Free-from resolutions for better health and a better life

Although allergies are on the increase and food intolerances are becoming more common, many people are simply choosing to eliminate certain foods from their diets in order to live a healthier lifestyle or to protect our environment and our planet.

Anyone who has found they are having adverse reactions to certain foods or who has a child who can’t tolerate cow’s milk, gluten or egg might choose to take a food intolerance test. The results of this food intolerance test may encourage them to eliminate those trigger foods from their diet, consequently leading to purchasing free-from foods from the local supermarket. It can be challenging having a food intolerance and not being able to eat the foods one genuinely enjoys. It can be especially difficult for children who cannot eat the delights of a party bag or who cannot have ice cream from the ice cream van like their friends. However, more and more people are choosing to make these lifestyle changes even without suffering from a food intolerance.

Health reasons for turning to free-from foods

There are many benefits to eating a gluten-free diet: it can improve energy levels, reduce bloating, promote healthy weight gain and reduce joint pain, headaches, hair loss and depression. So, it’s easy to see why a larger percentage of the population is turning to free-from foods. Likewise, the intake of dairy products can have a detrimental effect on our bodies, causing bloating, nausea, stomach pain, fatigue, weight gain, skin problems and headaches, therefore choosing a dairy-free diet not only helps to protect our animals and the environment but it also protects our health.

Is being vegan cool?

The number of vegans in the UK quadrupled between 2014 and 2019 and the decision is not due to intolerances, but based on health and moral choices. Not only does every vegan save around 200 animals a year, they also make a huge improvement to our climate crisis as meat production is extremely wasteful and not environmentally friendly in the slightest. Furthermore, vegans tend to have much more energy, which can make them better lovers and therefore they often ooze sex appeal! So, is being vegan cool? Many celebrities seem to think so! Those leading the way include Joaquin Phoenix, Natalie Portman, Lizzo, Alicia Silverstone, Billie Eilish, Elliot Page and Lewis Hamilton.

Is it easy to choose a free-from diet?

A decade ago it was challenging to find dairy-free alternatives, however, these days, thanks to the rise in veganism, choosing to eliminate certain foods from one’s diet for health, moral or environmental reasons is so much easier. There is a massive range of vegan and free-from products now stocked in all major supermarkets, as well as free-from food festivals taking place all over the UK. Most restaurants in the UK will now offer a vegan or gluten-free alternative, even for dessert! Thus, no matter the reason for turning to free-from foods, it is evident that it is becoming the trend, which will only make it easier for those who have no choice but to make the swap!

The editorial unit