Mark’s Daily Apple is without question one of my favorite blogs of late. While it’s not a blog devoted to celiac disease or simply the gluten-free diet — Mark is an advocate of the primal/paleo diet which is not only gluten-free, but grain-free. Mark’s site is full of information on the primal diet as well as links to some fabulous grain-free recipes as well as commentary on many health issues that face us all — some of it serious and some of it humorous — either way, you might just walk away with a new found tools that could change your life. This article, How to Quit Grains is a great resource for celiacs and anyone else on the quest for better health.
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“Yes, they’re inextricably woven into nearly every aspect of our society. Dietary staple, cultural icon, sentimental fodder, patriotic symbol: it’s impossible to get away from them. However, just because they’re ubiquitous in our social environment doesn’t mean they deserve a place on your dinner plate. You know the multitude of reasons to quit grains. How about some strategies for kicking them to the curb?
As much as I condone, cajole and attempt to convince people to give up grains for the sake of their health, I’m not oblivious to the fact that dumping grains can be a tough and sometimes lonely slog. It’s not just the cultural thing either. For most people, physiological and habitual forces are the most demanding aspects. You’ve likely hard the term “carboholic” (used mostly in magazines and Oprah confessions for humorous, normalizing purposes), but there’s genuine truth there. Although I’m not equating the ravages of alcoholism and drug addiction with carb cravings, hard science has something to say about the physiological compulsion associated with dietary sugar and carbs (PDF).
Understanding the physical and mental impulse shouldn’t set the stage for making excuses (i.e. the carboholic joke). Though it can take some forethought and commitment, giving up grains is wholly, entirely possible and crucial to both your short-term vitality and long-term health. Ready to jump? Let’s go…”
