By Claire Diab and Dennis Boyle

As firefighters, it is so important to have energy, stamina, and strength. How you eat affects these aspects of your life at work and at home. I have been gluten-free for the past 20 years. While many people experience severe gluten intolerance or celiac disease, gluten-free can also be a lifestyle choice. I found that when I ate foods containing gluten, my stomach would feel hard and distended, and my sinuses became congested. When I eliminated gluten from my diet, I felt a renewed sense of energy, strength, and stamina. I went from 140 to 130 pounds in just a few weeks.

Yoga is all about finding balance, so every now and then (two or three times a year) I enjoy one of my favorite bread-based meals: sourdough bread, an everything bagel, or a Millburn Deli Sloppy Joe on rye. Dr. David Simon, co-founder of The Chopra Center for Wellbeing in San Diego, California, and my dear friend and teacher, says, “Always practice moderation, and even moderation in moderation.” So let’s begin this detox together!

Let’s begin with the basics:

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in many wheat, barley, rye, and grain products. Gluten has an elastic quality that helps hold foods together–for example, it is the reason dough is so pliable.

Where is Gluten Found?

Foods and beverages containing wheat, barley, rye, and triticale (wheat and rye hybrid).

• Breads (white, wheat, rye, sourdough, etc.).
• Pizza, bagels, pasta.
• Cakes, cookies, muffins.
• All beer, some whiskey and bourbon, gin.

What is Gluten Free?

• Rice, quinoa.
• All beans.
• Raw seeds and nuts.
• Eggs, meats, fish, and poultry.
• Fruits and vegetables.
• Dairy products.

Did you know you can turn your go-to sandwich into a gluten-free meal? Just swap your bread, wrap, or buns for lettuce. Try some of these tasty roll-up ideas and recipes. 

• Tuna fish.
• Hummus and cucumber.
• Horseradish, cheddar cheese, and tomato.
• Egg salad and so much more.

Claire’s Healthy Almond Joy Dessert

• Dark Chocolate.
• Almond Butter.
• Coconut.
• Whole Almonds.

Spread almond butter onto a piece of dark chocolate and sprinkle on shredded coconut. Top with an almond.

Gluten-Free Pizza Crust

• 2 cups shredded cauliflower.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella.
• 2 eggs.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Combine all ingredients together and bake for 20 minutes. Add sauce and toppings to your crust and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Living a gluten-free lifestyle may seem limiting, but it can also be an opportunity to experiment with new recipes and be creative. The possibilities are endless!

Namaste!

Claire Diab is an internationally recognized yoga therapist. She is the director of the Yoga Program for the Chopra Center founded by Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. David Simon. She is an adjunct professor of Asian Studies at Seton Hall University. She is the author of several books and DVDs on yoga including “Yoga for Firefighters.” 

Dennis Boyle is a retired fire director and acting chief with the West Orange (NJ) Fire Department. He was the recipient of the 1999 New Jersey Deputy Fire Chiefs “Fire Officer of the Year” award.