Gluten Free Swaps

As you know, this past Friday - I took a personal day and enjoyed an amazing massage and reflexology session.  Afterwards, my mom & I decided to try out a new bistro by us called The Cheese Course.  This was my first time “eating out” since going gluten-free and I was a little nervous.  When you walk in, you can see that this company clearly takes pride in appreciating all artisan cheeses from around the world.  The only problem? Almost everything was served on a baguette!  Yes, I could have gone the easy route and just gotten a salad, but this is my new way of eating and I really wanted to try and make it work for me.  So…after a slight panic attack - I got an idea!  I can eat the cheeses on apple slices instead of bread!  Yes, I was feeling pretty smart after that and because of a simple swap - I was able to enjoy my meal immensely!   I had 2 amazing cheeses, Manchego and soft, mild goat cheese with prosciutto and basil pesto all over apple slices.  Add in that glass of Pinot Grigio and it was a lunch fit for a queen!

This lunch inspired me so much, I put together a list of healthy gluten-free swaps for when you’re eating out on the town or just want a simple swap at home.  Bon Appetit!

Healthy Gluten-Free Swaps

• Nuts for croutons - Add that same crunch to your salad by tossing in some raw almond slivers or walnuts.
• Black beans for flour - Substitute 1 can of black beans for flour in brownies to eliminate gluten and add a dose of protein!
• Zucchini for lasagna noodles - Using a vegetable peeler, cut ribbons of zucchini and use in place of standard lasagna noodles.
• Spaghetti squash for pasta - Roast squash and pull apart with a fork.  It’s an amazing low-carb/low-calorie substitute and it’s super easy to make.
• Apple slices for baguettes -  Who says cheese & crackers have to actually be on crackers? 
• Lettuce leaves for tortilla wraps - Super easy and fun.
• Gluten-free oats for breadcrumbs - Mix oats, herbs, and a little pecorino romano cheese together in a food processor and you’ve just made a great italian-flavored breadcrumb substitute.