It might be a cliché, but I really do love creating New Year's resolutions for myself -- they give me a chance to set goals for the new year and to make concrete plans for things I've wanted to do but haven't made the time to get done.
In 2013, for example, I'd really like to create a yellow cake that tastes exactly like the gluten-filled version, but that doesn't make us react (my daughter and I are very sensitive). I also intend to expand my cooking skills to include some interesting new gluten-free dishes (I have to note, this is a perennial New Year's resolution for me!).
You may have gluten-free New Year's resolutions, too. For example, if you cheat on the gluten-free diet, this is a great time to resolve to give that up -- you may not notice many negative effects in the near term, but cheating really can destroy your health in the long-term.
Speaking of perennial resolutions, an increasing number of people are using the gluten-free diet to lose weight ... and despite the naysayers, there's some evidence that it works. Here are the details, plus some tips to make it work for you:
Like me, you may want to resolve to try some new foods. The gluten-free diet can seem very limiting, especially at first. But there really are many types of cuisines out there that don't revolve around gluten. Take a look at my article on gluten-free ethnic restaurants if you want some ideas, or consider buying a new gluten-free cookbook.
Still, regardless of what you resolve to do in the new year, I hope you have a safe, healthy, happy and prosperous 2013.
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Photo © Getty Images/Peter Dazeley
The video on GF shopping was good. The one exception I would note is, store clerks are clue-less about gluten free products. Even clerks who think they know, don’t. Until the US FDA passes a gluten free labeling law, you can’t even trust “Gluten Free” labels. Many fail independent testing.