Gluten-free, next weight loss trend?

Lately the proliferation of gluten free products has been more prominent in the market with labels on cakes, muffins, pasta, and even beer. Sitting side by side with products labeled fat-free, sugar-free, cholesterol-free, pesticide-free, we’ve become programmed to associate those labels as superior. So what about gluten-free?

Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, malt barley, and in a very small amount, oats. Each of those grains has a gluten portion that has an adverse affect on people with Celiac disease or some just have a sensitivity to it. Gluten is what causes dough to be elastic, which forms bread. It is found in several food products that may go unnoticed such as soy sauce, flavored coffees, and some processed meats.

Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet on gluten-free products is actually more difficult as many gluten containing foods have a lot of fiber, vitamins and minerals, which are essential components of our diets. Many celebrities have been going on gluten-free “diets” for weight loss. If they are losing weight, it's most likely because they are cutting out food groups and subsequently eating less. When it comes right down to it, losing weight is simple: burn more calories than you are consuming. Cutting out gluten for the sake of losing weight is not only pointless, but not necessarily healthy.

So unless you have gluten intolerance or sensitivity, there’s no nutritional or weight loss advantage to consuming these products. Not to mention gluten-free products tend to be more costly. So save your appetite and your money!