How to Lose Weight With a Wheat-Free Diet

Giving up wheat is not easy. Wheat is an ingredient found in many foods that people enjoy, such as pizza, cake, pasta, bread, pastries and most cereals. These foods can be high in calories and saturated fats, which contributes to weight gain if consumed in excess. According to The Food Intolerant Consumer, 15 percent of people have wheat intolerance due to gluten sensitivity. Gluten is contained in all wheat products. One of the many symptoms of wheat intolerance is the difficulty with digesting food, which can cause weight gain. Removing wheat products from your diet can facilitate normal digestive functions, promote weight loss and put you on a path toward better nutrition and increased health.

Instructions

1

Remove all wheat products from your home such as cake, cookies, pasta and bread.

2

Read the ingredients of all the food items you plan to purchase and ensure that they do not contain wheat.

3

Learn the different names used to describe wheat products. According to Wheat Free.org, avoid products containing cereal, cereal binders, farina, filler, flour, food starch, fu, gum base, hydrolysed wheat protein, modified food starch, rusk, semolina, spelt, starch, thickener or thickening, and triticale." These ingredients may contain wheat.

4

Get a recipe book and learn new wheat-free recipes and meal plans. Plan your meals at least one day in advance and always have wheat-free foods available, such as eggs, rice cakes, vegetables and fruits. This will reduce the likelihood of snacking on wheat products.

5

Take a trip to your local grocery store and inquire about wheat-free substitutes. Some neighborhoods have specialty grocery stores that may contain a wider selection of wheat-free products such as bagels, breads, and pizza. Consult your Yellow Pages to find specialty grocery stores near you or join a wheat-free support group for advice on where to shop.

6

Question the ingredients of foods while eating out. Inform the waiter that you are on a wheat-free diet and ask them what entree options are available. Some restaurants have their menu online so you can review the selections and make an informed decision prior to your arrival.