As many of us head back to school or work, it’s a good time to start thinking about getting a healthy breakfast to start the day. We need energy to study, work, and play! Many studies have shown improvements in concentration and learning for children who eat breakfast, and starting the day with a healthy breakfast helps adults, too. There are great options from both the regular grocery store and specialty products.
Some mainstream breakfast options are naturally gluten free, like Rice Chex, Cream of Rice, most kinds of yogurt, cottage cheese and fruit, even plain grits! Sprinkle in a spoon or two of ground flax seed to get in a little extra fiber. Or, get creative with eggs: scrambled eggs, omelets, huevos rancheros, or even hard boiled for an on the go breakfast. Many kinds of breakfast meats, like sausage or bacon are also GF.
More and more cereal companies have special gluten free versions of the usual suspects. Perky’s has Perky Os and Nutty Flax and Enjoy Life has a bunch of cereals and granolas. As a plus, these cereals are fortified with vitamins. EnviroKidz has some for children of all ages, like Gorilla Munch and Koala Kids, and these are in most local supermarkets. And, of course, more stores sell GF bagels, muffins, scones, or other sweet breakfast treats.
As the days get cooler, hot cereals are a great way to start the day with fiber and whole grains. Most GF grains cook up nicely as hot cereals, like kasha (buckwheat), millet, amaranth, teff, etc. It’s easy to make a big pot and have them all week long. Bob’s Red Mill has a few nice options, like Mighty Tasty Hot Cereal. Don’t forget about GF certified oatmeal, which can be found at specialty stores or online.
You can also think beyond usual breakfast foods for a change of pace. Soups or any kind of leftovers work well, and you’re only limited by your imagination!
GF Classes in Alexandria, VA:
The Art of Living GF
How, why and when to go gluten free
Saturday, October 4th
11:00-12:30
- Sorting out the facts from common myths
- All you ever wanted to know about label reading
- Foods to avoid, cross contamination and hidden gluten
- Books, resources, samples, and much more!
This is great for people who are familiar with the basics but still have some questions. It’s also a great opportunity to educate family and friends to support you better!
School Meals:
Do you have a child with Celiac Disease? American Celiac Disease Alliance just put out new information on school meals for children with Celiac Disease. This is a great source of information on the Americans with Disabilities Act, 504 plans, and how they relate to CD. For more info, please contact info@americanceliac.org
Seasonal grilled veggies:
As the weather gets a little cooler, it’s a great time to add vegetables onto the grill! Make or buy kebabs with yellow squash, zucchini, mushrooms, red peppers and onions. Or, use sliced of eggplant. Drizzle with a small amount of oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill until done. Simple and delicious! You can also grill corn.
Harris Whole Health offers individual sessions, family sessions and group classes to help people eat healthier and feel better! Whether you are dealing with Celiac Disease, food allergies, picky eaters, children on the Autistic spectrum, chronic illness, or if you just want to feel and look better, Cheryl can help you achieve your goals. For an appointment with Cheryl Harris, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist, please click here or call 571-271-8742.