When I first made the transition to a gluten-free lifestyle, and trust me, it’s really more of a lifestyle than a diet, I didn’t really care too much about what was in the foods or cosmetics I was using as long as they were gluten free. I found it overwhelming enough to figure out the gluten-free thing without thinking about whether the product was actually good for me. Recently I have been thinking a lot more about what I put in my body and on my skin, and this reminded me of a professional standard to which I am held.
I am in the field of psychology, and in psychology, we have an ethical guideline to first do no harm. Whatever happens in the course of treatment, as practitioners we vow to at least make sure that our actions don’t harm our patients. I think that the same should be true of the products we put in and on our bodies: they should first do no harm. This obviously runs counter to much of what American culture advocates with the supremacy of cheap meals and quick, easy solutions to our problems. However, being on the gluten-free diet has made me much more vigilant about the ingredients in the products that I use-where they come from, how they’re made, and who is making them.
I have been doing yoga regularly, breathing deeply, eating far more fruits and vegetables than I ever have, and paying closer attention to my nutrient intake. So, in keeping with this theme, the next several posts will be specifically focused on healthy, natural products that don’t sacrifice taste, style, or beauty. They will feature cosmetics, self-care products, restaurants, grocery items, and recipes. While I promise not to go completely “granola,” I am interested in finding more healthful gluten-free options because we could sit around eating Snickers all day, but where would that leave us?
Photo credit: Pink Sherbet Photography
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