Spice up your gluten-free diet or adopt a gluten-free approach without even trying by simply turning to Thai food.
Recent studies have shown people who eat just a half a cup of rice a day are leaner than those who do not. Some people believe the rice eaters eat more vegetables than non-rice eaters because vegetables are often served with rice.
People on the gluten-free diet don’t necessarily have celiac disease. A lot people – myself included – just feel better by avoiding wheat and wheat products that tend to clog you up and wear you down. Even by making a simple switch to rice pasta instead of wheat or whole-wheat pasta, may help you feel lighter and more energetic.
Here are few rules of the Thai-style gluten free diet plan:
No. 1: Spice is good. A lot of Thai dishes use hot chili and chili paste. The hotter the better. If you aren’t used to spicy foods, just start with mild and gradually work your way up to Thai hot. Spicy foods rev up the metabolism.
No. 2: Bring white rice back to your diet, but in small amounts. Thai people include rice as a starch to fatten up their women and children, but it doesn’t work. Thai people are still thin. White rice is easy to digest. When mixed with vegetables and lean protein in Thai dishes, a little will only help you feel more energetic. Stick to a half a cup serving at any one meal.
No. 3: Sometimes – but not every day — choose dishes with green, red or Panang curry sauce that includes coconut milk. Coconut milk is extremely healthy and dairy-free – another great aspect of the gluten free Thai diet.
No. 4: Most Thai noodle dishes are made with rice noodles such as Pad Thai and Spicy Noodle. If you always avoid gluten; then don’t choose dishes that say “Egg noodles” such as “Pad Ba Mee” as they usually contain wheat.
No. 5: If you are dining out for Thai at lunch, some Thai restaurants offer a complimentary cup of chicken rice soup. Starting your meal with soup is a hot way to fill up and eat less, according to researchers.
No. 6: Use common sense when ordering appetizers while out. Fresh spring rolls using soft rice paper is definitely less fattening than a fried Crab Rangoon with Wonton paper or fried calamari. Use dipping sauces sparingly.
No. 7: Order the rice pasta dishes infrequently as they contain more calories and fat and not as many vegetables as other dishes. If you do order Pad Thai or Curry Fried Rice, don’t eat the entire meal. Box up at least half if not 2/3 of the meal.
No. 8: Embrace tofu. Even if the tofu is lightly fried, it’s an awesome part of the gluten-free Thai style diet. Just eat no more than about 5 chunks of tofu per meal.
No. 9: Fried eggplant should only be a monthly treat. Eggplant soaks up a lot of fat along with the refreshing green curry sauce.
No. 10: Drink water, green or black tea unsweetened. No need for empty calories in the form of a beverage.
If you have never tried Thai food, you may find yourself in another dimension. The trick is to try different dishes until you figure out which ones you love the most. Be adventuresome.
Healthful herbs, spices or ingredients to look for when using Thai gluten-free recipes or ordering from a menu include: basil, pineapple, tofu, garden vegetables, curry, lemon grass, coconut milk, ginger, spicy red chili sauce and mint.
After tyring this gluten-free diet, you may decide to hire a personal Thai chef.
