Gluten-free diet doesn't have to be boring!

There's been a lot of talk about ‘Gluten' in our food these days. While some people call it a fad diet, some say it is necessary for good health. 

What is gluten?

Gluten is a type of protein found in grains like wheat, rye and barley which can irritate your gut and trigger allergic reactions. It is this protein that gives bread its chewy texture and also provides elasticity to baked goods.

According to the Healthline health website, you don't need to avoid gluten unless you have Celiac Disease or a serious allergy. If you decide to do so as a lifestyle choice, one must remember to do it carefully as it may lead to deficiencies and also increase the risk of diabetes.

You should know that gluten intolerance (commonly known as wheat allergy) and Celiac's disease is not the same thing. Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease where your immune system does not recognize gluten and may react by making your white blood cells attack the lining of the small intestine. Gluten intolerance may simply refer to an allergic reaction.

Experts who follow the Paleolithic lifestyle believe that our body is only designed to absorb and digest foods that our ancestors ate. Whole grains and other foods that have been grown by modern man are responsible for causing lifestyle diseases that our forefathers never had to suffer.

Here is a list of gluten-free lunch recipes to try:

Amaranth Tikkis

Amaranth is an amazing grain to use. It has higher mineral content more calcium, iron, phosphorus and most important manganese than most other vegetables and more digestible proteins than wheat. These tikkis are easy to make and perfect to carry in your lunch box.

Also read: Wellness trends for a healthy lifestyle

Ragi Roti

Ragi is rich in calcium and gluten-free and can be easily used to make chappatis. Fill it up with chopped seasonal veggies to it a flavour spin. This Indian bread is made with ragi flour, carrots and mild spices can be your lunch recipe along with a sabzi of your choice or you can also serve Ragi roti with chutney, dahi or pickle.

Chicken-qunioa briyani

A protein-rich meal that will keep you full till dinner. This biryani is made with quinoa and juicy chicken chunks. Quinoa is known to be high in fibre and low on calories while it keeps you full for long. This chicken quinoa biryani is mildly flavoured and is perfect for a light lunch.

Kuttu Ka Dosa

Another ingredient that is commonly used during Navratris, buckwheat or kuttu is also gluten-free. You can use it to make this quick dosa for a South Indian lunch. Here, the filling is not your usual masala aloo but one that is made with Arbi.

Mushroom Brown Rice

Brown is a healthier alternative to your regular white rice and it retains all the essential nutrients in the bran which are lost due to processing. This easy rice dish needs only 30 minutes and is full of flavour.

Going gluten-free doesn't mean you have to give up on your favourites. Just tweak and experiment in the kitchen and you never know you may land with a masterpiece of your own. Do share your gluten-free recipes with us!

On the occasion of Gluten- Free  Day, we have replugged this story.