Gluten Free Foods and Kitchen Preparation
Before you go to the store to buy your gluten free foods, you
need to prepare your home so that you will also have a gluten
free kitchen or at least a safe area. Buying the foods is
only half the equation, you also need to keep and prepare them
that way.
If you bring home some fresh vegetables and you wash them and put
them in a colander to drain, and that same colander was used
to drain wheat based noodles in the past, the vegetables will
be cross contaminated with gluten. Condiments are also very
easily cross contaminated, and must be kept away from any risk
of crumbs.
This aspect is not always considered when people begin the
diet, but it is nevertheless important to aid in healing. It
is only by getting all of the antibody reaction stopped that
the body can heal. Even a very small exposure can keep the
immune system activated and attacking the small intestine or
other body organs, including the skin.
The pages below will give you tips on how to keep your foods
free of cross contamination, and what utensils and
appliances need to be replaced. If you plan to put the whole
household on the diet, then you should read the first two
pages below.
If you will only have one or some of the household members going
on the diet, you will want to read the kitchen page, and also
the mixed household page. You can read them all of course, if
you aren't sure yet which way you plan to go.
While it may seem simpler to have an entirely gluten free
household, it is more expensive. Some members may not wish to
give up the quick easy meals or favorite snacks. There are
many things to consider before making such a big and permanent
change.
A Gluten Free Kitchen
This page discusses the various appliances and utensils that will
need to be replaced. There are tips for storing and using your
gluten free foods safely, and some information on a gluten free
bread machine.
A Gluten Free Houshold
This page will tell you what you need to do to prepare your home if
you are going to have a completely gluten free kitchen and home.
Dish soap, reading labels, and setting up are also discussed. The
advantages are apparent, but there is a higher cost.
A Mixed Household
This page will tell you the common pitfalls that can happen in a
mixed household, and how to work around them. Also what areas
need to have a "gluten free zone". Labeling food items for the
diet is mentioned, and also how different approaches can work
for different families. All family members will be affected
and the final decision should include everyone's opinion.
from Gluten Free Foods to Gluten Free Diet Help Home Page