A Gorgeous Guide To Gluten Free Plant Based Diet

 Gluten-Free Plant Based Diet

Gluten-Free Plant Based Diet

Updated on 4/22/2024
Martin AlvarezBy Martin Alvarez
Nutritionist/Dietitian Professional Guide
Learn More about Martin Alvarez

Avoiding any items that come from animals, such as meat, dairy products, and eggs, while adhering to a gluten free plant based diet, sometimes known as a vegan diet, has its own unique set of dietary obstacles. Your dietary issues have become more difficult due to the addition of gluten-free dietary limitations to the list. But you need not be afraid! Because of these helpful nutritional suggestions, you won't have trouble adhering to a gluten-free or plant-based diet.

Even though gluten-free diets have been increasingly fashionable over the past several years, adhering to one is more than a passing dietary fad for many individuals. If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, following a gluten-free diet is an obligatory diet to feel healthy; such health advantages, you have no choice but to avoid the protein known as gluten, which is present in wheat-related grains. The incidence of celiac disease in the United States is one in every 141 individuals. On top of that, some people have gluten sensitivity or wheat allergies, which requires them to steer clear of gluten and wheat. 

gluten free

gluten free

Although cutting gluten out of your diet is not recommended unless it is necessary for medical reasons, many people need to follow a gluten-free diet for medical reasons. At the same time, they want to eat a plant-based, vegan, or vegetarian diet. I hear from a lot of these kinds of people. And they are unsure of the best way to accomplish their desired improvements in their health. With some careful preparation, it is not outside the realm of possibility at all.

A plant-based diet that is nutritious and focused on whole foods should be high in whole grains; nevertheless, this can be one obvious point of contention. Avoiding the apparent inclusion of gluten-containing grains like wheat, rye, and barley is one of the most challenging aspects of following a gluten-free diet. one of the critical problems. But a surprising number of plant-based items could potentially conceal gluten-containing ingredients. These are examples of chemicals and additives frequently found in processed foods containing gluten. Even naturally free goods could get contaminated with gluten if they are mismanaged at food service establishments, restaurants, food processing plants, or even in your home. 

What Is Gluten?

What Is Gluten?

What Is Gluten?

First things first, let's go through the actual definition of gluten. Wheat is the most prevalent of the grains that include gluten, but barley, spelled, and rye are all known to have gluten. Gluten is a family of proteins that may be found in cereals, and gluten is a protein complex created when proteins called glutenins and gliadins interact. If you have celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or a wheat allergy, be able to handle gluten in a plant-based diet. It is because a plant-based diet often excludes wheat and other grains. On the other hand, there is a great deal of nutritious plant-based meals that are free of gluten and may be enjoyed by everyone with diseases like these.

Healthy And Delicious Gluten-Free And Plant-Based Diet Strategies

Healthy And Delicious Gluten-Free And Plant-Based Diet

Healthy And Delicious Gluten-Free And Plant-Based Diet

A plant-based diet is composed of whole plant foods, including beans, lentils, vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices, which is one of the many appealing aspects of such a diet. These are all gluten-free by their very nature! On the other hand, whole grains are one of the primary food groups included on the list of natural plant foods that I suggest you have at each meal. Some whole grains contain gluten, such as rye and barley, but many whole grains do not contain gluten, such as buckwheat, brown rice, wild rice, sorghum, amaranth, millet, and quinoa. All forms of wheat, including farro, spelled, emmer, and Kamut, as barley and rye, are included in this category. If you base your eating style on whole plant foods, eating a gluten-free plant-based diet is pretty straightforward; all you need to do is switch out grains that contain gluten with gluten-free grains.

gluten free

gluten free

However, a plant-based diet necessitates the consumption of a select few food products that contain gluten, and you may need to exercise caution while consuming these foods (see the list below for a rundown). One of them is soy sauce, which, when used in plant-based foods, may impart a satisfying umami taste; however, you must ensure that the soy sauce you choose is free of gluten. Tempeh can be cooked using grains that contain gluten, but it's not hard to locate variants that don't include any of that ingredient. Pasta and bread are frequently made with gluten variations; however, they may replace with gluten-free ones (I adore pulse kinds of pasta!). In addition, specific recipes ask for flour to be used for thickening or structure; however, you may substitute corn starch for flour when the recipe calls for thickening and use a gluten-free flour mix for most recipes. Checking the packaging of food items for a label stating that they are gluten-free and do not pose a danger of cross-contamination is one way to ensure that the item in question does not contain gluten.

gluten free

gluten free

When following a gluten-free and plant-based diet, it is crucial to ensure that your food contains adequate amounts of all critical elements. You will be able to get the nutritional support your body needs from a wide variety of wholesome plant foods filled with nutrients like fiber, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals (with the help of some astute supplementation). Gluten-free and healthful meal options include:

  • A quinoa berry bowl.
  • Chickpea tacos.
  • Steel-cut oat porridge bowls.
  • Heirloom beans.
  • Nut kinds of butter.
  • Leafy green salads.

Although it sounds like a lot of work, planning a vegan, free of gluten, and healthy diet is reasonably straightforward.

12 Gluten-Free And Naturally Vegan Essentials Derived From Plants

gluten free

gluten free

Here are several naturally gluten-free, plant-based foods that are superstars of the diet, but you might not even give it a second thought to consider the possibility that they are gluten-free!

1. With heart-healthy fats and an excellent protein source, peanut butter is an economical way to add more protein and healthy fats to your diet.

2. Tofu (produced from soybeans) is a high-quality protein since it includes good levels of all nine necessary amino acids, making it one of the best protein sources. Tofu may be found unflavored and is another excellent source of protein. Just be wary of seasoned varieties because there's a possibility that they contain gluten.

3. Quinoa: Besides being rich in fiber, minerals, and antioxidants, quinoa is also an excellent source of high-quality protein because it contains all nine necessary amino acids in an appropriate proportion.

4. Chickpeas: Chickpeas' modest pulse is so reliable in the kitchen that it is used in hummus, curries, and salads. In addition, chickpeas offer several health advantages, including assisting digestion, aiding weight control, and protecting against disease.

5. Brown Rice: Brown Rice is an incredibly versatile grain, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It can use to make stir-fries, curry meals, and grain bowls relatively quickly.

Brown Rice

Brown Rice

6. Buckwheat: Eating this earthy, nutty grain (not related to wheat) has been linked to some health advantages, including better management of blood glucose and enhanced heart health due to the abundant amount of fiber in buckwheat.

7. Nutritional Yeast: Yeast food source not only imparts a "cheesy, umami" flavor to dishes but is also loaded with nutrients that can assist you in meeting your nutrient requirements.

8. Lentils: You can use this type of pulse instead of meat in various dishes, including Bolognese, "meatballs," and veggie patties. Lentils are an excellent source of protein.

9. Almonds are an excellent choice for a healthy snack since they are high in fiber, protein, phytonutrients, and unsaturated fats. Almonds may also use in dairy products, baked goods, and salads.

Almonds

Almonds

10. Flax Seeds: Flax Seeds' multipurpose food item is a terrific addition to cereals, veggie burgers, and baked goods since it contains omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.

11. Chia Seeds, despite their diminutive size, pack a powerful punch because of the omega-3 fatty acids and fiber they contain. In addition, they may be used as a dietary substitute for eggs, making them a versatile addition to anyone's pantry.

12. Chickpea Flour: Chickpea flour is an excellent alternative to wheat flour that does not contain gluten and is rich in nutrients.

Gluten May Be Present In The Following Plant-Based Foods

Gluten May Be Present In The Following Plant-Based Foods

Gluten May Be Present In The Following Plant-Based Foods

Keep an eye out for gluten in these common plant-based foods, some of which may contain it.

Check the product labels and check for the gluten-free certification to be sure. On a gluten-free diet, you won't be able to consume grains of wheat, rye, or barley; nevertheless, you may find that these grains are present as an ingredient in many plant-based dishes. Even the seasonings and sauces may have gluten-containing components, and it is simply a selection of the available lists.

Wheat grain includes gluten in all its incarnations (emmer, spelled, farro, bulgur, and couscous); therefore, avoid eating it if you have a wheat allergy.

Rye is another type of grain that has gluten in it.

Additionally, gluten-containing protein may be found in barley.

Tempeh is a fermented soy grain cake; however, some brands utilize a different grain. Therefore cannot guarantee the presence of gluten.

Burgers made from vegetables: While certain varieties of veggie burgers can include gluten-containing components, most veggie burger brands do not.

Burgers made from vegetables

Burgers made from vegetables

Veggie burger's traditional plant-based protein is almost wholly composed of gluten and is known as seitan.

Tofu with Seasonings While tofu is naturally gluten-free since it is created from soymilk that has been curdled, seasoned forms of tofu, such as baked or tofu cutlets, may have additions that contain gluten.

Loaves Made From Whole Grains Wheat flour is the primary ingredient in most whole grain and multi-grain bread. Look for gluten-free varieties.

Crackers: While most commercially available hackers include gluten, you may find gluten-free options created with seeds and grains.

Crackers

Crackers

Traditional soy sauce does contain gluten. However, you can find gluten-free soy sauce if you shop around. Soy Sauce (often called tamari).

Malted barley and sometimes wheat are the primary grains used in beer production. On the other hand, there are beers made from grains other than wheat that do not contain gluten.

Traditional pasta, including healthy noodles, is typically produced from wheat flour. Wheat flour is also used to make a variety of Asian noodles (i.e., soba). On the other hand, there is now a wide variety of pasta that does not contain gluten, such as those made from pulses (beans, lentils, chickpeas, and edamame) and alternative grains (i.e., rice, quinoa).

Advice On Transitioning To A Gluten-Free And Plant-Based Diet

gluten free

gluten free

Make an effort to commit to a few essential strategies for designing a lifestyle that is effective for you to memorize.

Carefully read the labels on your food. Check the ingredient list for items that contain gluten, look for certified gluten-free labeling icons to ensure that the product is free of gluten, and read statements to ensure that wheat is mentioned.

Search for grains that have been confirmed as gluten-free. Even though grains and flours that are naturally gluten-free (such as sorghum, quinoa, and oats) are theoretically gluten-free, many are not. Gluten-free is because they came into touch with grains containing gluten when they were farmed, transported, or processed.

Avoid foods that have been heavily processed. The greater the degree to which foods have been processed, the greater the likelihood they include some gluten-containing substance.

You should not exclude Whole grains from your diet at any cost! Just add Food for Gluten Free Plant Based Diet.

Boost your consumption of fruits and vegetables. Choose gluten-free options from whole fruits and vegetables at all times (unless they have added ingredients).