Beginning a gluten-free diet? Don’t stress over it. Here are a few ideas for gluten-free breakfast foods.
The advantages of a gluten-free diet, aside from the physical benefits, is that grocery shopping is less expensive because you’re not buying processed foods, over time menu planning actually becomes easier, and weight is more manageable.
A gluten-free diet doesn't mean you have to give up cereals and other breakfast foods. However, since breakfast often consists of items containing gluten, here are gluten-free breakfast ideas to help jump-start your day.
To assist in gluten-free shopping, many grocery stores have gluten-free sections or gluten-free shelf labels which instantly directs shoppers to safe choices.
Although Lowes Foods, Harris Teeter and Food Lion have improved shelf-labeling to identify gluten-free products, Whole Foods Market off of Miller Street in Winston-Salem has the best variety, especially when it comes to gluten-free breads.
Breakfast Foods
Gluten-free cold cereals:
Doves Farm Chocolate Stars, General Mills (GM) Rice Chex, GM Corn Chex, GM Chocolate Chex, GM Honey Nut Chex, GM Cinnamon Chex, Corn Flakes (fruit juice sweetened), Nature’s Path Mesa Sunrise, Nature’s Path Crispy Rice, Whole Earth Organic Maple Frosted Flakes
Other brands that offer gluten-free cereals include Nature’s Path, Evirokidz, Erewhon, Arrowhead Mills, and Bob’s Red Mill.
Gluten-free hot cereals:
Bob’s Red Mill’s Mighty Tasty Hot Cereal, Eco-Planet Hot Cereal, Arrowhead Mills Hot Cereal, Arrowhead Mills Grits, Ancient Harvest Quinoa Flakes Hot Cereal
Gluten-free bread
There are numerous brands of gluten-free bread. One of the most popular is Whole Foods own gluten-free bread located in the freezer section. Gluten-free bread is perfect for toast and jelly, or use to make a super-hearty breakfast of French toast or an egg sandwich.
The popularity of gluten-free eating has prompted the creation of gluten-free pancake, waffle and muffin mixes. These are not only excellent breakfast foods, they make quick, nutritious snack foods. Gluten-free mixes can be found in most grocery stores or specialty food stores.
Eggs
Eggs are naturally gluten-free so fix them your favorite way and enjoy! For those who like to cook, eggs can be boiled and made into egg salad, scrambled, fried, poached, or whisked into an omelets consisting of other gluten-free ingredients.
Fruit
The choice is yours since fruit is naturally gluten-free. Be sure to check the labels of processed or pre-packaged fruit to make sure they are indeed gluten-free. For those insisting on a “hot” breakfast, add a little heat to your favorite fresh fruit by pan frying with a little honey. It only takes a few minutes to get delicious results.
Gluten-free meat
Any gluten-free meat can be eaten for breakfast, just read the labels to ensure they are indeed gluten-free. Turkey bacon is an excellent choice; however, most processed meat contains additives containing gluten, so be certain to read labels and remember, fresh is best.
Dairy
Milk (does not include milk-flavored drinks), gluten-free yogurt, unprocessed cheese
Yogurt served with fruit is a great day-starter. Again, check labels because all yogurt isn’t gluten-free.
Beverages
Coffee, juice and milk
Note that commercial chocolate milk and other flavored milk drinks may contain gluten.
Please share your favorite gluten-free breakfast with other readers in the comments section.
References: WholeFoodsMarket.com, The-Gluten-Free-Chef.com
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