#39: What I eat in a Day - Ideas and Tips to make Gluten Free Eating Fun

Ever wonder what a full day of eating gluten-free actually looks like — without being boring or bland?

In today’s episode, I’m walking you through exactly what I eat in a day. You’ll hear my go-to meals and snacks, how I keep things simple and satisfying, and a few ideas you can borrow for your own kitchen.

And stick with me until the end, because I’ll share the mindset shift that helped me finally stop stressing about food and start enjoying it again.

Let's Recap: A Day in My Gluten-Free Life

Living gluten-free doesn't mean sacrificing taste or spending hours in the kitchen. As someone diagnosed with celiac disease in 2011, I've spent years perfecting a gluten-free lifestyle that's both satisfying and practical. Today, I'm sharing exactly what my daily meals look like to give you a realistic picture of gluten-free living.

Breakfast: Protein-Powered Starts

Breakfast sets the foundation for the day, and though I'm not naturally a breakfast person, I've found ways to make it work for my body. I typically opt for protein-focused options like Bilinski's chicken sausage (naturally gluten-free and lower in fat) or sometimes a pork-based sausage. I might complement this with gluten-free or grain-free toast topped with Kerrygold butter.

I used to enjoy peanut butter with sliced strawberries but discovered peanuts were causing inflammation in my body. This highlights an important aspect of gluten-free living—it’s often about discovering what works specifically for your body beyond just avoiding gluten.

Other breakfast options that work well include:

• Greek yogurt (dairy or plant-based)

• Overnight oats (with certified gluten-free oats if tolerated)

• Eggs with vegetables

The key is starting the day with adequate protein to fuel your morning.

Lunch: Simple and Prepped Ahead

Lunchtime can be tricky, especially during busy weekdays. My strategy focuses on simplicity and preparation. Leftovers from previous dinners are my first choice—they’re ready to go and reduce food waste.

When leftovers aren’t available, robust salads are my go-to. The secret to making salads practical is weekend preparation. On Sundays, I wash and chop lettuce and various vegetables, storing them in separate containers for quick assembly throughout the week.

For protein, I often add cheese, pre-cooked bacon bits, or other proteins. My favorite dressing is Tessamae's Ranch, which tastes homemade without containing gluten or soy.

Other quick lunch options include:

• Lettuce wraps with turkey or ham

• Chickpea salad with gluten-free crackers

• Homemade soup with added protein

Dinner: Comfort Food Made Gluten-Free

Dinner in our household revolves around favorite meals that naturally fit a gluten-free lifestyle with minimal adaptation. As a self-proclaimed "steak and potatoes girl," I gravitate toward protein-centered meals.

Regular menu staples include:

• Hamburgers without buns (saving carbs for other places)

• Tacos with Siete cassava or almond flour tortillas (since I don’t tolerate corn well)

• Fajitas

• Chicken fried rice made with coconut aminos instead of soy sauce

Family Favorite: Gluten-Free Spaghetti and Meatballs

One of our favorites is spaghetti and meatballs, which I’ve adapted to be completely gluten-free. My method involves mixing two pounds each of ground beef and gluten-free ground pork with Bob's Red Mill potato flakes (instead of breadcrumbs), eggs, and Italian seasonings.

I prepare a large batch, cook what we need for dinner, and freeze the rest in meal-sized portions. From frozen, they’re ready in under 30 minutes—just brown the meatballs, add sauce, and simmer while cooking gluten-free pasta. This embodies my philosophy of keeping gluten-free cooking efficient and enjoyable, not burdensome.

Snacks and Treats: Balance is Key

Snacks and treats play an important role in making gluten-free living sustainable. I’ve learned that strict denial only leads to an unhealthy relationship with food.

Some of my go-to options include:

• Simple Mills Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies (grain-free, made with almond flour)

• Fruit with nut butter

• Gluten-free pretzels or chips with hummus

• String cheese or boiled eggs

The key is balance—choosing nutritious snacks while also allowing space for treats that satisfy body and mind.Snacks and Treats: Balance is Key

Mindset: The True Transformation

The most transformative part of my gluten-free journey wasn’t finding the right products—it was shifting my mindset. For years, I tried to eat "perfectly" or "clean," which only created unnecessary stress.

While I remain strictly gluten-free out of medical necessity, I’ve learned that satisfaction matters. Giving myself permission to enjoy meals and occasional treats without guilt has completely transformed my relationship with food.

This balanced approach has made gluten-free living sustainable long-term in a way that strict deprivation never could.