TIPS FOR TUESDAY: Gluten Sensitivity Self-Test & Diet Plan

Wow - as many as 20 million Americans could be affected by a gluten sensitivity and not even know it.  This fact led me to finding a great segment by Dr. Oz on Gluten Sensitivity and a way to find out if you might be experiencing a gluten sensitivity with this simple checklist.  Count all the symptoms that you experience on a regular, chronic basis.

How many of the following do you have? Check all that apply.

Digestive Symptoms 

• Frequent bloating or gas
• Diagnosed with IBS or acid reflux
• Daily diarrhea or chronic constipation
  
  

Neurologic & Skeletal Symptoms 

• Migraine or headaches
• Joint pains or aches
• Brain fog

Hormonal & Immune Symptoms

• Depression or anxiety
• Ongoing fatigue
• Chronic eczema or acne

Results

Four or more symptoms indicate that gluten may be impacting your health. But even one symptom, if severe and chronic, can be a sign of a gluten sensitivity. You may want to consult your doctor or try going gluten-free for 2-4 weeks.

Based on my own results, I am definitely gluten intolerant and have known this about myself for a while.  Because of this, eating clean and getting my nutrition under control has been a HIGH priority for me.

Dr. Oz recommends this diet plan, if you're interested in trying this - I'd recommend doing it for 7 days to see how you feel and if you see any changes.

Here is the plan below:

Day 1
Breakfast: Sweet Potato Hash with Eggs
Snack: 1 Piece of Fruit and Indian Spiced Cashews
Lunch: Asian Bean Salad with Tahini Dressing
Snack: Roasted Tomato and Garlic Spread
Dinner: Grilled Shrimp Brochettes and Quinoa Timbales with Roasted Peppers and Herbs

Day 2
Breakfast: UltraShake
Snack: 1 Piece of Fruit Plus UltraMind Road Mix
Lunch: White Beans on a Bed of Greens
Snack: Olive Tapenade and Raw Vegetables
Dinner: Wild Salmon with Rosemary Sweet Potatoes and Lemon Asparagus

Day 3
Breakfast: Apple Walnut Amaranth
Snack: 1 Piece of Fruit Plus Brazil Nut Bars
Lunch: Quinoa and Garbanzo Bean Salad
Snack: Artichoke Antipasto and Raw Veggies
Dinner: Moroccan Chicken with Cauliflower and Cashews

Day 4
Breakfast: Breakfast Burrito
Snack: 1 Piece of Fruit and Indian Spiced Cashews
Lunch: Roast Turkey Breast and Avocado Cream on a Bed of Greens
Snack: Lemony Hummus with Raw Veggies
Dinner: Coconut Dal with Steamed Broccoli and Brown Rice

Day 5
Breakfast: Peach Quinoa with Flax and Nuts
Snack: 1 Piece of Fruit Plus Anytime Snack Mix
Lunch: Curried Waldorf Salad
Snack: Tahini with Flax Crackers
Dinner: Sesame-Crusted Sole with Baby Bok Choy and Wild Rice

Day 6
Breakfast: Hot Brown Rice, Nuts and Flax
Snack: 1 Piece of Fruit Plus UltraMind Road Mix
Lunch: Tarragon Chicken Salad
Snack: Avocado with Lemon
Dinner: Ratatouille

Day 7
Breakfast: Ratatouille Omelet
Snack: 1 Piece of Fruit Plus Brazil Nut Bars
Lunch: Lentil Salad
Snack: Dark Chocolate or Cocoa Nibs
Dinner: Balsamic-Marinated Tofu with Herbs and Sautéed Spinach