Personal Trainer Quick Tip:
Is a Gluten Free Diet Best For Weight Loss?
Although many people have been losing weight on gluten free diets, is it really because of the gluten? Most likely not. People rave about how gluten is bad for you, but do they actually know what it is? Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. So more than likely it’s not the gluten that has been holding you back, but the unhealthy foods that contain gluten. These include: cookies, cakes, pizza, pancakes, burgers, and beer. Obviously over consuming foods like these that are high in saturated fats and carbohydrates would lead to weight gain. Just as obvious, eliminating these foods would lead to less calories consumed and weight loss.
Now there are certain cases were a gluten free diet would be beneficial. Those with celiac disease, a gluten intolerance, (about 1% of population) would see improvements in their digestive health and limit sickness.
Using a gluten free diet strictly for weight loss isn’t the smartest approach. You may see some weight loss but at a potential cost of vitamin deficiencies. Many gluten free dieters are often deficient in iron, calcium, zinc, and B vitamins like folate and niacin. They also miss out on many other nutrients including fiber.
The best approach is still a balanced diet of lean meats, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and whole wheat breads and pastas in moderation!
Written By: Robert Jost NSCA-cpt, ACE-cpt
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