Join Us for a Gluten Free Week: Recipes Inside! #loloGFweek

Hey hey! The girls at LOLO are starting a week of gluten free eating! Who is with us? Good news: you're not alone in this escapade! Keep up with the progress of your fellow participants, and pour out all of your gluten free thoughts and experiences with this hashtag on Twitter: #loloGFweek. Warning: you might get hooked on this lifestyle, and our recipes are so darn good, you may just dare to go another week. Don't worry, gluten free doesn't mean boring-- you'll still be eating waffles and lasagna. Let the party begin (aka a whole new, skin-glowing, great feeling, healthier you!). P.S. We are not just doing this because it's trendy. 

The Dish on Gluten

What is gluten anyways? To put it simply, it is the sticky protein substance in wheat. Why should we avoid it? Our guts are simply not adapted to digest gluten and break it down into individual amino acids.Did you know that one in every seven people has gluten sensitivity? In fact, most people go their entire lives with knowing this to be the culprit of consistent symptoms: abdominal distention, anemia, depression, anxiety, bloating, migraines, low energy and fatigue, stubborn weight, and even infertility to name a few. Sometimes even medical testing does not reveal this to be the issue. That's why it is important to test by elimination.If you feel completely different after a week of a gluten free diet (like I did), then you can be sure you have an intolerance to this substance. Continuing to eat this when you have a sensitivity can cause an array of health problems, so make sure you act with that in mind.Before you college students try to back out now, check out this totally sweet guide on how to be Gluten Free when you are living in a dorm! Before you get discouraged, this change in lifestyle can be super fun! I have discovered so many amazing recipes from breakfasts to desserts, and I have found some of my favorite meals at restaurants after adopting this way of life. In fact, many restaurants offer gluten free dishes and menus (even PF Changs!). I encourage you to try a gluten free diet for a week with us LOLO editors and readers! We have made it easy for you with these daily meal plans. P.S. Gluten free does not be expensive. Many people save money because they cut out all the fluff--the unnecessary snacks and the wasted bulk amounts of processed foods for instance. Plus, when you are eating to nourish your body, your body will desire less grub. Warning: you may feel worse before you feel better, but I guarantee that if you can stick with this for 2 weeks, your cravings will disappear, and gluten-filled food will actually taste undesirable. Scroll on for a week of prepared gluten-free recipes!! 

Snacks for the Week

AlmondsFruits and VeggiesPumpkin Cinnamon ApplesauceCoconut Dark Chocolate Banana BreadGranola Bars

Desserts (strategically placed before the real meals, duh.)

Chocolate MoussePumpkin Pie with Gluten Free CrustBanana Coconut Chocolate Chip CookiesFlourless Chocolate Cake

Monday

Breakfast: Pumpkin Spice Protein Pancakes Lunch: Turkey Club Sandwich Dinner: Chipotle Lime Salmon with your favorite veggie

Tuesday

Breakfast: Sunbutter and Banana Muffins Lunch: Asparagus Basil Salad Dinner: Seared Chicken with Garden Kale and Tomatoes

Wednesday

Breakfast: Healthy and Hearty Quinoa Waffles Lunch: Quinoa Salad with Lime + Fresh Mint Dinner: Wild Garlic Burgers with Garlic Pesto

Thursday

Breakfast: Baked Eggs with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach (or whatever you want to throw in there!) Lunch: Baby Zucchini and Shrimp Salad Dinner: Beef Stew

Friday

Breakfast: Homemade Porridge (buy gluten free oats!) Lunch: Brussel Sprouts with Soft Boiled Egg Dinner: Delicious Lasagna

Saturday

Breakfast: Confetti Pancakes (I love rainbow sprinkles a tad too much.) Lunch: Green Bean Salad Dinner: Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas

Sunday

Breakfast: Wintertime Crepes Lunch: Raw Kale, Apple, and Avocado Salad Dinner: Greek SlidersWe want to hear from you. Share your gluten free thoughts, experiences, and favorite recipes with us in the comments section or on Twitter by using this hashtag: #loloGFweek!!! Want more? See more of our favorite LOLO gluten free recipes like GF pizza and delicious cinnabun muffins here!