Weekly Spotlight: Eating Gluten-Free

A gluten-free diet is a diet in which no gluten is consumed. This means avoiding flours like all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour, but also sauces like soy sauce. Instead, using tamari or coconut aminos is a perfect substitute. For things like breadcrumbs, using gluten-free breadcrumbs (or making your own gluten-free breadcrumbs) works! Following a gluten-free diet can be beneficial to those with Celiac disease, and there are many options when it comes to eating gluten-free. There are many flours and products out there that are delicious and gluten-free, and there are ways you can start with things in your own home.

This guide can help you find some information about being gluten-free. This guide includes guides to using gluten-free flour like chickpea flour or buckwheat flour, and inspiring recipes to make.

We do a monthly series focusing on our gluten-free recipes, and we have countless resources about making gluten-free recipes and living gluten-free! Check out the roundups below to get started!

• 5 Uncommon, Gluten-Free Flours That Are High in Protein
• Ultimate Guide to Gluten-Free Flour!
• 15 Budget-Friendly, Gluten-Free Desserts Made From Oat Flour!

We also highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App  — with over 20,000 delicious recipes, it is the largest meatless, vegan, plant-based, and allergy-friendly recipe resource to help you get healthy! And don’t forget to check out our Weekly Meal Plan Archives! 

This week, we’re bringing delicious, fully vegan, and plant-based ways to enjoy eating gluten-free!

Gluten-Free Around the Holidays

The holidays may sound daunting to be gluten-free and plant-based, but it’s okay if you’re nervous about it! There are a few ways to help manage the holiday season. First, find out what will help you feel the most comfortable. Maybe you can bring a dish or two to share, or even pair up with a friend or family member to bring or include more gluten-free options. And while homemade items are the best, you can also opt for a quick store-bought option, as well! We’ve got delicious Thanksgiving and holiday recipes, and if you’re looking for even more amazing recipes for the holidays, check out our cookbooks!

• Holiday Stuffing by Trudy Geneus
• Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup by Kristina Jug & Mitja Bezenšek
• Pecan Pie Bars by Robin Browne
• Ginger Cheesecake by Robin Browne

Getting Started with Recipes!

Gluten-Free Breakfast

Source: Breakfast Burritos

For gluten-free breakfasts, it can be as simple as swapping out all-purpose flours with gluten-free flours. You may have to figure out what flour blend or brand works best for you, but there are many on the market to choose from. Also, if you love to cook at home, you can make your own gluten-free flour, too!

• Arugula Hempseed Protein Shake by Zuzana Fajkusova and Nikki Lefler
• Breakfast Burritos by Robin Browne

Gluten-Free Lunch

Source: Zesty Cauliflower Rice Pilaf

There are many options when it comes to making gluten-free lunches! It can be as simple as swapping out the bread in sandwiches, or your grain in your rice bowl. As you get more familiar with eating gluten-free, you can experiment and find meals that you love!

• Grilled Cuban Tofu Sandwich by Zsu Dever
• Zesty Cauliflower Rice Pilaf by Carly Paige

Gluten-Free Dinner

Source: Mexican Chili

There are so many gluten-free options for dinner. Here are two to get you started! These meals use pantry staples and if you need to, you can either double the recipe or freeze some for later! There are many gluten-free pasta options out there, but you can also use a plant-based alternative such as spaghetti squash.

• Mexican Chili by Planted and Picked
• Heirloom Tomato and Basil Wine Sauce Over Pasta by Stephanie McKinnie

Gluten-Free Desserts

Source: Gluten Free Sugar Cookies with Vegan Royal Icing

There are many delicious gluten-free desserts that you can create! These desserts are a perfect place to begin, but we have many more dessert ideas for you to explore!

• Gluten Free Sugar Cookies with Vegan Royal Icing by Robin Browne
• One Bowl Hazelnut Cake by Patrica Granek

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
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• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!