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If you've been around the block a couple of times, you've probably heard the term gluten free. What exactly is gluten free? Well, to explain that, we need to take a look at what gluten is specifically.

Gluten is a protein found in many grain foods. It's great to use for cooking as it can add flavor, texture, and make your foods thicker. It's a great source of protein without having to eat meat if you're a vegetarian. The problem is that many people have developed intolerance for it. So, they need to stay away from gluten or they will become ill.

What Is Gluten Free? 

If you're intolerant or know someone who is intolerant to gluten, then watch out for foods that contain durum, einkorn, grahmam, karmut, and semolina. People who are intolerant to gluten may have a wheat allergy, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and celiac disease. People who have wheat allergy may show symptoms of digestive problems, breathing problems, and the hives from eating gluten.

You may be sensitive to gluten also. If you're experiencing bowel problems, then try a diet without gluten. You may be sensitive to gluten. You're not necessarily sick or may die, but it's just a problem you're born with.

Celiac disease will cause inflammation to your small intestine from the smallest amount of gluten. It may also affect other organs in your body such as your lungs, liver, stomach and most importantly, your heart. It doesn't happen instantly, but overtime you won't be able to digest necessary vitamins and minerals to keep your body functioning properly. They can experience massive amounts of weight loss, bloating, tiredness, and headaches.

It's very hard to treat, so the best solution is to not even put yourself in the situation. A gluten free diet will force you to read labels and watch what you eat. It's bothersome, but a total lifesaver.

If you're someone who's not intolerant to gluten, but is wondering if a gluten free diet will allow you to lose weight. It may or may not. Results will vary. Most foods that have a version without gluten are healthier and better for you. It's not recommended as there are better diets out there.

Studies have shown that if you're experiencing problems, but don't have any diseases and eating properly. You may try a gluten free diet as some people feel better after trying it. Some people don't get any physical damage from gluten, but you may be damaged by it mentally.

By Trevor M Hall 

# diet gluten-free Gluten-Free Holidays holidays quinoa Recipe salad side dish vegan

By Meet Karina 

Quinoa Salad with Pears, Baby Spinach and Chick Peas in a Maple Vinaigrette

If you're looking for a fresh idea to liven up your ho-hum salad plate, Babycakes, have I got a recipe for you. Light, vegan, and packed with protein, this is no ordinary bunny food. It's got teeth- er, I mean, quinoa. Studded with nutty, buttery chick peas and crunchy toasted pecans and succulent jewels of ripe, juicy pears. And did I mention, in a bowl licking maple vinaigrette?

In fact, this is a salad even salad haters would eat. You know, those stalwart gotta have my meat and potatoes aficionados who eschew anything leafy. Who snicker at fiber. And mock carrot sticks. The sort of individual who gets misty eyed for melted butter and bacon martinis. To said individuals, salad could never be anything but rabbit chow. But this lovely mélange of flavors just might pique their interest. The sheer luxurious deliciousness of these autumnal flavors might coax them into flirting with bunny food goodness. Just this once. Then- who knows what could happen? They might settle in, fork poised, all dubious and dreaming of rib eye. They might take a bite. And then another. And another. And before you can say blueberry pancakes on a stick- they might actually smack their lips and grin and hold out their empty plate for more.

And you.

You could smile back, sly and slow, as you reach for the serving spoon to comply with their new found desire.

And feed their craving.

Karina's Quinoa Salad Recipe with Pears, Baby Spinach and Chick Peas in a Maple Vinaigrette

Quinoa adds vegan protein and heft to simple green salads- perfect for lunch or a light supper. Use pears or apples in this recipe- either one will work.

Ingredients:

1 cup organic quinoa
Sea salt
2 good handfuls of organic baby spinach leaves, washed, drained
1 large ripe pear, washed, stemmed and cored, cut into pieces
1/2 cup chilled chick peas, rinsed, drained
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
A handful of pecans, pan toasted and salted to taste

For the Maple Vinaigrette Dressing:

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons golden balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Quinoa salad with pears, chick peas and baby spinach.

Instructions:

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a fine sieve. Place the quinoa in a saucepan or a rice cooker. Add 2 cups fresh water, and a pinch of sea salt. Cover and cook on a low simmer until all the water is evaporated and the quinoa is tender- roughly 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork and dump it into a large salad bowl.

Add the baby spinach, pear, chick peas, and chopped parsley to the quinoa and fluff.

Whisk together the vinaigrette, pour it over the quinoa salad and toss gently to coat. Season to taste with sea salt and ground pepper.

Just before serving, add the toasted pecans and lightly combine.

Makes four main course servings, six side dish servings.

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