August Theme: Naturally Gluten Free

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So here we are in August, a month of birthdays for us, with my daughters Emma and Jenna, my niece Sarah and goddaughter Nicola all celebrating birthdays in August. A great excuse for get-togethers and cake!

We just got back from another celebration- our 40th wedding anniversary! We stayed at the most fabulous treehouse in Perthshire; if you’re looking for a unique place to stay then definitely add this place to your list!

Back to this month- our theme for August will be (naturally) gluten free. 

There is so much controversy around gluten and also much confusion surrounding it; many folks give it up only to replace it with processed gluten-free products, thinking they are healthier options. Often, these products are big earners for the food industry, but extremely bad news for our gut health. 

Gluten is a large protein which behaves like glue in baked goods giving them structure and sticking them together. Without it, baked goods don’t rise well or have any structure, without the addition of emulsifiers & gums, which are scientifically proven to damage our delicate gut wall. To add insult to injury, most baked gluten-free products are full of refined starches, which spike our blood sugar, adding to the negative health impact.

But there are plenty of natural gluten-free grains and foods which add to the diversity of our diets, supporting our hard-working gut buddies, and these are the things we will be focusing on this month. Even if you don’t have a gluten sensitivity, trying out new grains and recipes is a good idea for your health and can get you out of a cooking rut. Is cous cous a staple- why not try quinoa or millet for a change? Swap breadcrumbs for ground seeds and polenta, try a lentil or rice-based pasta for a change etc. Simple swaps are all that’s needed.

Check out our gluten-free Grain guide and have a look at all the delicious gluten free recipes on the website. My favourite recipes are linked below, but there are also loads of soups, mains and sweet treats, too numerous to mention, so check them out and find some new favourites. 

I will be doing a chat over on the FB group, all about gluten and the issues surrounding it, dispelling some myths and looking at the best alternatives.

It’s still holiday season so we will be heading off for CamperVan adventures when the weather looks good again. Emma our eldest daughter and her dog Lev will be with us for most of the month which is lovely, so many delicious family meals will be made and enjoyed. Hopefully outside!

My ferments are stocked up, and I have a few sourdoughs in the freezer which always makes me feel on top of things. A good way to start this new month.

Have a great August

In good health,

Janice xx