Purchasing Resources for Gluten-Free Foods

Gluten-Free Foods Education and Training

Familiarize yourself with gluten free food products
By Emily Lugg Having an allergy to gluten, Celiac Disease, can be very limiting. As a supervisor or caregiver of someone who has a gluten allergy or as a chef in a kitchen that offers gluten-free menu options, gluten-free foods education and training can help you create a safe environment.

With the proper training, cooking and serving gluten-free foods can be a snap. Knowing what products you can and cannot serve, what the alternatives are, and how to make them edible and delectable are key to gluten-free foods education and training. Consider the following when researching no gluten foods:

1. There are numerous resources online that offer information on gluten-free foods education and training as well as gluten-free food recipes and gluten-free products.

2. Organizations exist that are solely dedicated to Celiac Disease and providing invaluable information on preparing foods without gluten.

3. Cooking classes are a great way to get hands-on experience with gluten-free food and preparing a menu for clients on a gluten-free diet.

Search for information on gluten-free food distributors and products online

An abundance of information can be found on the Internet about the gluten-free diet. Tips on what foods to eat and which to stay away from as well as advice on gluten-free food stores and recipes are just a click away. Learning online is a quick, convenient way to learn about the gluten-free diet. Many resources also allow you to develop and print menus.
Try:  The Gluten Free Passport has information available on how to manage an allergy to gluten. The Mayo Clinic discusses the requirements for a gluten-free diet.

Join organizations that are dedicated to the gluten-free business of food preparation and supply

Whether you suffer from Celiac Disease, care for someone who does or cater to those on a gluten-free diet in a restaurant, you can benefit from the gluten-free foods education and training that is offered through gluten-free organizations. These organizations offer resources that can make the life of someone with an allergy to gluten more fulfilling and hassle-free. Joining these types of organizations will give you the chance to share tips and network with others looking to learn about how to buy gluten-free food and embrace the gluten-free lifestyle.
Try:  The Celiac Disease Foundation offers resources for anyone interested in learning about the disease. The Celiac Sprue Association is an organization dedicated to the continuing education of Celiac Disease.

Take classes on cooking gluten-free foods

Just as there are specialized cooking classes for Italian food or baking, there are classes dedicated to gluten-free cooking. These types of classes can afford you the opportunity to try new recipes and get a handle on what it takes to cook and eat gluten-free foods. They also enable you to become comfortable with the tastes and textures of gluten-free foods to apply techniques learned in your own kitchen.
Try:  Many gluten-free cooking classes are offered at The Cambridge School of Culinary Arts. The Natural Gourmet Institute For Food & Health offers hands-on, gluten-free cooking classes.

• As there are more discoveries made about Celiac Disease, gluten-free food options are becoming more popular and readily available to consumers. When shopping, check labels to ensure that your ingredients are gluten-free and do your research while creating a list to include items that are most familiar and safe.

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