USE YOUR NOODLE

Everyone loves pasta. Inexpensive, reassuring, and easy to make, it’s the quintessential comfort food. And with a new crop of wheat-free varieties available, even gluten-intolerant folks can enjoy pasta.

But bowls of gluten-free spaghetti and tomato sauce get tiring over time. Next time you decide on pasta for dinner, use your noodle: try some unexpected approaches to toppings. Toss rice noodles with a spicy marinara, top linguine with chopped Swiss chard sautéed with garlic and olive oil, or make a creamy sauce out of winter squash. Add-ins also increase the nutritional value: try pureéing tomato sauces with white beans, sweet potatoes, or frozen spinach to increase the nutritional value, or stir in small broccoli florets, green beans or diced zucchini. Or try one of these fresh approaches:

Click here for the recipe Super-Fast Fusilli with White Beans, Cherry Tomatoes, and Fresh Mozzarella

Click here for the recipe Rice Noodles with Snow Peas, Scallops and Sweet Coconut-Miso Sauce

Important Supplements for Gluten-Free Living

The gluten-free diet, while healthful, can be lacking in certain nutrients. Gluten-free flours are lower in fiber and not enriched with iron and B vitamins. Supplements can help facilitate healing of the body, aid digestion, and compensate for possible dietary deficiencies. Below are some supplements to consider:

Multivitamin and Mineral Complex

Make sure the vitamins and all other supplements you take are gluten-free—some manufacturers add gluten as a binder. For example, all products from Country Life Vitamins, including multivitamins, are certified gluten free.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)

Celiacs may be at particular risk for EFA deficiency, especially prior to following a gluten-free diet, due to malabsorption of fat in the damaged intestine. Fish oil provides the highest amount of omega-3s. Look for pharmaceutical-grade, molecularly distilled fish oil. If you can’t tolerate fish oils, try chia seed oil or flaxseed oil.

Digestive Enzymes

There are digestive enzyme supplements designed for celiacs and those with gluten and casein sensitivity (e.g., GlutenEase from Enzymedica). Look for a product with a wide range of enzymes to support complete digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, with targeted support for the digestion of gluten and casein. Taking enzymes before risky meals (e.g., when eating at restaurants) will help to defend against hidden gluten and casein.

photography by pornchai mittongtare | styling by amy Paliwoda | Food styling by liesl maggiore