Grocery shopping when you have food intolerances can be difficult but it doesn’t have to be. Schär’s new range of gluten-free goodies looks almost too good to eat. Note: I said almost…

I’m very interested in nutrition, particularly when it comes to food intolerances. It’s a subject that’s very close to my heart. You may remember reading previous articles about it (which you can read here).

The French Open is currently underway in Paris and my favourite tennis player, Novak Djokovic advocates following a gluten-free diet. Which makes me love him even more.

In his book, Serve to Win (you can read my review here), Djokovic says, “My life has changed because I now eat the right foods for my body. I feel fresher, more alert and more energetic than I have in my life. You certainly don’t have to be a tennis pro to make the changes I did to improve your body, your health and outlook on life.”

What does it mean to go gluten-free?

Following a gluten-free diet means undergoing a complete overhaul of your current diet and eliminating goods containing gluten. Aside from the obvious sources, gluten can also be found lurking in confectionery, sauces and even crisps!

Knowing what to eat and what to avoid can be tricky to begin with but once you identify the culprits, it’s easy to adjust to a new way of eating.

Over the years, I’ve endured several negative responses whenever I mention my food intolerances. Many people assume I’m following a “hipster fad” or that I’m “elaborating my symptoms for attention”. Note: the latter comment came from an NHS specialist. Uhm no. I just don’t like eating foods that are going to make me ill, thanks.

This preconception that anyone following a diet excluding certain foods for various health reasons is “exaggerating their symptoms” is shockingly outdated. I was horrified to read a recent article discussing gluten intolerance in the same vein as orthorexia (a form of disordered eating where the sufferer is preoccupied with only eating healthy foods). With opinions like this, is it any wonder food intolerances aren’t taken more seriously?

Fortunately, if you follow a gluten-free, wheat-free or lactose-free, Schär have plenty of options for you. They’re Europe’s No.1 brand for gluten-free and it isn’t hard to see why when you see what’s available. Who says people with food intolerances can’t enjoy a biscuit (or two) or a yummy chocolate chip bun ?

A lot of their products are suitable for vegans and are free from preservatives, dairy, gluten, lactose and wheat. Schär’s latest range includes Deli Style Sourdough Bread, Hamburger Buns, Choc Chip Buns and Viennese Biscuits.

Schär Deli Style Sourdough Bread, Morrisons, £2.50

Schär Hamburger Buns, Morrisons, £2.88

Schär Choc Chip Buns, Tesco and Sainsbury’s, £2.60

Schär Viennese Biscuits, Morrisons, £1.73

These products were gifted to me by Schär but this does not influence my opinion.

Disclaimer: Although I am highly interested in healthcare, herbal remedies and nutrition, I am not a trained doctor or nutritionist. Please consult your doctor for further help and advice.

Tags:  djoko food intolerance food intolerances french open health healthy eating nole novak novak djokovic nutrition roland garros roland garros 2017 schar schar bread schar gluten free schar gluten free bread serve to win Serve To Win: The 14-Day Gluten-free Plan for Physical and Mental Excellence