Over the last several years, the availability of gluten-free products has risen by 26.6 percent in Canada. According to a recent survey by consumer research firm NPD Group, nearly one-third of adults want to cut down on gluten or avoid it completely. Celiac disease and gluten intolerance aside, why the sudden public interest in this diet?
Cutting down on gluten has its benefits: it encourages you to eat more fruits and vegetables, and decreases your consumption of processed foods and chemicals, thereby reducing the risk of health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
If you want to learn more about adopting a gluten-free lifestyle, this Sunday November 17th at Toronto’s Gluten Free Garage event, a lineup of health and food experts will be sharing their gluten-free eating tips with you. One of the guest speakers is Global Toronto Morning Show nutrition expert Joy McCarthy — in her talk, she'll be sharing tips on how to choose the right foods for digestion, a strong metabolism and extra energy. Speakers will teach you how to read nutrition labels properly, choose “kid-approved” gluten-free products, and save money on a gluten-free diet.
And of course, there’s the food tasting. From bakeries to food trucks, the event will be one delicious day of sampling the best of Toronto's gluten-free offerings.
Gluten Free Garage is being held at Artscape Wychwood Barns with over 60 vendors showcasing their products this year. Bonus: Parents can drop off their children (ages 5 to 10) at an allergy-free play dough station for free, hosted by Children's Art Studio.
If you're not in the Toronto area this weekend, try exercising your culinary prowess with these gluten-free recipes:
Gluten-free cheddar zucchini bread
Gluten-free quick curried crab cakes
Best-ever gluten-free cauliflower pizza crust
Best-ever gluten-free chocolate chip cookies
Gluten-free baked pasta with spinach and artichoke
For more details on Gluten Free Garage, visit glutenfreegarage.ca. And if there are any gluten-free products that you swear by, please share in the comments below!
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