Gluten-Free living is on the rise

I recently read an article on MediaPost that addressed the ever growing gluten-free trend.  Not only has everyone's awareness surrounding diseases connected with gluten (namely Celiac) has increased, more and more people are turning to gluten-free eating as a way to live better.

While it can be argued that it is important to have a balanced diet of carbs, proteins, fruits, and veggies, do we really need items with gluten?  Going on a gluten-free diet has proved to be beneficial for people with ibs and other gastrointestinal disorders, along with more serious conditions such as ADHD and and Autism.  And with Oprah's endorsement, maintaining a gluten-free diet has never been so popular.

I've noticed an increase in the number of products supermarkets carry that are now gluten-free.  Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Mother's Markets have always been ahead of the curve when it comes to gluten and allergy-free items, but now chains like Ralph's and Vons have jumped on the bandwagon.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that my local Ralph's has an entire frozen foods section dedicated to gluten-free foods, along with a wide assortment of gluten-free cereals and crackers.

It's also nice to know that many restaurants in the LA area are developing delicious, gluten-free menus, and are becoming more flexible when it comes to creating special gluten-free dishes.  Progress is being made my gluten-free friends.

Gluten-free awareness is on the rise, and now is the time to get involved.  From writing to your favorite restaurant with gluten-free suggestions or encouraging your friends to try a gluten-free diet, make your voice heard.  Before you know it, markets and restaurants will be so overloaded with gluten-free options, you won't know where to start.

So if you haven't already, give gluten-free eating a shot.  I promise you won't be disappointed!