What are your best tips for eating gluten-free in The Colony, TX?

Living gluten-free doesn't have to be hard, especially since more restaurants and services are paying attention to different diets. Here are some tips to help you do well on a gluten-free diet in The Colony, and even if you're in Frisco, Plano, or Little Elm.

Smart Gluten-Free Swaps

The trick to a good gluten-free life is finding tasty replacements for foods with gluten. Here are a few easy swaps to get you going:

• Pasta: Instead of regular wheat pasta, try lentil, chickpea, or brown rice pasta. The ones made with legumes are surprisingly filling and have lots of protein!
• Bread: Check out gluten-free breads made from almond flour, tapioca flour, or a mix of gluten-free grains. Toasting them often makes them better.
• Thickeners: Cornstarch, tapioca starch, and arrowroot powder are great gluten-free ways to thicken sauces and gravies instead of wheat flour.
• Snacks: Pick naturally gluten-free snacks like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and yogurt. For chips, make sure the package says "gluten-free" to be sure.

Reading Labels is Key

Get good at reading labels! Gluten can be in surprising things like soy sauce, salad dressings, and even some candies. Look for products that say "gluten-free." Also, think about cross-contamination. Even if a product doesn't have gluten ingredients, it might have been made in a place that also handles gluten. If you're really sensitive, find products made in gluten-free places.

At hillsmeal, Hill is careful about getting ingredients and making meals to keep cross-contamination low. It's not a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, but she knows how important it is to avoid gluten for many customers. She takes extra steps to keep her gluten-free options safe.

The Bottom Line

Eating gluten-free in The Colony and nearby is possible with a little planning and knowing what to do. By making good swaps, reading labels, and seeing what's out there, you can enjoy great meals without gluten. And remember, hillsmeal has gluten-free meal prep options to make things even easier!