There's a lot of buzz this month at some area grocery stores when it comes to gluten, especially so close to so many Memorial Weekend cookouts! May is Celiac Awareness Month. According to healthcare professionals, celiac disease is "an immune disorder in which people cannot tolerate gluten because it damages the inner lining of their small intestine and prevents it from absorbing nutrients. Even a small amount of gluten can cause a reaction and small intestine damage. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley and occasionally in some products such as vitamin and nutrient supplements, lip balms, and certain medications."
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that, "1 in 141 individuals have celiac disease, though most are misdiagnosed or undiagnosed."
Head here for more information from NIH.
To explain the meaning behind this month and offer suggestions for a gluten free barbecue, Weis Markets registered dietitians Elizabeth Stark and Kathryn Long joined Newswatch 16's Ryan Leckey today to take a bite out of this topic. They explained celiac disease and healthy options for your upcoming barbecue. They also explain how some supermarkets, including Weis Markets, are offering easier to identify labels on their products for those with a gluten sensitivity. Click here to check out those labels!
The following are tips from Weis Markets dietitians to help you host a Memorial Weekend Cookout with some gluten free grilling options. Here's the salad recipe showcased at 6:15 a.m. today. To make this gluten free, replace "Farro" with brown rice. And, use Ken's light balsamic vinaigrette.
If you are hosting a cookout with GF guests or attending a BBQ as one who follows a GF lifestyle, here’s how to get grillin’ the safe and gluten free way:
Stick to the Basics
There are many naturally gluten free grilling options to serve:
Plain, unseasoned/unmarinated chicken breast, plain lean turkey or beef burgers without bread crumbs being used as a binder, plain fish, lean plain steak.
Vegetables
Be aware of common BBQ foods/condiments that MAY contain gluten-containing ingredients
Salad dressings
Seasoning mixes and rubs
BBQ sauces
Marinades
Hot dogs
Sausages
Mayo
Soy sauce
Veggie burgers
Swap out the GF ingredients
Replace gluten-containing grains in pasta and chilled salads with quinoa, rice, GF pasta or ‘zoodles’
Combat cross contamination
Make sure the grill grates have been cleaned and that gluten free foods are not placed on where gluten-containing sauces, marinades, etc have been. Or, go a step further and grill GF foods on foil.
Allow GF individual to serve themselves first
Separate platters, utensils, servingware, bowls of snacks, dips etc
Stick with squeezable condiments vs jars (PROPS)
Label foods as gluten-free so guests know what is safe to eat (PROPS)
Don’t toast GF buns and rolls in a toaster used with non-GF breads
BYO
Encourage guests that follow a GF diet to bring their own dish or 2 to share
Talk it out
Discuss what can/cannot be eaten with the host or guest to make the party as stress free and enjoyable as possible
Finally, Weis dietitians say if you're unsure if you have celiac disease, there are several ways healthcare providers can test for it:
a medical and family history
a physical exam
blood tests
an intestinal biopsy
a skin biopsy
