The Gluten Free Path

So you have decided to go gluten free, either because of doctor’s orders or as an experiment. Now what? Panic? No, well maybe. I think I felt nervous. Let me tell you, after a few weeks it feels less like a complication and more like a lifestyle routine. It’s getting there that is the challenge.

The first place you want to start is at your favorite store. Ask someone who works there if they have gluten free products. Fred Meyer has a whole “health food” area, which is beginning to include gluten free items. Keep your eyes out for Bob’s Red Mills gluten free products. They are great when you are still in mourning over bread, brownies or cornbread.
Safeway is starting to carry gluten free products, as well as QFC. Albertson’s is slow to make most changes, such as gluten free or organic. I’ve never shopped at Top Foods, but I hear they are fairly good for a chain grocery store. If you are lucky enough to have a Trader Joe’s nearby, check out their gluten free brownie mix. Yup, Trader Joe’s is a great place to ease into going gluten free, things are clearly labeled and staff is usually knowledgeable.
Central Markets in Washington state are great places to look as well. I found a site that has a bunch listed in Texas, I don’t think they are related, but check it out, see what they have!

But of course, my favorite places are community food co-ops. Many community food co-ops are not for profit. They are essentially there for you. They exist to give people healthier more ethical options whether it be gluten free, organic, or free trade.
So in that case, since you are already reading this you are at your computer or on your smart phone. Google food co-ops. Then google farmer’s markets, these places are where the changes take place, before they hit the big stores.
For a place to be more specific, try Local Harvest. I’ve run into their site many times in my google searching.
Once you are done searching online, hop in the car with your directions to stores, or just drive around and start stopping in grocery or health food stores that look interesting(if you haven’t already done this that is). I know, sounds simple, but sometimes just plodding along through your neighborhood’s strip malls can result in great surprises.

Now that I’ve given you ideas go out there and do it! It’s an adventure! You can find amazing things if you only go out beyond your comfort zone. It’s not scary, there are no gluten free nazis preparing to yell at you. And yes, you’ll probably buy something with gluten in it by accident, but that’s what happens when you learn a new skill.

Good luck! Happy gluten free shopping!