GLUTEN-FREE: NEW DIET FOR THE 21^ST CENTURY

Expert’s Advice on Dealing with Ever-Increasing Food Choices

DENVER, CO: Move over, sugar-free and fat-free. Make room for gluten-free––a new lifestyle that’s revolutionizing the way we eat.

About 10-15% of Americans can’t eat gluten, a protein in wheat and related grains, because––although wheat is the all-American grain––it can actually be toxic for some people, says Carol Fenster, Ph.D., author of Gluten-Free 101, a guide to the gluten-free lifestyle, available at www.glutenfree101.com.

“With the explosion in food choices––7000 supermarket products in the 1960’s, according to the Institute of Food Technology, compared to 40,000 now,” says Fenster, “today’s consumers must sharpen their label-reading skills to detect hidden gluten in an overwhelming array of ready-made products. They also have to master restaurant dining and being a discerning, yet considerate guest in other people’s homes.”

Gluten-sensitivity takes many forms, says Fenster. It can be an auto-immune condition called celiac disease that inhibits nutrient absorption. Or it can be intolerances or food allergies. But regardless of the reason, living gluten-free means a new way of eating.

The lifestyle change that’s perhaps hardest to make for some people––yet the most rewarding––is learning to prepare one’s food at home, says Fenster whose own gluten intolerance is a catalyst for her six books that help others prepare gluten-free foods in their own kitchens.

“The things we miss the most on a gluten-free diet––pizza, bread, bagels, and other baked goods––are the hardest foods to find in stores, let alone restaurants,” says Fenster. So she mastered the fail-proof, gluten-free versions and shares how to do it in her book––along with lots of help and encouragement for the novice or kitchen-challenged cook. Her nationally-acclaimed pizza crust recipe is on her web site at www.glutenfree101.com, along with photos showing exactly how to prepare it.

“I’m a firm believer in the benefits of home cooking,” says Fenster. “Food prepared at home gives you control over what’s in it––and how it’s prepared. And, studies show that home-cooked food contains less fat, sugar, and calories.” Plus, she adds, “freshly-prepared food just tastes better.”

For a free gluten-free pizza recipe, visit www.glutenfree101.com.

Information for food allergies, celiac disease, autism, and other special diet conditions