Craving Carbs & you’re Coeliac or Gluten intolerant? Try these light & healthy carb options

Joanna Hawkins BHSc Nutritional Medicine

Whether you have coeliac disease (an auto immune condition that causes damage to the small intestine) or gluten intolerance (where your body reacts to gluten without the intestinal damage), both can have unpleasant symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. If you’ve been advised to follow a gluten free diet, finding healthy options to curb those carb cravings doesn’t have to be hard.

We all have cravings for carbohydrate rich foods such as pastas, muffins, cookies and breads and if you have Coeliac disease or an intolerance to gluten you don’t have to miss out. There are plenty of yummy gluten free options for you to try. .

Pasta is one of those comfort foods that is traditionally made from wheat. There are many gluten free pasta options available these days and many are made from either gluten free flours and grains (buckwheat, quinoa or rice), vegetables and even beans. Eco Organics Mung Bean Fettuccine is a perfect alternative pasta with an al-dante type texture for your favourite pasta dish. Made from organic edamame and mung beans this pasta is gluten free, high in protein and fibre. An ideal substitute for carbonara and pesto style dishes or add to salads for that protein and fibre boost.

Baking foods such as muffins, cakes, and breads are one of those things you definitely don’t have to miss out on. Whether you bake from scratch or you like to use a baking mix, there are plenty of gluten free options available. The Protein Bread and Co are a great brand to look out for, with convenient mixes to make muffins, pizza bases, pancakes and bread. Not only are their mixes gluten free they are high in protein and low in carbs. A superb choice for those sweet cravings and a must have pantry item for when those carb cravings hit.

Just because you’re following a gluten free diet doesn’t mean you can’t eat bread. There are many gluten free breads available in a variety of flavours and ingredient combinations. Almond Road Bakery makes a variety of gluten free breads perfect for sandwiches, toasties and breakfast options. Made from tapioca, almond meal, coconut flour and linseed meal the Organic Gluten free Paleo bread is a popular choice for a gluten free and dairy free option.

Check out some of these Gluten Free Carb options next time your cravings hit – in store today.