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What Are the Best Tips for Making Gluten-Free Lunches?

Donna Tinus
Donna Tinus

A gluten-free diet excludes foods that contain gluten, a protein in wheat, oats, barley, and rye. People typically follow this diet to manage celiac disease or wheat allergies, or for general well-being. Following a gluten-free diet can be a challenge. The best tips for making gluten-free lunches include using gluten-free bread, eating a variety of dishes based on fruits and vegetables, avoiding prepackaged foods, and utilizing left-overs in insulated containers whenever possible. Also, asking children to help pack school lunches gives him a sense of independence and feeling of control over their diets, which can help them avoid foods with gluten.

Gluten-free lunches can be made with gluten-free bread from most grocery stores. Many people prefer to make their own, however, because they enjoy the superior taste of homemade gluten-free bread. The homemade variety doesn't have the preservatives the store-bought types does, either. Also, the grocery store may carry a small variety of gluten-free bread, while the home cook can prepare various types and sizes.

Hummus is a protein-rich dip that is well suited for a gluten-free lunch.
Hummus is a protein-rich dip that is well suited for a gluten-free lunch.

Preparing a wide variety of foods with fresh produce helps to keep gluten-free lunches interesting. The protein should be the first consideration. Gluten-free deli meats sandwiched between gluten-free bread is fine for a lunch, but should not be relied on every day. Sliced chicken and turkey, gluten-free cheese, and eggs are good sources of protein in a gluten-free diet. Hummus is a nutritious dip that can be used as a protein source.

Fresh vegetables are gluten-free.
Fresh vegetables are gluten-free.

Include both a fruit and a vegetable in all gluten-free lunches. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends at least five servings from this category each day. Fresh produce is one item that a person with gluten intolerance can eat without worry. A bag of nuts and dried fruit provides protein, fruit, and a treat all poured into one baggie.

Rice noodles may be used in place of traditional pasta in a gluten-free lunch.
Rice noodles may be used in place of traditional pasta in a gluten-free lunch.

Insulated containers can keep hot food warm, so leftovers from the previous night's gluten-free dinner can be packed for lunch. Using leftovers ensures gluten-free lunches and gives the person preparing the lunch a break from trying to think of another interesting entree. Children generally welcome gluten-free tacos, burritos, and pizza.

Most children will participate in packing gluten-free lunches to take to school. If they are allowed to choose which food items will be included, they will feel like they have some control over a diet that they most likely resent at times. If they are allowed to include extra foods, they can offer some to other children, which helps them to feel like they are participating in the frequent school lunch ritual of trading food.

Discussion Comments

vigilant

They have some really good gluten substitutes these days that make it a lot easier to make yourself a satisfying lunch.

You can get bread or crackers or lots more that has no gluten and is surprisingly good. I know that a lot of people are skeptical, and for a while those gluten free products were pretty gross, but they have gotten better.

clippers

My coworkers are always going our for lunch but they pretty much only go to places that have gluten in everything on the menu. I have been a few times but ended up just sitting there munching on fries or some other disappointing imitation of a lunch.

It really frustrates me because I feel like I miss out on a big part of the office culture not being able to go out with my friends and coworkers. And it's not like I do this by choice, my body just can't handle gluten. It is a disability that affects me in weird ways. Has anyone else been in this situation? What did you do?

jonrss

Lettuce wraps are a great way to enjoy all that is good about a sandwich at lunch without having to eat the gluten of bread. You basically just take whatever you would put on a sandwich and wrap it up in a big piece of lettuce. You have probably seen something like it, they are pretty common.

I have been doing it for years at work. It is a little tricky because you can't really make them in advance but once you figure out a system they can be a steady stream of healthy lunches.

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    • Hummus is a protein-rich dip that is well suited for a gluten-free lunch.
      Hummus is a protein-rich dip that is well suited for a gluten-free lunch.
    • Fresh vegetables are gluten-free.
      By: Karramba Production
      Fresh vegetables are gluten-free.
    • Rice noodles may be used in place of traditional pasta in a gluten-free lunch.
      By: Red Rice Media
      Rice noodles may be used in place of traditional pasta in a gluten-free lunch.
    • Cheese is typically gluten-free.
      By: Ewa Brozek
      Cheese is typically gluten-free.
    • A gluten-free sandwich can be made with gluten-free bread.
      By: Marek
      A gluten-free sandwich can be made with gluten-free bread.
    • Moms can pack healthy sandwiches made using gluten-free bagels in their child's school lunchbox.
      By: diego cervo
      Moms can pack healthy sandwiches made using gluten-free bagels in their child's school lunchbox.
    • Children are generally receptive to gluten-free meals if it's something they already enjoy such as pizza.
      By: Gray wall studio
      Children are generally receptive to gluten-free meals if it's something they already enjoy such as pizza.