October 8, 2022

School is back in full swing, and Halloween is right around the corner. Many of us are focusing on planning out our family meals, snacks and treats. But what happens when you or someone you are planning for has celiac disease or a gluten Intolerance? The Hy-Vee dietitians and HealthMarket team are here to help by hosting a fun and festive Gluten-Free Fair at over 100 store locations on Saturday, October 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. During this fair Hy-Vee dietitians will be offering gluten-free product sampling along with information on upcoming programing. Reach out to your local Hy-Vee dietitian today to learn more about how you can participate in this free event!

Have you ever wondered about a gluten-free diet and if you should follow it? Read on to learn about the expert answers to our most commonly asked questions surrounding a gluten-free diet and how your Hy-Vee dietitian team can help you navigate this diet.

1) What is the difference between celiac disease and gluten intolerance? Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease in which when gluten is consumed an autoimmune response causes damage in the small intestine. An individual with a gluten intolerance may experience many of the same symptoms as some with celiac disease, but there is no damage that occurs in the small intestine. Also, while there are tests to detect celiac disease, there are no diagnostic measuring tools to diagnose a gluten intolerance.

2) What is gluten and what does it mean to follow a gluten-free diet? Gluten is the protein component found in wheat, barley and rye. All these grains and any component or derivative of them must be avoided. For individuals with celiac disease, cross contamination is also a concern.

3) What resources are there available to help with a transition to a gluten-free diet? Navigating any dietary restrictions can be overwhelming. If you or someone you know are transitioning to a gluten-free diet, the Hy-Vee dietitians have many great resources available to help guide you. Get comfortable navigating the grocery aisles by signing up for our On-Demand Gluten-Free Store Tour. You can also shop the gluten-free shopping collection on the WholeLotta Good website, including the Hy-Vee Good Graces line. For some great meal and snack ideas, attend a Wellness Wednesday class or Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Freezer Meal Prep Workshop.

It can be daunting to make a change to your diet, but just remember that you can still have a healthy and balanced diet, even when eating gluten-free. For more individualized guidance, reach out to your local Hy-Vee dietitian and schedule a free Discovery Session today! And don’t forget to join us on Saturday, October 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for our Gluten-Free Fair!

Cinnamon Nut Butternut Squash
Serves 4

All You Need:
1 (2½ to 3 lbs) butternut squash
2 tbsp Hy-Vee salted butter, melted
1 tbsp Hy-Vee brown sugar, for serving
1 tbsp Hy-Vee honey, for serving
¼ tsp Hy-Vee ground cinnamon, for serving
Hy-Vee chopped pecans, toasted, for garnish

All you do:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Halve squash lengthwise; remove and discard seeds. Place squash halves, cut sides down, in a baking pan.
2. Bake, uncovered, 40 to 50 minutes or until tender. To serve: Top with melted butter, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon and chopped pecans.

Recipe source: www.Hy-Vee.com https://www.hy-vee.com/recipes-ideas/recipes/cinnamon-nut-butternut-squash. The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.