Since switching to a gluten-free diet, health-related New Year’s resolutions may be a thing of the past. For many, the switch has helped achieve the desired weight loss or gain. But eating gluten-free does not always necessarily mean maintaining proper nutrition.

Here is our list of Gluten-Free Resolutions to help reach optimal health in 2009:

• Examine Your Diet: Gluten-Free does not always mean “healthy.” For the many gluten sensitvie individuals who have switched to a more whole foods based diet, you are on the right track. But if you are, like the rest of us, constantly running out the door, grabbing processed, gluten-free treats or chips–a trip to the nutritionist may be in order. Managing a gluten-free diet, as well as other correlating food sensitivities can be tricky, so be aware of whether you are eating a diet that is gluten-free and nutritious.
• Write Everything Down: Keeping a food journal can be a lot to keep up, but as someone who is sensitive to gluten and casein, and possibly other foods as well, it is always smart to know where to look in the event of the reoccurance of old symptoms. Unfortunately, as much as you may try to navigate your way through a safe, gluten-free diet, accidents do happen, but keeping a food journal will help you to look back and examine your diet to weed out possible offenders.
• Try Out Some New Recipes: The gluten-free community is fortunate to feature so many talented chefs, most of whom have personally experimented in their kitchens to develop innovative gluten substitutes. The internet is filled with many gorgeous recipes and photographs of fabulous gluten-free meals, so don’t be shy this year, go ahead and try something new–like battering pan-”fried” chicken in smashed gluten-free rice crispies. Your tastebuds just may love you for it!