Non-GMO Foods for Baking

Gluten- and GMO-free food guide for baking

Ask the Nutritionist

by Melissa Diane Smith

Q: I avoid sweets most of the year, but like to bake occasional treats for my family during the holidays. I eat gluten-free but I also want to avoid genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to protect both my health and the environment. I recently noticed that some gluten-free flours contain common sources of GMOs. Can you provide a rundown on ingredients that are both gluten-free and non GMO foods that I can use in baking? —Beth W., Kansas City, Kan.

A: As you mentioned, many gluten-free baking mixes contain ingredients that are derived from common genetically modified foods such as corn, soy, and sugar beets—cornstarch, cornmeal, soy flour, sugar, fructose, xanthan gum, and others.

While you can find Non-GMO Project Verified versions of gluten-free flour blends, I recommend avoiding them altogether—even if they’re non-GMO—because gluten-free flours such as cornstarch, rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato flour raise blood sugar levels very high, which sets people up for blood sugar- and insulin-related health conditions including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and more.

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Don’t Miss the 3-Course, Pre-New Year Pure Food Dinner at Harvest!

There was a full house for the non-GMO “Say No to Monsanto” dinner at The Tasteful Kitchen on December 14, 2016. Make sure not to miss the next non-GMO dinner at Harvest Restaurant, 5605 E. River Road, on Tuesday, December 27, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. See the Facebook page about the event.

The 3-course, non-GMO, Pre-New Year Pure Food Dinner that occurred at Harvest four years ago was the most popular non-GMO dinner ever. This Pre-New Year Pure Food Dinner at Harvest is bound to be equally popular. So, act quickly: Check out the two dinner options below. Both options are non-GMO and gluten-free/grain-free.

Call 520-529-7180, give your name and which option you’d like, and reserve your spot while seats are still available.

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‘Going Against the Grain for Health’ Presentation Sept. 20th at New
Natural Grocers in Tucson

NaturalGrocers-0920-memeby Melissa Diane Smith

I am delighted to be a featured speaker during the Grand Opening of the new Natural Grocers natural food supermarket at 5600 E. River Road in Tucson this month.

On Tuesday, September 20, 2016, at 6 p.m., I will present “Going Against the Grain for Health: How to Make Food Your Best Medicine.” In this presentation, I’ll cover the health troubles caused by refined grains, whole grains, gluten grains, and genetically modified ingredients hidden in grain-based foods, and explain how to use this information to lose unwanted weight, reverse disease processes, and revitalize health. I’ll also give my answers to common questions I receive, such as “was wheat always not good for us, or has it become worse for our health in recent years?” and answer any other questions that you have.

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Could Gluten Be a Problem
for Your Kids?

Reactions to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, can trigger a range of symptoms and illnesses in children who have celiac disease (an autoimmune condition in the gut) or nonceliac gluten sensitivity (a reaction to gluten that isn’t an autoimmune condition). The following symptoms might indicate that your child is adversely reacting to gluten. (Take note: Except for “growing pains” and slow growth, the same symptoms can be warning signs in adults, too.)  

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Healthy Gluten-Free Kids’ Lunches

If your kids need to avoid gluten, don’t despair!  Here are 15 nutritionist-approved gluten-free lunch box ideas they’ll love (and adults will too!)

Gluten Free Recipes for Kids - Lunch Ideas

Ask The Nutritionist

by Melissa Diane Smith

Q: I have a 10-year-old daughter who was diagnosed with celiac disease earlier this year, and a 6-year-old son who has experienced dramatic improvements in behavior problems (diagnosed as ADHD) since I put him on a gluten-free diet a year ago. I know how to put gluten-free meat on some gluten-free bread, but I’d like to transition my kids off of these processed products. Can you offer any suggestions? —Ann L., Las Vegas

A: Making healthy, gluten-free school lunches that your kids will like is completely possible. You just need to get creative by filling the lunch boxes with at least a few different, colorful, easy-to-eat foods. Include some protein, vegetables, healthy fats, and fruit. Prepare the boxes to look as tempting as possible, cut vegetables in interesting shapes, and pack them with gluten-free dips. (Studies have found that children are more likely to eat their vegetables with a dip.)

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Handy Grain-Free Bread Substitutes

Looking for a pre-made, ready-to-use, grain-free wrap or bread? These items don’t have the same taste or texture as flour-based tortillas, so you may have to try a few to find one you like. But each of the following products can add convenience and variety to a grain- or gluten-free diet.

COCONUT WRAPS.

Julian-Bakery-Coconut-Wraps Pure Wraps Paleo Coconut Wraps

Both Pure Wraps Paleo Coconut Wraps and Julian Bakery Paleo Wraps offer flexible, low-carb wraps made of coconut meat and water. The Pure Wraps are seasoned with Himalayan pink salt, while the Julian Wraps are salt-free. That makes Pure Wraps great for savory fillings such as grilled chicken and spinach, or eggs and avocado; and the Julian Wraps ideal for desserts, such as berries and whipped coconut cream.

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‘What’s With Wheat?’ Free Online Screening June 24-30

by Melissa Diane Smith, author of Going Against the Grain

Whats with WheatIs wheat really bad for us, and why does it cause so many different health problems? I first answered those questions in Going Against the Grain in 2002 and have written about those topics many times since then. But soon you can learn by watching the film documentary, What’s With Wheat? Mark your calendar and watch it for free by registering for the free 7-day global online screening available between June 24-30th.

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