Use a gluten-free stuffing box mix. During the holidays, sometimes you can find a gluten-free stuffing mix at your favorite local store! If not, you can order one from Thrive Market here or Amazon here.
Order premade stuffing. If you have a gluten-free bakery nearby, give them a call! Many gluten-free bakeries or restaurants will sell either their own stuffing mix or even a premade pan as long as you place an order ahead of time! Not only is this a tasty option but supports your local gluten-free business.
Mashed Potatoes
Your traditional mashed potatoes should be fine as is! Just be sure that they are made with real potatoes, not a box (boxed potatoes often contain wheat), and that a new stick of butter was used to prevent gluten cross-contact.
Gravy
You can’t really talk about the meat and potatoes without talking about gravy! Luckily, you can easily make your own gluten-free gravy from scratch, buy a gluten-free gravy mix, or buy premade gluten-free gravy!
Make your own gluten-free gravy. Use your traditional gravy recipe and either substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour or use corn starch. To use corn starch, use half the amount of corn starch as you would flour.
Gluten-free gravy mix. Luckily, there are a few trusty gluten-free gravy mixes available. You can try the McCormick brown gravy that’s labeled gluten-free or this one specifically for turkey by Simply Organic. It’s available both on Amazon here and Thrive Market.
Buy premade gluten-free gravy. Buy a jar or box of premade gluten-free gravy like this one.
Rolls
Just like stuffing, there are a few options for rolls. You can either make your own from scratch, buy a mix, buy frozen, or order some from a bakery!
Gluten-free rolls mix. You can make your own gluten-free crescent rolls with this mix or make grain-free rolls using this mix (which is delicious by the way!)
Buy frozen gluten-free rolls. There are a few brands of frozen take-and-bake rolls available at your local stores, but my favorite brand is Against the Grain. Whole Foods also sells its own brand of premade gluten-free rolls.
Order from a bakery. Call your local gluten-free bakeries! Chances are, they’ll sell you a bag of their scratch-made gluten-free rolls for your holiday event.
Pro tip: If you are serving both gluten-free and traditional gluten rolls at your holiday meal, be sure to have separate butter for both! We typically just give everyone who is gluten-free their own small dish of butter for their meal.
Sweet Potatoes
Just like mashed potatoes, your sweet potatoes or sweet potato casserole should be fine as is. If making sweet potato casserole, just be sure that your marshmallows and nuts are gluten-free. Many nuts are processed in a factory that also processed wheat so there is a risk of cross-contact. Read the nutritional label to be sure.
Cranberry Sauce
As traditionally made, cranberry sauce should be naturally gluten-free. I’ve also never seen a canned sauce that contains gluten—but always read the label just in case!
Macaroni and Cheese
If you love macaroni and cheese with your holiday meal, simply sub some gluten-free noodles in your traditional recipe! Find my favorite gluten-free pasta brands here.
Don’t forget– Clear the confusion and make dinner simple with “FIVE IN FIVE”–the free e-cookbook containing easy dinners you can make with 5 ingredients or less!
Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole can easily be made gluten-free with the right substitutions! Get a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup such as this one by Pacific Foods that’s available at Amazon in your Whole Foods order. You can also buy gluten-free fried onions for the topping at Amazon although you might also find them at your local store seasonally.
Pies and Dessert
Just like the other options above, you can either make your own gluten-free dessert from scratch by modifying your favorite recipe or trying a new gluten-free recipe. You can also buy a box mix, a premade gluten-free dessert or pie crust, or order desserts from a local gluten-free bakery.
Order from your local gluten-free bakery. Again, if you have a delicious local gluten-free bakery, call and order your favorite dessert! Treat yo self!
If these tips for planning a gluten-free Thanksgiving menu were helpful to you, please pin the post to Pinterest for later or share it with your friends using the social sharing buttons below!
Looking to eat an anti-inflammatory diet? This anti-inflammatory grocery list contains my favorite and staple groceries that are gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, soy-free, and peanut-free.
SCROLL DOWN FOR THE MUST-HAVE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS SHOPPING LIST!
Are you new here? I also have the following posts to help you live gluten-free without the stress!
The gluten-free guide below is based on personal experience and research. Always be sure to discuss any medical changes with your doctor for your personal medical needs.This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here.
When Should I Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet?
Before we get into the shopping list, there are many reasons why someone would try an anti-inflammatory diet.
If you struggle with chronic inflammation due to an autoimmune disease such as Rheumatoid Arthritis
When you’re recovering from being “glutened” and want to calm your digestive system
If you are struggling to identify possible food intolerances and get back to a general healthier way of eating such as the Arbonne 30 Days Program.
An anti-inflammatory diet is not a ‘cure all’ for health conditions, but is often recommended by doctors and dietitians as a helpful tool to work along side medications and other treatments.
If you’re curious about trying an anti-inflammatory diet, be sure to discuss it with your doctor or a Registered Dietitian.
What Can I Eat on an Anti-Inflammatory Diet?
This grocery list is gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, peanut-free, and soy-free and will help with internal inflammation. Click the link for my favorite items you can order easily online (and some even have promo codes to save you $$)!
Where Can I Purchase Anti-Inflammatory Foods?
The great thing about anti-inflammatory foods is you really can buy them almost anywhere! While your local grocery store and farmer’s markets will have lots of great options, there are also lots of places you can order online to get some special foods you may not find at your local store. Plus, ordering online is easy and you may even find better prices.
My favorite places to order anti-inflammatory foods online are:
Primal Kitchen All of Primal Kitchen‘s products are gluten, soy, and dairy free! They have a wide selection of condiments and sauces, plus they taste great. If you order from their website use the promo code THEHELPFULGF10 for 10% off your purchase!
Anthony’s Anthony’s has an amazing selection of both basic and alternative baking ingredients including almond flour, cocoa powder, and more. Not only is it high quality product with gluten-free certifications, but the pricing is better than any other brand I’ve tried! Order Anthony’s here.
Amazon Amazon has a great selection of everything and I definitely order food from them too! Some of the links below are products available on Amazon that you may not be able to find at your local store, or are much cheaper on Amazon. It’s always worth cost-comparing!
Are you ready to simplify your dinner routine? Download “FIVE IN FIVE”–my FREE e-cookbook of simple & easy gluten free dinners containing 5 ingredients or less!
Anti-Inflammatory Foods Shopping List
This is a great list with brands that I love and trust. This list is not exhaustive, but is a great starting point for anyone looking for clean, healthy foods. Plus, I included tools you may find helpful for preparing foods and keeping things fun!
Click on the links in the list for my favorite tried & true brands that are gluten-free, dairy-free, peanut-free, and soy free!
Meat
Poultry (chicken, turkey, duck) Beef or Bison Game Meat (venison, elk, etc.) Seafood (fish & shellfish–look for wild caught!)
note: most anti-inflammatory diets eliminate dairy products all together due to the high prevalence of lactose intolerance and milk allergies. However, some individuals without lactose intolerance or a milk allergy have good success eating fermented dairy products.
Any and all vegetables! Be sure to eat a variety of colors to get a wide range of nutrition.
Fruits (aim for organic/ local/ in season)
While any fruit is technically fine, some are recommended over others. The best fruit choices are: Apples Berries Lemon Lime
I hope you find some favorite products you love! Eating anti-inflammatory can be so easy and taste great! Also, if you love this anti-inflammatory grocery list, don’t forget to pin this post so you can find it easily when you are ready to shop or meal plan.
Don’t forget– Clear the confusion and make dinner simple with “FIVE IN FIVE”–the free e-cookbook containing easy dinners you can make with 5 ingredients or less!
Where to Eat Gluten-Free at Disney Springs Restaurants
Whether you’re planning a trip to Disney World or just visiting Orlando, you MUST detour to eat gluten-free at Disney Springs! Disney Springs is not only fun, but probably one of the best concentrations of gluten-free in Orlando (or maybe even the best I’ve seen outside of large cities like NYC or LA).
Keep reading to learn more about many of the restaurants
located at Disney Springs and the gluten-free options available.
While each of these restaurants below do offer gluten-free menu items, always be sure to discuss gluten-free options with your server and ensure that they are able to accommodate your personal dietary needs. Also, this post contains affiliate links. If you order through one of these links I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here.
Is Disney Springs Free?
Disney Springs is the former “Downtown Disney” area of
Disney World in Orlando. It’s a district
full of entertainment, dining, and shopping experiences for all ages—but without
the typical Disney World crowding!
Unlike the rest of Disney World, there is no park admission,
nor do you need to be staying at a resort to visit. Parking is also free!
While it’s lots of shopping, there is free fun for kids too
such as boat rides, bowling, and dining “experiences.” My kids really enjoyed racing cars at the Lego
Store and more!
But the true highlight of Disney Springs for our family was the plethora of gluten-free dining options at Disney Springs!
Disney Springs Reopening
Disney Springs is currently in phased reopening. Visit the website here to get the most up to date information on visiting Disney Springs.
Disney Springs Dining Options
Just like regular Disney World, there are both counter
service (quick service) options and full-service (sit-down) options. Some of the restaurants at Disney Springs are
unique and can’t be found elsewhere.
However, there are also some trusty chains found across the United
States.
If you’re visiting Disney Springs in conjunction with a
Disney World vacation, you can use your Disney Dining Plan at Disney
Springs. There are options across Disney
Springs for snacks, counter service, and full-service dining credits. Just swipe your magic band, and you’re all
set!
Hey—did you know that you can dress up your Disney Magic Bands with these super cute skins, bandits, and fasteners? These fasteners are great for helping the magic band stay on little child wrists.
Disney Vacation Planning
When I plan my Disney Vacations, I use a Disney Concierge like Jessica Tullino from Ears of Experience. She makes it totally easy by doing all your planning (reservations, fast passes, lodging) leaving you free to just sit back and enjoy (without any extra cost for her services)! If you’re planning a Disney vacation of any kind, I highly recommend you contact Jessica for a quote, and be sure to tell her I (Sharon McCaskill from The Helpful GF) sent you!
Disney Springs Restaurant Reviews
While not every restaurant in Disney Springs is listed here,
if you pop in or call ahead, the host or chef will speak to you directly about
how they may accommodate your dietary restrictions.
Download your FREE gluten-free travel guide! This checklist makes sure that you don’t overlook the details so you can relax in the security of having planned and enjoy your time away!
Blaze Pizza
Blaze Pizza is a chain that you may already be familiar with for “gluten friendly” and vegan options.
However, it must be noted that the company themselves have
the disclaimer that although the gluten-free pizza crust does not have any
gluten containing ingredients, “We work with wheat-based flour, and do not use
a separate oven or press for our gluten-free dough. If you are highly sensitive
to gluten, please consider your dining choices carefully.”
This makes their pizza not
safe for Celiacs.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Kitchen
Homecomin’ Kitchen is a restaurant founded by Celebrity Chef Art Smith. It features amazing southern comfort food, much of which is sourced in Florida. This is one of the first places we personally tried out in Disney Springs. Let me assure you, the food does not disappoint!
At Homecomin’ Kitchen, you can choose from Southern classics like gluten-free shrimp and grits, corn succotash, and Florida grouper.
Shrimp & Grits at Homecomin’ Kitchen
Frontera Cocina Mexicana
Frontera Cocina Mexicana has both a table service restaurant and a to-go window at Disney Springs. Their menus have allergens (such as gluten, dairy, and shellfish) clearly marked. However, be sure you inform your server of your dietary needs and ask questions about cross contamination.
Items not containing gluten at Frontera Cocina Mexicana
include their guacamole, Taqueria Salad, Carnitas, Fried Plantains, and many
more menu items!
House of Blues
House of Blues’ menu features signature fare from cities across the South and locations in cities across the United States such as Boston, Las Vegas, and San Diego. In addition to delicious Southern food, the restaurant also has an atmosphere with amazing art and live music.
At House of Blues you can enjoy gluten-free menu items such as the jambalaya, blackened salmon, or a NY strip steak.
Morimoto Asia
Morimoto Asia is a restaurant featuring Pan-Asian cuisine designed by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. The restaurant has two separate entrances—a main dining room (with a glass walled kitchen so you can watch them cook!) and a sushi lounge.
Morimoto Asia features an expansive separate gluten-free
menu with an assortment of gluten-free sushi, appetizers, and entrees such as
Mongolian Filet Minon or Japanese A5 Wagu Beef.
Paddlefish
If you’re looking for good seafood in Disney Springs, Paddlefish is where to go! They even frequently feature live music on their rooftop.
While they do not have a gluten-free menu, the servers &
chefs are trained to accommodate. They
generally have GF pasta in stock, please ask your server upon arrival. The
salads are gluten-free if you omit the croutons. In terms of entrees, both the
Prime Strip and Filet Mignon are gluten-free as well as the half chicken entree.
Planet Hollywood
Planet Hollywood restaurants are a destination in and of themselves with Celebrity Chef designed menu items, live entertainment, and Hollywood artifacts! With locations both in major US cities and internationally, their Orlando location is at Disney Springs.
Planet Hollywood does not feature a separate GF menu, but
the chefs are very knowledgeable about what you can and cannot have. They also are very friendly and happy to make
accommodations.
Raglan Road and Cookes of London
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie
If you ask around on gluten-free message boards and Facebook groups where you should eat gluten-free at Disney Springs, you’ll definitely receive replies raving about Raglan Road (Cookes of London is also located at Disney Springs and is a counter-service extension of Raglan Road).
This Irish Pub is well worth a visit—not just for the daily live music and the Raglan Irish Dancers, but for gluten-free menu items such as gluten-free Fish and Chips (made in a dedicated gluten-free fryer) and huge gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip cookies!
Rainforest Café is a fun national chain that kids love—and what’s
not to live with its fun atmosphere? Visit
the Wild Brunch Kid Zone or host a group event or party.
They also feature allergy friendly and gluten-free menu items made with quinoa spaghetti and some gluten-free salads such as a the kale & red quinoa salad.
Splitsville Lanes
Splitsville Lanes is another national chain with locations in Foxboro Mass, Tampa, Miami, and Anaheim. As you can gather from it’s name, it’s a bowling alley and restaurant in one! If bowling’s not your thing, then you can enjoy billiards or live entertainment.
The menu at Splitsville has many gluten-free options
including a spicy edamame appetizer and entrees including a couple signature
sushi rolls, grilled salmon with mango chutney, a spicy veggie bowl, and more!
Starbucks Coffee
It almost feels silly mentioning the coffee giant Starbucks here. But if you love coffee like we do, you’ll find a Starbucks coffee counter at Disney Springs (along with many of their gluten-free grab & go staples like Kind Bars, Goodie Girl cookies, and more).
As an added bonus, it’s located close to the Lego Store
making it easy to refuel while your kids play!
STK Steakhouse Orlando
STK Steakhouse is an upscale steakhouse with locations across the United States (and some international locations as well). While they don’t have a separate gluten-free menu, the chef will modify the majority of entrees to be gluten-free with the exception of items containing pasta and burger buns.
Enjoy their Raw Bar, seafood platters, steaks (all from the
Linz Heritage Certified Black Angus Program), and other main course entrees
such as Smoked Lobster & Grits or black truffle & butternut squash
risotto.
Wine Bar George
Wine Bar George houses over 140 wines, and their menu is exceptional. There are many gluten-free options (as well as vegetarian, lactose-free, and vegan options).
Notable gluten-free options at Wine Bar George include
various salads (such as the gluten-free & vegan Jicama-Kohlrabi Salad or
the Grilled Octopus Salad), cheese boards (however, there are not gluten-free
bread options for the cheeseboards), entrees (such as skirt steak & sea
bass), and even a chocolate & wine pairing that is gluten-free.
Disney Springs Gluten-Free Bakeries
Not only does Disney Springs have restaurants that cater to
gluten-free needs, but two bakeries that hit the mark as well. Did you know that regular flour particles can
remain airborne for over 24 hours? This
makes it basically impossible for a traditional bakery to produce gluten-free
baked goods that are truly safe for Celiacs.
In order to meet my standards, baked goods must be produced
in a 100% gluten-free bakery. Both Erin
McKenna’s NYC and Sprinkles Cupcakes meet these standards.
Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC
Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC has locations in New York, Los Angeles, and Orlando’s Disney Springs. This is a 100% gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, and refined-sugar free bakery. They also feature some of their menu items to resorts and restaurants across Disney World!
You can also use Disney Dining snack credits here on items
such as cupcake toppers, donuts, vegan soft serve, and cookies.
Don’t forget to grab a cake mix to bring home as a souvenir! You’ll be happy you did.
While Sprinkles Cupcakes features both gluten-free and traditional baked goods, the gluten-free cupcakes are produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility and individually packaged for distribution in their various locations.
While cupcake flavors vary by date and location, you should
be able to find either (or both!) lemon blueberry or red velvet gluten-free
cupcakes.
There are many other restaurants at Disney Springs—and, in
true Disney fashion, most will do their very best to accommodate. If you tried another restaurant that had
excellent gluten-free accommodations, please comment below and let us know!
Also, if you’re planning any kind of Disney vacation, be sure to contact Jessica for her amazing Disney planning services and tell her I, Sharon McCaskill from The Helpful GF, referred you!
Enjoying lunch at Homecomin’ Kitchen!
Download this FREE gluten-free travel checklist now to make your vacation planning super simple–and get FREE instant access to my online library of free printables designed to make your gluten-free lifestyle totally easy!
Other posts you may want to read on eating gluten-free in Florida:
Exercising with a chronic illness can often be a struggle. Read now for 10 restorative yoga poses for chronic illness or anyone dealing with an autoimmune disease flare-up.
The gluten-free guide below is based on personal experience and research. Always be sure to discuss any medical changes with your doctor for your personal medical needs.This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here.
For some, managing their illness means dealing with things like pain, swelling, fatigue, trouble sleeping, and more. Your body may have certain limitations when it comes to how much or how often you can workout.
This can make it difficult to perform most forms of exercise, including lighter ones like traditional yoga. Restorative yoga, however, is a great form of exercise to do if you have a chronic illness.
Restorative yoga is a calmer and gentler form of exercise that can help relieve some of the symptoms of chronic illnesses and autoimmune disease flare-ups without overtaxing your body.
What is restorative yoga?
Restorative yoga is a sequence built up of 6-7 yoga poses. Each pose is usually supported by props and you hold them for an extended period of time. Anywhere from 2-10 minutes.
The extended length of time that you hold these poses allows you to breathe deeply and really let your body stretch and relax. You allow all the strain and stress in your body to flow out as you settle deeply into the poses.
These yoga poses are a great option for anyone managing chronic illness because you get a lot of the benefits of traditional yoga, but there is no stress or strain in the positions.
According to Catherine Guthrie from yoga journal, “On a physical level, studies show that yoga stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (the calming influence), which reduces the body’s stress response. This can have a profound effect on the immune system.”
This can be especially effective for anyone dealing with an autoimmune disease flare-up as well.
Benefits of restorative yoga poses for chronic illness
Restorative yoga also has other great benefits that can help someone managing a chronic illness. Here are some of the top benefits:
Reduce the production of stress hormones
Improve the function of your immune system
Reduce muscle tension
Help with insomnia
Improved flexibility
Help with symptoms of depression
Restorative yoga is a useful addition to anyone’s exercise program, but it can be a key part of managing and thriving with chronic illness.
Tips for practicing restorative yoga poses for chronic illness
1.Listen to your body
As with any type of exercise you do, make sure you are listening to your body. Yoga should never feel painful. Make sure that you are staying within a comfortable range of motion.
With restorative yoga, the goal is to get your body into a comfortable stretch so that you can fully relax. That may mean that you have to use several different props, blankets, pillows, etc.
It may also mean that you hold some positions for longer than others. You might also need to cut your practice short depending on how you are feeling.
All of that is ok! What’s important is that you took the time to intentionally care for your body and you’re listening to its needs and limitations.
2. Use plenty of props
As I mentioned before, you want to let your body fully relax and settle when you are practicing restorative yoga poses for chronic illness. This means that you will need to fully support your body in each pose.
Are you new to yoga? You can order a starter pack on Amazon with the most essential yoga items so you can get started quick! Click here to take a look.
If you don’t have any yoga props on hand, you can use some blankets, towels, and pillows as well. You will see in the photos, I used some couch cushions, pillows, and blankets and they worked fine.
Make sure you have all of the props that you will need on hand before you get started with your practice.
3. Create a comfortable environment
Make sure that you are in a comfortable environment before you start practicing these yoga poses for chronic illness. You want to be in a warm, quiet, and calm space.
This will help to further relax you and allow you to more easily settle into the poses.
You also want to be sure you are wearing appropriate clothing. You want to wear loose comfortable clothes that you can stretch and relax in.
It may also be helpful to wear layers and socks because your body may cool down as you settle into poses for long periods of time.
4. Take your time
When practicing restorative yoga, especially if you are dealing with chronic illness, you want to take your time and keep it slow. Settle into each pose for anywhere from 2-10 minutes. Even longer if you choose.
The goal is not to move through the poses as quickly as possible. It’s to fully settle into each position so that your body can stretch and relax.
That may mean that you only cycle through 2 or 3 poses during your practice. That’s ok! Each practice is going to be unique to you and how you’re feeling that day.
10 Restorative yoga poses for chronic illness
Pose 1: Supported Child’s Pose
Place your bolster or some folded blankets vertically on your yoga mat. In a kneeling position, place a thinly folded blanket in front of your ankles and another thinly rolled blanket behind your knees.
Spread your knees apart wider than your hips. Lay your belly, chest, and head on the bolster/folded blankets in front of you. Let your arms drape on either side of you and relax.
Pose 2: Supported Twist
Sit on your right hip with your knees stacked together. Place your bolster or folded blankets vertical to your yoga mat.
Pull your bolster/folded blankets snug to your right hip. Turn your upper body to face your bolster/folded blankets and lay your belly, chest, and head on the blankets.
Allow your arms to relax to the ground and settle into the pose. Add any additional blankets or pillows to support your body as needed.
Pose 3: Basic Relaxation Pose
Lie flat on your back. Place a thinly rolled blanket or pillow under the head. Place a bolster or a folded blanket under the knees. Allow the feet and hands to fall open into a relaxed position.
Pose 4: Supported Bridge Pose
Lie on your back with your bolster or folded blankets near your hips. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the ground hip-distance apart.
Pushing through your heels, lift your hips and slide the bolster/folded blankets under your lower back and lower your hips down.
Adjust the bolster/folded blankets until you feel comfortable and supported. If the bolster/folded blanket is too high, try a rolled-up towel, small pillow, or thinly folded blanket instead.
Rest your arms out to the side in a comfortable position and relax into the pose.
Pose 5: Reclining Bound Angle Pose
Sit on the floor with the soles of your feet touching. Make sure your knees are bent and pull your feet into your body as close as you can without discomfort.
Place a folded blanket or pillow under each knee so they will be comfortably supported when you recline. You can also place some folded blankets under your back to support your torso and shoulders.
Gently lower your upper body until you are lying on your back. You can also place a pillow or thinly folded blanket under your head.
Lay your arms out to the side, palms facing up. Relax and settle into the pose with deep breaths.
Pose 6: Supported Forward Fold
Sit on the ground with your legs stretched out straight in front of you. Place a thinly rolled/folded blanket under your knees.
Place a bolster and folded blankets on top of your thighs close to your belly. Fold your upper body forward until it rests on the bolster/folded blankets.
If you feel any strain or discomfort, add more blankets or pillows until your bolster is high enough to support your head and upper body.
Place your hands on the bolster in front of your head and relax into the pose.
Pose 7: Supported Fish Fold
Place your bolster or folded blankets vertically on the mat. Sit in front of it facing away with your knees bent and feet on the ground.
Gently lower your upper body onto the bolster/folded blankets and make sure your torso and head are fully supported. Let your arms relax out to the sides.
You can keep your legs bent or let them straighten out and relax open. Settle into the pose with some deep breaths.
Pose 8: Legs Up the Wall
Place your yoga mat vertically against the wall. Place your bolster or folded blankets nearby. Lie on your back and place your legs up against the wall.
Place your feet against the wall and slide your bolster/folded blankets under your hips. Straighten your legs straight up the wall and relax your arms out to the side.
Relax into the position with deep, calming breaths.
Pose 9: Supported Wide Leg Fold
Sit on your mat with your legs straight out in front of you. Open your legs into a comfortable straddle with your toes and feet pointing toward the sky.
Place your bolster or folded blankets directly in front of you between your legs. Walk your hands out forward until your belly, chest, and head rest on the bolster/folded blankets.
If the position feels strained or uncomfortable, add more blankets or pillows until your upper body is comfortably supported. Rest your hands under your forehead or in front of your head on the bolster/folded blankets.
Relax into the pose with deep, calming breaths.
Pose 10: Legs Over Chair
Place a chair at the end of your yoga mat. Lie down on your mat, bend your knees, and place your calves on the chair.
You want your knees to be bent at a 90-degree angle. If your chair is too high, place a folded blanket under your hips. If your chair is too low, place a folded blanket on the chair under your legs.
Place a pillow under your head and let your arms rest out to the sides, palms facing up. Relax into the pose with deep, calming breaths.
So there you have 10 of the best yoga poses for chronic illness. You can use these exercises to help your body rest and relax even on the bad days when you are dealing with pain, fatigue, or an autoimmune disease flare-up.
Have you tried restorative yoga yet? If so, comment below and share your favorite pose or let me know what you think.
Other posts on living with autoimmune disease you may find interesting:
Candice is a Health and Fitness Coach for moms and she blogs over at https://littlestepsbighappy.com. She is a busy homeschooling momma of 3 who believes that every mom deserves to feel fit and healthy, inside and out.
She can often be found chasing her kids around, reading romance novels, or training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. If you would like to connect with her you can find her on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram.
This post contains affiliate links. If you order something through one of these links I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here.
1. Gluten-Free Candy
Candy is a great gluten-free gift idea for stocking stuffers, coworker gifts, and more!
Are you ready to simplify your dinner routine? Download “FIVE IN FIVE”–my FREE e-cookbook of simple & easy gluten free dinners containing 5 ingredients or less!
2. Gluten-Free Gift Basket
This gift idea is perfect for a college student—or someone who just doesn’t like to cook! You can always make your own, but if you need convenience, you can order one that’s already premade here!
click to see what’s inside the box at amazon.com
Want to add some cute printables inside your gift basket? Get FREE instant access to my online library of free printables designed to make your gluten-free lifestyle totally easy!
3. Gluten-Free Essential Oils
I love essential oils and diffuse them almost every day! There are quite a few brands of essential oils. Many people choose Young Living (you can read more about which Young Living products are gluten free in this post) or choose the rescue & renew line by Arbonne (all Arbonne products are gluten-free.)
When searching for a good gluten-free beer the struggle is REAL! This kit has everything needed to make your own gluten-free craft beer at home! (It uses sorghum in place of barley malt!)
Shop now at amazon.com
7. Rose is Gluten-Free Shirt
Into wine more than beer? This shirt would be perfect! It comes in multiple colors—see them all here!
Play Doh is one of those places where gluten likes to hide…. Don’t let the kids miss out on the fun with this gluten-free version! Plus, it comes in amazing scents like vanilla or ocean wave. Order it on Amazon here.
DIY your gluten-free gift and bake up some sweet treats! There are so many great baking mixes that make baking gluten-free super easy. I actually love the baking mixes sold at Brandless.com. The gluten-free mixes are only $3 each and are certified gluten-free! Is it your first time using Brandless.com? Order through this link and you’ll save $6 off your first purchase (that’s TWO free baking mixes!)
Are you new to baking gluten-free? Be sure that you avoid cross contamination when baking—learn how in this article.
Is baking not your thing? Order from a local gluten-free bakery!
10. Cookbooks
If you’re looking for a gluten-free gift idea for someone who loves to cook, get them a new cookbook (or two!) to try out! Need a good suggestion?
I also published my own digital cookbook: Simple & Easy Gluten Free which contains 50 quick & easy gluten free recipes containing 5 ingredients or less! Learn more about it here.
12. Gluten-Free Spice Set
Spice blends are another place where gluten likes to hide. They can cook safely and with a TON of flavor with this spice set by FreshJax.
Make shopping so much easier by purchasing a 1 year subscription to Thrive Market as a gluten-free gift idea! It makes gluten-free shopping so much easier when you can select to ONLY see gluten-free offerings, you can purchase it at a discount price, and they ship it right to your front door. Plus, they even see meat and wine!
Read more about why I love Thrive Market in this post!
15. Bread Maker with Gluten-Free Setting
It’s HARD to find a good premade gluten-free bread… so stop trying and gift a bread maker that has a special setting for gluten-free bread!
Which one of these gluten-free gift ideas is your favorite? Comment below and let us know! And don’t forget to pin it for later or share it on social media using the share buttons below so you don’t forget these gluten-free gift ideas!
Don’t forget– Clear the confusion and make dinner simple with “FIVE IN FIVE”–the free e-cookbook containing easy dinners you can make with 5 ingredients or less!
The following gluten free books for kids can help children who live gluten-free learn facts, find comfort in knowing they are not alone, and also help their friends and family understand and develop empathy.
Children’s books are wonderful tools to share the gluten free lifestyle in a relatable story format. Without taking children out of their comfort zone, they learn in an entertaining way through the world of books! Also, the recommended best gluten free cookbooks for kids are great tools to help families and kids explore the kitchen in a fun (and safe) way!
Keep reading for 17 of the best gluten free books and cookbooks for kids!
Are you new here? I also have the following posts to help you live gluten-free without the stress!
The gluten-free guide below is based on personal experience and research. Always be sure to discuss any medical changes with your doctor for your personal medical needs.This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here.
Best Picture Books on Celiac Disease for Kids
These books were designed specifically for children with Celiac Disease:
#1: Happy Being Gluten Free: Marley the Celiac Seal by Tiana Lightfoot Svendson
Happy Being Gluten Free is a beautifully illustrated whimsical story of a seal with Celiac that readers of all ages will enjoy. This book is a great tool to teach about gluten-free living and even the side effects of Celiac.
#2: Eating Gluten-Free with Emily: A Story for Children with Celiac Disease by Bonnie J. Kruszka
This lovely hardback with beautiful pictures tells five year old, “Emily’s” story. It is especially good for newly diagnosed children ages 5-7. It is an effective way to inform adults and others about what and where people with Celiac can safely eat.
Are you ready to simplify your dinner routine? Download “FIVE IN FIVE”–my FREE e-cookbook of simple & easy gluten free dinners containing 5 ingredients or less!
#3: Mommy, What is Celiac Disease? A Look at the Sunny Side of Being a Gluten-free Kid by Katie Chalmers
This book uses a cheerful conversation between a mother and daughter to explain how to eat gluten free. Recommended by Celiac experts including Dr. Fasano, Dr. Green, Dr. Guandalini, Alice Bast, and Elaine Monarch.
This inspiring story written by a girl with Celiac tells about the ups and downs of living gluten free. With 100% 5-star reviews, reviewers said their children related to this well written story saying, “She’s just like me!”
Gluten Free is Part of Me is an adorable rhyming book with lovely illustrations informs young children, parents, and teachers about gluten intolerance and Celiac Disease.
The Celiac Kid in his superhero cape cheers for all the things he can do and eat as he fights his archrival Gluten. Reviewers have used this positive and informative book to help classmates and friends understand the need for children with Celiac to eat differently. One parent commented that jokes stopped after this book was read at school.
These books are great choices for any gluten-free children, whether they have Celiac Disease, food allergies, or gluten intolerance:
#7: Ainsley Joins the Silly Yak Clubby Stefanie Plothow and Brad Plothow
Reviewers of this book loved the beautiful illustrations and positive messages that even younger children can understand. Parents mentioned their children found comfort learning others also have food related illnesses.
#8: Why Can’t I Have a Cupcake?: A Book for Children with Allergies by Betsy Childs
This book deals with the disappointment children feel with eating differently due to food sensitivities, food allergies, or Celiac. Reviewers say it helps all children relate to children with food sensitivities or allergies.
Any child on a restrictive diet could relate to this story, especially those who have behavioral responses to food. Gordy finds wrong food choices “awaken the monster inside.”
These books (one for boys and a version for girls) may be useful to teach school aged children, their teachers, and other adults about how to live gluten free. It also focuses on demonstrating kindness towards those with differences.
Gluten Free Cookbooks for Children & Gluten Free Cookbooks for Families
These cookbooks are designed for gluten free families and gluten free children to use in preparing family friendly foods.
#12: I’m Happy Being Gluten Free: A Kids Cookbook From A Kids Point of View by Sierra Metzger
This is a cute kid friendly cookbook by 13 year old, Sierra. It includes photos and simple directions for at least 18 items. This one of the best GF cookbooks created specifically for young children.
#13: Kids Eat Free: 50 Allergy Friendly Recipes Kids Love to Cook and Eat By Stephanie Policar
This is a favorite as it has lovely photographs, fun recipes, and uses real food. This is a must have for families who have children who must eat gluten free and also dairy free or nut free.
#14: 201 Gluten-Free Recipes for Kids: Chicken Nuggets! Pizza! Birthday Cake! All Your Kids’ Favorites – All Gluten-Free! by Carrie S. Forbes
This cookbook is filled with recipes your gluten free children (and whole family) will love with step by step instructions. Reviewers especially liked the pizza crust. However, most recipes are likely too difficult for children to prepare alone.
#15: The Gluten Free Cookbook for Families: Healthy Recipes in 30 Minutes or Less by Pamela Ellgen
This cookbook is helpful for families who are learning to substitute gf ingredients in recipes. There are many ideas for substitutions. Again this cookbook is for adults cooking for kids.
#16: Wheat-Free, Gluten-Free Cookbook for Kids and Busy Adults, Second Edition by Connie Sarros
This gluten free cookbook has fun recipes that kids can help prepare and enjoy eating. Favorites include recipes for peanut butter and jelly muffins and the peanut butter cups. It includes good tips for where gluten may be hiding and how to choose ingredients.
#17: The Paleo Kids Cookbook: Transition Your Family to Delicious Grain- and Gluten-free Food for a Lifetime of Healthy Eating by Jennifer Robbins
This is cookbook contains gluten-free, grain free, dairy free recipes that kids can help prepare. There are healthy recipes for French toast sticks, animal crackers, and sweet potato bacon tots. If your family is transitioning to more of a grain-free paleo lifestyle, here are healthy recipes with no gluten, dairy, peanuts, shellfish or soy.
Don’t forget– Clear the confusion and make dinner simple with “FIVE IN FIVE”–the free e-cookbook containing easy dinners you can make with 5 ingredients or less!
Do you know anyone that would LOVE these gluten free books for kids? Use the social sharing buttons to pin this post to Pinterest or share it with a friend.
Have you read any of these gluten free books? Comment below and tell us what you think!
Other posts for gluten-free families you may find interesting:
Eating gluten-free at Disneyland Resort® doesn’t mean you need to miss out on some of the parks’ most iconic foods. With a little planning, you can enjoy delicious dishes at every meal! Check out my list of the best gluten-free and gluten-friendly food at Disneyland Resort®.
Are you new here? I also have the following posts to help you implement the gluten-free diet while traveling without the stress!
The tips below are based on personal experience and research. Always be sure to discuss gluten-free options with your server and ensure that your personal dietary needs are accommodated. My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here.
Gluten-Free Snacks at Disneyland Resort®
Everyone knows that Disney vacations are all about the snacks. The good news is that several of the fan-favorite snacks are naturally gluten-free! These classic Disney snacks can be found in both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park:
Additionally, the ever-popular Dole Whip is both gluten-free and vegan. You can find it at the Tiki Juice Bar and at The Tropical Hideaway in Disneyland Park. The Tropical Hideaway includes options for loaded whips topped with fresh fruit.
If you’re looking for more unique gluten-free and gluten-friendly Disney snacks, here are a few that get great reviews:
Gluten-Friendly Incredicookie at Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums in Disney California Adventure Park
Red’s Apple Freeze at Cozy Cone Cafe in Disney California Adventure Park
Gluten-Free Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes, Red Velvet Cupcakes, or Chocolate Chip Cookies at Sprinkles in Downtown Disney
Download your FREE gluten-free travel guide! This checklist makes sure that you don’t overlook the details so you can relax in the security of having planned and enjoy your time away!
Gluten-Free Quick-Service Dining at Disneyland Resort®
Quick-service dining gives you great flexibility, with a variety of options located throughout the two parks. You can use Disneyland’s mobile ordering service to minimize your wait time for meals and have your food waiting for you at the counter when you arrive. Many dining locations include their allergy menus in their mobile ordering menu; if you need a special modification to your order, or you would like to review the ingredients of any item, I recommend ordering in-person instead.
Here are a few quick-service dishes worth checking out:
Allergy-Friendly Sandwiches & Tomato-Basil Soup at Jolly Holiday Bakery in Disneyland Park
Tostada Salad (without shell) at Rancho Del Zocalo in Disneyland Park
Gluten-Friendly Burgers, Sandwiches or Salads at Red Rose Taverne in Disneyland Park
Jambalaya at French Market in Disneyland Park
Allergy-Friendly Pizza at Alien Pizza Planet in Disneyland Park
Gluten-Free Pizza at Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta in Disney California Adventure Park
Street-Style Taco Plate with Corn Tortilla (Carne Asada, Al Pastor, or Pollo) at Cocina Cucamonga in Disney California Adventure Park
Gluten-Friendly Rice Bowls (Teriyaki or Szechuan Chicken) at Lucky Fortune Cookery in Disney California Adventure Park
Gluten-Friendly Ramone’s Low and Slow Turkey Club, Ka-Cheeseburger, or Classic Shakes (without “Road Gravel”) at Flo’s V8 Cafe in Disney California Adventure Park
Gluten-Free Table-Service Dining at Disneyland Resort®
Whether you’re starting off the day or closing out an evening, sitting down to a great meal is one of the best ways to connect with family while you’re on vacation. All Disney-owned, table-service restaurants at Disneyland Resort® offer allergy menus. If you need additional assistance while ordering, be sure to ask to speak with a chef.
Many of Disneyland’s most popular table-service restaurants offer delicious gluten-free and gluten-friendly options. Here are a few you don’t want to miss:
Walt’s Chili or Classic Eggs Benedict at Carnation Cafe in Disneyland Park
Bone-In Rib Eye, Surf & Turf, or Pork Loin with Seasonal Vegetables at Blue Bayou Restaurant in Disneyland Park
Bourbon Street Chicken, Nicoise Salad, or a Gluten-Free Monte Cristo* at Cafe Orleans in Disneyland Park
Gluten-Free Mickey Waffles or Bananas Foster Pancakes at Goofy’s Kitchen in the Disneyland Hotel
*note: If you would like to order a gluten-free Monte Cristo sandwich at Cafe Orleans, you will need to order it in advance. Make a reservation at the restaurant and then reach out to Disneyland’s Special Diets team. You’ll want to call the restaurant the day before to confirm your order.
Additionally, you can request a gluten-free menu at the Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Seashell macaron, anyone?
Bonus Tips for Eating Gluten-Free at Disneyland Resort®
With a little planning, you can enjoy plenty of satisfying meals on your Disney vacation. Here are a few tips to make sure everything goes smoothly:
Note your allergies/restrictions when making table-service dining reservations.
Contact Disneyland’s Special Diets team with questions before your visit.
Ask for an allergy menu at any quick-service or table-service restaurant.
Some items are listed as “gluten-friendly”, “allergy-friendly”, or “gluten-free”. Feel free to ask for clarification about any potential for cross-contamination.
Ask to speak to a chef at any table-service restaurant. They can discuss substitutions or walk you through the menu (including a buffet).
Review the Park Rules to know what you can and cannot bring into the parks. (You’re welcome to bring food/drinks inside, but avoid large coolers and glass containers.)
Consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner www.imagineeredvacations.com to coordinate all of your reservations, requests, and questions at no extra cost to you!
I hope your next visit to Disneyland is a magical one!
Don’t forget to download your FREE gluten-free travel checklist now to make your vacation planning super simple!
Did you love these tips for traveling gluten-free to Disneyland and California Adventure? Be sure to use the social buttons below to share this post with your friends or pin it to Pinterest for quick reference later.
Other posts on gluten-free living you may find interesting:
Jessica Tullino is a travel concierge with Ears of Experience, specializing in Disney destinations. Her goal is to help families take the stress out of planning vacations so they can focus on the fun! You can find her sharing Disney vacation tips and recipe ideas in her free Facebook community.
It’s a struggle to transition children to a new diet, but when looking for healthy gluten-free foods for kids the task is even more daunting. When first becoming gluten-free, it is easy to become overwhelmed with the availability of foods labelled gluten-free. And are any of these processed and packaged foods actually healthy?
Keep reading for these 13 tasty & healthy gluten-free foods for kids!
Are you new here? I also have the following posts to help you live gluten-free without the stress!
The gluten-free guide below is based on personal experience and research. Always be sure to discuss any medical changes with your doctor for your personal medical needs.This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here.
Getting your child on a gluten-free diet is not an easy task. Kids can be picky eaters and making them eat is something most moms struggle with. When it comes to going gluten-free, this becomes a challenge for parents.
Going for the right products and the right diet is an extra struggle when you switch your kid’s diet to gluten-free. But don’t worry, there are so many gluten-free healthy food options for your kids. Finding healthy gluten-free snacks and recipes isn’t something you should have to worry about.
Keep reading for 13 healthy gluten-free foods for your kids. Add these foods to your gluten-free shopping list, and incorporate them into your gluten-free recipes and snacks for your kid’s diet.
Are you ready to simplify your dinner routine? Download “FIVE IN FIVE”–my FREE e-cookbook of simple & easy gluten free dinners containing 5 ingredients or less!
Eggs
Eggs are rich in vitamin D, protein, and vitamin B. They make a great gluten-free healthy food for kids. You can make scrambled eggs, fluffy eggs, boil them, or bake them. A perfect gluten-free breakfast for your kid that will help him stay healthy.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are awesome, you can bake them, blend them, cook them, and even make cookies out of them. If your kids don’t like veggies much, then offering sweet potatoes is a great idea. They are rich in vitamins A and C and make amazing snacks. Bake your kids some sweet potato fries with seasonings and they will love it.
All kids love peanut butter and do you know it is a super healthy gluten-free food? Peanut butter with a gluten-free bread makes a great snack option. Rich in protein, magnesium, and zinc, this is a brilliant snack. You can even make peanut butter cookies, offer it as a dip, or let them eat it as your kids want.
Hummus
Hummus is one of the most popular Middle East dip made from chickpeas and tahini. It is full of flavor and nutrients that are essential for your kid’s health. You can serve hummus with fresh carrots or cucumbers and they make a yummy snack.
Brown Rice
If your kid loves rice but because of his gluten-free diet, he cannot have them. You can switch to brown rice. Brown rice is full of calcium, folate, and potassium that is good for brain and bone growth. You can cook the rice with a little bit of olive oil and cook your favorite recipe with all gluten-free ingredients (such as this easy 10-minute gluten-free chicken fried rice recipe). Your kids will love this healthy gluten-free food.
Bananas
One of the best healthy gluten-free foods that kids love is bananas. They are easy to eat, sweet, soft, delicious, and can make anything better. Slice them over your gluten-free pancakes, bake them in your cookies or simply make banana smoothies. Bananas are rich in fiber and potassium and help in keeping your kids healthy. Don’t forget to add bananas to your gluten-free recipes for your kid’s lunch box.
Avocados
Avocados are among the most underrated veggies. You can mash them and serve with fresh veggies, make guacamole, add them to smoothies, and even make avocado dips. Loaded with healthy fats and nutrients, avocados are an amazing healthy gluten-free food to offer your kids.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a seed but it tastes like grain and is rich in fiber and plant-based protein. Your child will love gluten-free quinoa salad with veggies and even with hummus. Quinoa can also be substituted for oats in some recipes if your kid doesn’t like oats and that are perfect for a gluten-free diet.
Looking for an affordable certified gluten-free quinoa? Anthony’s brand is the one we recommend—and it’s way more affordable than what you’d find in most grocery stores!
Bell peppers
Bell peppers are famous among kids as they come in different colors and kids love colors. They are good for eyesight because of their high vitamin A levels. You can simply cut the bell peppers, make a salad with quinoa or offer them with brown rice. Bake the bell peppers and offer them with a hummus dip as a snack. With so many ways to eat these yummy bell peppers, you just need to find a perfect gluten-free recipe that your kid would love and you are good to go.
Oatmeal
Gluten-free oatmeal is available in all the stores and you can get it for your kids as oatmeal is very healthy food. You can offer cooked oatmeal with fruits or anything your kids like. Breakfast or a snack, oatmeal is a filling meal and can be eaten anytime.
Note: if purchasing oatmeal for a child with Celiac disease of a severe intolerance/allergy, be sure you source oats grown under a purity protocol instead of ones that were manually sorted. My favorite brand is GF Harvest. They are totally affordable on Amazon!
Learn more about the difference between purity protocol and mechanically sorted oats here.
Yogurt
Personally, yogurt is our favorite gluten-free food. Yogurt is good for the digestive tract and keeps the infections away. Because it is high in calcium, it is good for growing bones. For a healthier choice, don’t buy sugary or artificially sweetened yogurt from the store. You can make your own at home without any artificial flavor using your kid’s favorite fruits. Blend the fruits with yogurt for a sweet snack or make smoothies. You can even freeze yogurt and fruit in popsicle molds like these for a summer treat!
Cauliflower
A lot of parents don’t know how much versatile is cauliflower. You can even make a pizza crust from cauliflower and your kids won’t notice. You can incorporate cauliflower in your kid’s gluten-free diet in so many ways. Make cheesy cauliflower breadsticks, try cauliflower rice, bake them in your cookies and use in many more gluten-free recipes.
Berries
Rich in antioxidants, berries make a great and healthy gluten-free snack. You can offer fresh berries as a snack or blend them with oatmeal or in smoothies for your kids such as this healthy blueberry orange smoothie.
Don’t forget– Clear the confusion and make dinner simple with “FIVE IN FIVE”–the free e-cookbook containing family-friendly dinners you can make with 5 ingredients or less!
What are some other healthy gluten-free foods for kids that your family loves? Comment below and share them with us!
Also—did you like this content? Give it a share on Social Media or Pinterest using the social sharing buttons below.
Other posts for gluten-free families you may find interesting:
About the Author: Saima is a mom of two cute boys. She blogs full time at A Supertired Mom. Saima loves kids and her dream is to open a kindergarten. She wants to motivate and encourage mothers and make them feel less lonely using her words. When not writing, she is eating pizza and sipping strong tea. She loves glitter, celebrations, and the beach. Follow Saima on Instagram and Facebook.
If you’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, are there actually benefits to transitioning to a gluten-free diet? This is a guest post by Maly at the The Rheuma Mill on her personal experience with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Keep reading to find out: What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? Who is at risk for Rheumatoid Arthritis? What’s the connection between the gluten-free diet and rheumatoid arthritis? What are the best tips for making the switch to gluten-free?
SCROLL DOWN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MALY AND HOW SWITCHING TO THE GLUTEN-FREE DIET BENEFITED HER RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS!
Are you new here? I also have the following posts to help you live gluten-free without the stress!
The gluten-free guide below is based on personal experience and research. Always be sure to discuss any medical changes with your doctor for your personal medical needs. My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the second most common form of arthritis after osteoarthritis. Did you know that there are over 100 types of Arthritis? I didn’t either until I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and started researching about the disease that stopped my life in its tracks.
Ask any warrior (we are warriors not sufferers) of Rheumatoid Arthritis and they will tell you that they would not wish RA upon their worst nightmare. The symptoms are debilitating. Why? Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune condition that affects the joints in the system.
More specifically, the immune system will attack the lining of the joints (synovium). When the synovium becomes inflamed, the synovium will thicken causing swelling, stiffness and joint pain. The most common areas of pain are the hands, wrists and ankles but larger joints such as the hips and knees can also be affected. As the inflammation progresses, those with RA will also experience extreme fatigue.
Who is at risk for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis sounds like something that only affects older people but this is not the case. There is such a thing as juvenile arthritis and children as young as 4 can be diagnosed with the disease. There is no conclusive cause for why rheumatoid arthritis occurs but chances of rheumatoid arthritis developing increases if you are a smoker or have a family history of RA.
In my particular case, I was diagnosed at 38. I was young (still am!), healthy, working full time as a special needs teacher, engaged in Mixed Martial Arts and pole dancing and an active parent of 3 pre-teens. I have never smoked a cigarette in my life and have no family history of rheumatoid arthritis. It came out of nowhere and hit me like a freight train.
I went from being able to move and do everything you would expect a normal 38 year old could do to a person that could no longer straighten their fingers or kneel and getting on the floor was to be avoided at all costs. The process (it is literally a 6 step process) of getting back up off the floor was laborious and just down right embarrassing. Not being able to sit on the floor is a big problem when you work with small children.
Is a Gluten-Free Diet Good for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Medical Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis
The medical treatments available for Rheumatoid Arthritis are many and often come with serious side-effects. If you have just been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, chances are you’ve been prescribed a cocktail of different pills and now have to spend weeks if not months waiting for them to kick in.
There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis but medication is there to reduce swelling and prevent long term damage but finding the right combination can take years.
One of the main prescribed medications of RA is methotrexate, a common cancer drug. This one comes with many warnings and the one that rheumatoid arthritis warriors find most scary. It’s a cancer drug. Methotrexate also comes with regular blood tests to make sure that it doesn’t damage your internal organs. If you are a female of child-bearing age, you also have to use a reliable contraceptive because you should not get pregnant while you are taking it.
Other commonly prescribed drugs for RA such as Celebrex and Plaquenil have been known to cause hives, affect vision, trouble breathing, sun sensitivity and complications with skin–just to name a few.
So why would anyone take it? Let’s put it into perspective:
If you were in pain constantly and can’t even pull up your own pants because you can’t even bend your fingers, you’d probably take anything to get your life back. There were many mornings where I nearly didn’t make it to the bathroom because my knees and ankles were locked and I couldn’t even flick on the light switch because my fingers were so swollen. At that point, I was willing to take anything for relief!
Other Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Early detection is the key to avoiding harsh drugs. Those that have found success in controlling their Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms using holistic methods are usually those that recognized the signs early and sought medical attention before the inflammation really takes hold.
The most common holistic method is diet focused whereby an RA warrior will include anti-inflammatory foods in their diet and/or eliminating foods that are known to trigger symptoms of their rheumatoid arthritis. I say ‘their’ rheumatoid arthritis because every warrior is different, what works for one may not work for another.
In saying that, there is one practice that many RA warriors will swear by: eliminating gluten.
Are you ready to simplify your dinner routine? Download “FIVE IN FIVE”–my FREE e-cookbook of simple & easy gluten free dinners containing 5 ingredients or less!
The Gluten-free Diet and Rheumatoid Arthritis
There is a general acceptance that eating a gluten-free diet is good for rheumatoid arthritis.
In fact, many rheumatologists will recommend to their patients to trial a gluten-free diet and subsequently, many patients report less joint pain. The most persuading factor in the connection between a gluten-free diet and rheumatoid arthritis is that Celiac Disease is also an auto-immune condition and can often be co-morbid with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Aside from the obvious health benefits, one of the other major contributors of a gluten-free diet’s popularity for people with rheumatoid arthritis is the weight loss benefits. Most of the medications prescribed to people with rheumatoid arthritis can cause considerable weight gain particularly due to the large dosage amounts. Many people lose weight on an anti-inflammatory gluten-free diet, so this is a legitimate win for solidifying the relationship between the gluten-free diet and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Gluten-Free Diet Benefits for Rheumatoid Arthritis.
My gluten-free diet journey began 10 years ago when my eldest child, Cree, was diagnosed with autism. Not long after his diagnosis I started him on a gluten-free diet. Living gluten-free 10 years ago was hard work and expensive so it was just Cree that made the transition to gluten-free, not the whole family. I can’t tell you how wonderful it is that the gluten-free movement has grown as much as it has in terms of availability, affordability and variety.
When my rheumatoid arthritis symptoms began to really take hold of my body, it was a no brainer to go gluten-free. I am a big believer in ‘food is medicine’ and was confident that by tweaking my diet, I was going to see some changes in symptoms.
Once I made the conscious effort to go gluten-free, the benefits were quick–as in the next day.
More specifically:
I had less swelling,
more movement,
and I was a step closer to being able to make a closed fist.
For anyone with rheumatoid arthritis, these are huge wins!
Changing my diet to gluten-free also meant that I could maintain my weight. Staying in shape and getting movement back was so important to me as I wanted to return to training as soon as possible not just for my physical health, but for my mental health. I needed to feel strong again. On top of all that, I needed to feel that I was actively trying to do something to help myself.
Over time, I have been able to reduce my medication which started at 16 pill/supplements a day to 6 a day. My joints are out of the inflammatory phase and into the healing phase. I no longer have any pain and can for the most part, function normally. I am not at 100% function but I am moving in that direction. This means I have returned to training and feel that I am getting my strength back.
I no longer have to take Methotrexate and Celebrex. Woo hoo! Those two meds were my main concerns and the two I wanted (needed!) to get off as soon as possible. I do believe that going gluten-free has helped my body to heal and rely less on pharmaceuticals so I can definitely vouch for the marriage between a gluten-free diet and rheumatoid arthritis as I have seen the results first hand. You can read more about my treatments here. http://www.therheumamill.com/rheumatoid-arthritis-treatment/
I highly recommend all those with rheumatoid arthritis to make the change to gluten-free to see if it is a cause of your flares. If you’ve been newly diagnosed, depending on the severity of your symptoms, talk to your doctor about diet changes before trying the pharmaceuticals.
Tips for Transitioning to a Gluten-Free Diet with Rheumatoid Arthritis
If you’ve never done gluten-free before, these are my top tips during your transition:
Tip #1: Focus on what you CAN have not what you can’t have
There is so much variety and substitutes now available that you won’t be missing out on much. Even if you’re going out to eat, there are not many eateries that won’t cater for you.
Tip #2: Plan ahead
You don’t have to go crazy with this but just having things on hand to snack on will prevent you from quickly grabbing something you don’t really want to be eating.
Don’t turn it into a mental game. Focus on why you’re making this change. Remember your worst day. I remember having to ask my son to help me put on my bra. Don’t want to subject neither one of us to that again!
My rheumatologist said to me during one of our first consultations that there is light at the end of the tunnel but the length of the tunnel is unknown and is different for everyone. So that is my focus, to keep heading towards the light at the end of the tunnel.
Going gluten-free has made that tunnel a little shorter and put me closer to the light at the end. I hope it will for you too.
Don’t forget– Clear the confusion and make dinner simple with “FIVE IN FIVE”–the free e-cookbook containing easy dinners you can make with 5 ingredients or less!
About Maly:
Hello! I’m Maly. I’m 39, a single mother of 3, a full time special needs teacher and motorbike rider. I love to travel and can proudly say that I have ticked off every item on my bucket list! Now I can add rheumatoid arthritis warrior to my list.
