Ditch gluten to drop fat?

By Hklbrries

It seems as if suddenly we're preparing special meals for gluten-intolerant dinner guests and seeing gluten-free options on menus. More than 80 food manufacturers in the U.S. offer gluten-free products. Increasingly, we hear about celiac disease, an auto-immune disease that causes damage of the lining of the small intestine due to gluten intolerance.

Gluten comprises two binding proteins found in wheat, barley, rye and possibly oats. It can be found in such unlikely sources as chocolate syrup, ground spices and hot dogs. Symptoms of true gluten intolerance and/or celiac disease include abdominal pain, constipation, chronic fatigue, endometriosis, depression, mood swings and frequent infections. (See "A pain in the gut," June 2011 Costco Connection, on Costco.com).

According to Denver exercise physiologist Allison Westfahl, author of The Gluten Free Fat Loss Plan (www.allisonwestfahl.com), anyone can benefit from going gluten free.

"Almost every American has at least one health concern that can be linked to gluten, and [one of] the biggest concerns is being fat," the trim, petite, yet muscular Westfahl says. "The link between eating gluten and being overweight is compelling. I don't want to come across as a zealot. I just urge those who want to lose weight to try this."

Westfahl, a Costco member who holds a master's degree in exercise science and works as a personal trainer and endurance sports coach, became interested in gluten seven years ago when her aunt died of complications of celiac disease. Westfahl had also been struggling with various health issue, and she committed to cutting out gluten for six months. She immediately saw dramatic results. She lost 20 pounds, was more energetic and stopped napping, and her frequent colds and flu symptoms and endometriosis virtually disappeared. After researching the subject, she started touting gluten-free eating to her training clients, and they also lost weight and body fat.

She cautions that going gluten-free is not the only aspect of getting healthy. It is vital to stay fit and to have a balanced diet as well. "Don't think that just because [a diet] is gluten free that it is healthy," she says.

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