Whether you are Paleo, Whole 30, diabetic or cutting back or just plain gluten-free, one of the first questions people ask is “What am I going to eat?” when they decide to eat healthier. Then the follow up question is, “What about bread”? But, I’m going to break this down and make things really easy for you, here are eight gluten free alternatives of things to eat instead of bread.
One of the first questions people ask me when they here that gluten is not on my menu is, “What do you eat?”. Their next thought probably is, what kind of evil person cuts bread out of their life anyway? As you read these very words, you probably think that you will be swallowed into a black hole, asphyxiate and die at the thought of skipping your morning bagel, afternoon sammie or fitness flatbread.
But, the good news is that you won’t. You will not only survive… you will thrive, if you do it well. So, let me hold your hand and show you some healthy gluten free bread alternatives that will make things a little easier for you. Oh…and by the way, I’m not talking about replacing crap with more crap.
I’m talking about using real ingredients to food with real ingredients that heal. Here are eight gluten free options to use instead of bread.
1. Lettuce
Omit the bread and wrap sandwich ingredients in lettuce instead. Restaurants like The Bgr Joint and Elevation Burger readily offer lettuce wrapped burgers as options for restaurant patrons. You can also use kale for a healthy green swap. Varieties like bib lettuce and living lettuce (lettuce with the root still attached), make great wraps.
2. Almond Flour Wraps
Almond wraps are a major staple at my house. Look out for them at the grocery store. Once you taste them, you’ll know why. These almond flour tortillas are a staple at my house. You can get them from Amazon.
3. Cauliflower
You’ve heard of cauliflower pizza right? You can make it yourself or buy it from the store. You can also buy cauliflower sandwich thins to make sandwiches too.
4. Eggplant
This one happened in my kitchen by accident one day and I’m glad it did. Next time you’re thinking about having a sandwich, you may just want to try some grilled eggplant instead of bread
4. Nori
Seaweed is not just for sushi. Make it a wrap by using Nori sheets around your favorite sandwich ingredients. Nori is also packed with iodine, which is an essential mineral that is paramount for thyroid health, metabolism and tissue growth and repair.
You can simply add a little water to the nori wrap for ease of handling and fill with your favorite topping (just as you’d do for a typical wrap or sandwich).
5. Sweet Potato
You’ll want to get a spiralizer attachment for the Kitchen Aid mixer if only to make these sweet potato noodle buns.
7. Coconut Wraps
Coconut is a hero of the healthy food movement. These coconut wraps offer convenience and flavor if you’re trying to quit bread.
8. Plantain
Plantain tortillas are made with….Plantains! Well, of course. Since these are fried, I wouldn’t make them an everyday staple but, you get the point. Creativity in the kitchen is where it starts.
Which of these bread free alternatives will you try?
Originally published: August 17, 2017
Republished: January 16, 2019. 1/22/22
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