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Keeping a balanced gluten free diet

A balanced diet is an important part of maintaining good health. It means consuming a wide variety of foods in the right amounts to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.

At a glance

  • Eat regular meals based on starchy carbohydrates
  • Aim to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables each day, all of which are naturally gluten free
  • Monitor the fat in your diet, especially saturated fats
  • Keep an eye on sugar. It’s is often added to sweets, biscuits, cakes and full sugar fizzy drinks
  • Eat plenty of fibre
  • Cut down on salt
Good gluten free sources of starchy food include 
  • Rice
  • Potatoes
  • Gluten free grains
  • Gluten free bread
  • Gluten free pasta
Foods high in fibre include
  • Brown rice
  • High fibre/multigrain gluten free breads
  • Pulses (peas, beans and lentils)
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Fruit and vegetables

Foods particularly high in salt include processed foods, ready meals and snacks. Avoid adding salt to meals and try using herbs and spices to add flavour instead. By following a healthy balanced diet you will help you get all the vitamins and minerals you need.

Do you have diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition which causes the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood to be too high. There is no recognised link between type 2 diabetes and coeliac disease, but it is possible to have both conditions. We’ve recently added a new information leaflet to help you manage type 2 diabetes and coeliac disease. Click here to find out more.

If you have further questions on your balanced gluten free diet, speak with your GP, dietitian or call the Helpline on 0333 332 2033 to speak to one of our dietitians.

The latest guidance from Public Health England

See the Eat Well Guide from Public Health England for an idea of what your balanced plate should be like. Click here to download the latest information.

Fibre

Fibre is an important part of a healthy, balanced diet. A gluten free diet can be low in fibre and wholegrains due to the removal of the cereals wheat, rye and barley. Find out how you can keep on top of your fibre intake.

Iron

Discover why iron is an important mineral which has many functions in the body. Most notably creating and maintaining numbers of red blood cells, which transport oxygen around the body.

Calcium and vitamin D

Find out why maintaining a healthy, balanced and calcium rich gluten free diet is important to help keep your bones healthy and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Are you following a vegan, or vegetarian gluten free diet?

Following both a vegetarian and a gluten free diet means a more limited diet and you need to take steps to reduce your risk of nutritional deficiencies. Click here to download our latest guidance.

Diet and exercise

It’s recommended that all adults do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity (such as a brisk walk) or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity (such as running) each week.

Discover guidance on how to manage your exercise routine on a gluten free diet.

Can I eat crisps on a gluten free diet?

Crisps are commonly made from potatoes which are simply sliced, fried, seasoned and then packed ready to enjoy. Although potatoes are by there nature gluten free, frying and seasoning may make some crisps unsuitable for a gluten free diet.

What alcohol can be included on a gluten free diet?

Beer, lagers, stouts and ales contain varying amounts of gluten and are not suitable for a gluten free diet, but gluten free options are available. Find out more about what alcoholic drinks are suitable on the gluten free diet.

Oats and the gluten free diet

Oats contain avenin, which is a protein similar to gluten. Research has shown that most people with coeliac disease can tolerate gluten free oats with no problems.

Related conditions

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease. People with coeliac disease have genes that predispose them to the condition, so if you have one autoimmune condition, there is an increased risk of having another one. Find out more about conditions that are linked to coeliac disease here.

New to the gluten free diet?

Coeliac UK has been the expert on the gluten free diet for over 50 years and we understand that gluten free living can be challenging. We are here to help, and we have the tools to support you.

Find out more about our resources for living well on a gluten free diet. From food labelling, keeping healthy, food safety standards and what happens if you accidently eat gluten.