Grain Alternatives

Grains seem to be everywhere in some form or another. Rice, pasta, bread and cereals are all staples in most people’s diet. This fact becomes even more apparent for those trying to avoid such foods. Many find it an overwhelming and perhaps even an impossible task.

However, for people who are allergic to gluten or for those who are simply unable to digest these complex carbohydrates, there may be no other choice but to exclude grains. There is an abundance of edible goodies available that can take the place of this major food group.

Eventually with such gratifying options, excluding grain no longer feels like a cruel deprivation of dietary essentials. Instead, one is forced to look at food in a much more unconventional way; experimentation with taste and texture is a key ingredient to discovering new types of indulgences. The following are some ideas that may serve as a starting off point for people looking for gratification beyond grain.

Squash and Sweet Potato:

Root vegetables that are both rich in flavor and nutrients are an excellent place to start for people trying to replace grain foods. They can be a hearty side dish or snack which appeases that hunger for carbohydrates. Squash or sweet potato can be sliced in wedges and baked with a dash of soy sauce, olive oil and any mixture of store bought spices. (Mrs.Dash Italian or Garlic and Herb are especially good.)

Egg Whites:

Simple egg whites may be transformed into crêpes in order to satisfy a decadent breakfast craving. Pour a thin layer of the whites onto a non stick pan on high heat. Cover and allow the crêpe to cook all the way through. Remove from pan as a flat disc. Add maple syrup or jam along with hard packed cottage cheese and roll.

Hard Packed Cottage Cheese:

This type of cottage cheese can be found in low fat or high fat versions. It may be eaten cold with a little maple syrup or jam as a dessert. It can also be cooked into vegetable casseroles or wrapped in egg whites as described above. In addition, homemade or store bought spaghetti sauce can be heated and poured over top of an egg white crêpe filled with cottage cheese and cooked spinach to create faux cannelloni.

Nuts and Dried Fruit:

There is a vast variety of nuts and dried fruit to choose from when one hankers for a carbohydrate fix. The sugar and rich texture of the fruit combine with the creamy taste of the nuts or seeds to create the ultimate in indulgences. Fruits like figs, dates and raisins go wonderfully with almonds, walnuts and pecans.

Dip a Medjul date into almond butter for a decadent treat. Nuts ground into a fine powder can even be used as flour in baking recipes. As well, protein bars, though more expensive, can be found with whey, nuts and dried fruit.

Tofu:

Extra firm tofu can be very accommodating as a grain substitute. Its texture alone provides substantial sustenance. It can be cut up and baked with soy sauce, olive oil and spices for a savory treat. Also, it can be heated in a pan with maple syrup, water, vanilla, and cinnamon (optional) to create a delicious dessert.

The above ideas help give options for those trying to live in a world without grain.

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