Sure we know a lot about whole grains here at the Whole Grains Council, but one reason we do is because we know so many great people we can turn to for specialized knowledge about one aspect of the whole grains scene or another. (It takes a village to promote whole grains, or something like that.)

When we have questions about gluten-free grains or celiac disease, we always turn to Carol Fenster, author of 10 gluten-free cookbooks, and Registered Dietitian Shelley Case, who specializes in gluten-free diets. One or the other – usually both! – of these wonderful women always has the answers we need.

Now you can have the answers, too, all in one place, because Shelley and Carol have teamed up to create a seven-page guide called Whole Grains and the Gluten-Free Diet, which they’re making available free to anyone who’s interested. You can download the PDF here.

We’re big believers in the slogan “Gluten-Free Doesn’t Mean Grain-Free.” If you’re one of the 1% or so of the population that can’t digest gluten well, you can still benefit from the health advantages of whole grains. After all, more whole grains are gluten-free than not, as you can see on the GF page of our website (which Carol and Shelley helped us write).

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, we have just the information you need.
• check out Shelley and Carol’s new guide
• read the WGC’s GF page
• go to our recipes pages and filter to see all GF recipes
• download our handout on cooking GF whole grains

I’ve been fortunate to speak about whole grains at many gluten-free events, and I’m invariably impressed by the positive attitude of many of my friends with celiac disease. Many of them were ill and miserable for years before the cause of their problems was diagnosed (according to Dr. Daniel Leffler, MD, 6-10 years is the average time most celiacs wait for proper diagnosis), and their return to vibrant health could certainly be the reason for their upbeat attitude.

As one of them said to me, “As chronic diseases go, I get off easy. I don’t have to take expensive drugs with side effects, or undergo painful treatments. All I have to do is eat all kinds of delicious foods that happen not to contain wheat, rye and barley, and I’m fine.” I sure do like people who see the bright side of things! (Cindy)