Breakfast: Keep it Clean, Simple & Gluten Free.

It seems that when people first make the big change over to a gluten free diet, a clean eating diet, or any diet for that matter, sometimes when it’s tricky, meals are left out. Forgotten. Skipped on purpose. We all know now that it isn’t healthy to do that, and that it makes for a terrible eating pattern, and thusly, and terrible GI pattern, as well.

It’s not as hard as it seems to find easy, simple things that go with the gluten free diet. There are numerous pre-made products available now, but I’d advise you to pay attention to the calorie and fat counts in all of these items. Most recently, the news has shown us, and reminded us, that premade gluten free is often no better health-wise, possibly even worse due to the excessive amounts of fats and other things that are no good for you either!

Start simple.

What are your favorite fruits? Grains? Yogurts? Who doesn’t love a good fruit & yogurt parfait?! It’s even better now, with the addition of almond base yogurts to the group. Now those with dairy issues can still enjoy a good parfait. And I must say, the almost yogurt is not bad!! Some of the “safe” gluten free brands of yogurt are: Brown Cow Farms, Yoplait (also has lactose free variety), Stonyfield Organic. I really appreciate that Yoplait has made their kids’ varieties gluten free, as well!

How about Cereal? Hot Cereals?

The easiest thing to do for breakfast is often a good bowl of cereal. If you’re feeling extra special, maybe you’ll add in some milk. (Not me, however. Dairy=Death.) There are a LOT of people in this category, and FINALLY, companies in the cereal business are responding. Some of the “safe” gluten free brands of cereal on the market today are: Bob’s Red Mill varieties, Glutino brands, Nature’s Path, and Udi’s. More commonly known brands like Chex and Post have also gone gluten free, with some of their best sellers and favorites among children! The wide variety of GF hot cereals allows people to still have a large choice for quick breakfasts!

How about some toast?

Lucky for you, these days there are LOTS of varieties of GF bread! Buns! Rolls! The most common one I hear from my GF friends is Udi’s. (There are even cinnamon rolls by Udi’s!) There are other brands of GF bread, and baking your own in the bread maker is always a delicious alternative, too. Some other bread brands are: Schar, Food for Life, and Kinnikinnick. (although, I have never tried the last.) Remember, too, that baking your own gluten free breads and freezing them works great!!

Breakfast meats?

Watch your meat! Ha. Seriously though. The preservatives used in some of these processed meats do contain gluten, and for those of us THAT sensitive– YES, it matters. Applegate Farms has a good quality, and most of their breakfast meats are gluten free. Buddig Organic is another to check out. Many people find that at this point, getting fresh meats from the butcher may be the better way to go. Some even end up going vegan due to this fact.

What about your COFFEE?!?! Your TEA?!?!

Coffee’s mainly safe! So, drink away! And it was recently proven that coffee does give your body the fluids it needs, even though it’s riddled with caffeine and such! Tea can be a bit more tricky, but many of the brands you drink are indeed gluten free. Check them out here: AriZona Teas, Bigelow Teas, Honest Tea, and some varieties of Snapple.

See! Relax, you’ll get this figured out. Check out our post on GF Lunch Ideas!! 🙂