Q What is the difference between simple and complex carbohydrates? This is one of the most common questions I’m asked in my clinic. Over the years carbohydrates have developed a negative image and so people tend to assume they are all the same. However, carbohydrates are one of three necessary macro-nutrients that provide calories in […]
Q How do I make my favourite recipe gluten-free? Can I just substitute gluten-free flour and if so, which sort? My advice would be not to adapt the recipe because the result is often inferior to what you’re used to. Instead, use a recipe that’s been specially developed for someone who can’t have gluten. The […]
Q Since starting a gluten-free diet I have noticed that I have put on weight. Is this normal? Many people who begin eating gluten-free foods gain weight. There are several reasons for that. Gluten is damaging to the gut, so as people remove it out of their diet and the gut starts to heal, its […]
Q Do you have any suggestions for making the best possible bread to use for run of the mill sandwiches? We do make some lovely GF breads, but they always seem overly indulgent and a little heavy… Gluten free sandwich bread needs to be soft enough to accommodate a good amount of filling and not […]
Q What is the value of keeping a food diary to work out what your body finds troublesome? In my experience the first thing a doctor will want you to do if you are experiencing problems that you think are related to food is to keep a food diary. A food diary is basically a list […]
Q Why does gluten-free flour have such a noticeable aftertaste meaning you can only use it in strong flavoured cakes etc? Any solutions? I agree that some gluten-free blends have a bitter or metallic aftertaste and this can be down to individual ingredients or the age of the flour. Without knowing which brand or mix […]
Q Why is gluten free bread so much more expensive? Raw Materials ‘Standard’ UK bread is made from wheat flour alone, grown in the UK, milled in massive, computer controlled mills and delivered to bakeries in 30 tonne bulk tankers with very little human intervention. To make gluten-free bread you need to use up to […]
Q Is it possible to overwork gluten-free bread dough. When do you know when to stop? Mastering the art of making a gluten-free bread is a very difficult process. I have had many attempts at creating a recipe for gluten-free bread with many disappointments, but determination made me keep working and developing this recipe. From […]
Q I am planning on losing weight for my wedding and have recently been diagnosed a coeliac. Do you have any tips on how to adopt a healthy wheat-free and gluten-free diet as I’m aware a lot of gluten-free products and substitutes can contain a lot of added sugar? You are right in thinking there […]
Q. Following the gluten-free product recalls in June, is anything safe to eat? It is always worrying when products get recalled. It leaves us feeling as though we have no control over what we eat and that we are at the mercy of manufacturers. The recall shows that there are very few manufacturers producing gluten-free products. Although […]