Being Gluten Free isn’t as hard as it seems. Whether the decision stems from medical reasons or just the desire to live a healthier lifestyle, more people are either limiting or eliminating gluten completely from their diets.

Gluten exists in everything we eat: from hamburger buns to beer, salad dressings to soy sauce, cookies to cold-cut meats; it’s pretty shocking. Transitioning out of gluten can be overwhelming, but take it one step at a time; crawl before you walk; walk before you run.

Here are five helpful tips for a smoother transition into a Gluten Free lifestyle.

1. Awareness Bring out your inner Sherlock Holmes and do a little investigating. Know what ingredients are not considered gluten free, what foods contain gluten, and what restaurants offer GF menus.
2. Excavate. Take your new findings to your refrigerator and pantry. Read the labels, know what’s in your food, and toss out anything that contains gluten. This can be the hardest thing to do. Staring at that gluten-filled bag of (fill in the blank).
3. Make the Swap. Take a trip to your local health food store, scouring the aisles for GF alternatives to your favorite foods. You may feel like a deer in headlights – I definitely did. The first time shopping with a GF perspective will be intimidating, but it gets easier with time.
4. Be Resourceful. Websites like foodily.com offer great GF alternatives to your favorite dishes. Don’t give up good eating just because you’ve gone GF.
5. Go at Your Pace. Follow your instinct, and tune into what your body is telling you.

What have you got to lose?

Kristin Bibat is a Power & Vinyasa Yoga Instructor in the Bay Area who has embraced her gluten free-ism. You can find Kristin decked out in lululemon mat in hand, cooking up a GF storm with her fiancé, Jeff, or spending time with her family and friends. Check out her website: kristinbibat.com.

Photo by Mohini Patel Glanz

How better to celebrate No Dirty Dishes Day than by cooking a one pot meal. Minimize the mess, maximize the flavor!

Slow-cooker Vegetarian Chili With Sweet Potatoes by Real Simple

Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes by White On Rice Couple

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos by Pamela Salzman

Slow Cooker Chocolate Cake by Cheeky Kitchen

Slow Cooker Enchiladas by The Kitchn

Slow Cooker Chili by Food Republic

Classic Beef Stew by Real Simple

Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs by Pham Fatale

Photo by Kim Miller

It’s popularity only seems to be increasing – on grocery shelves and in your kitchen.

Sweet & savory, people are getting creative cooking with Greek yogurt. Here are the most popular recipes people are cooking.

Grilled Figs with Greek Yogurt by Whole Foods Market

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes by The Year in Food

Super Citrus Smoothie by Joy the Baker

Fruity Frozen Yogurt by The Family Dinner

Cream of Broccoli Soup by The Skinny

Eggplant Chips by Greatist

Crispy Chickpea Cakes by Food Republic

Greek-style Yogurt with Honey and Walnuts by My Recipes

Lively Up Yourself Lentil Soup by 101 Cookbooks

Open Faced Fig Sandwich by Spoon Fork Bacon

Photo by Kim Miller

Most popular recipes last year for Mother’s Day

French Toast With Berry Butter by The Pioneer Woman

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins by Joy The Baker

Suggestions from our Tastemakers

Wolfgang Puck: “Whether your mom has a sweet tooth or you’re doing breakfast in bed, here are some recipe ideas to make the day special.”

The Naptime Chef: “Some of my favorite recipes for Mother’s Day that will make any mom feel special. They are also easy enough for the kids to make!”

Impress Mom this Mother’s Day with delicious dishes all day long recommended by Every Day with Rachael Ray

Recommendations from Cat Cora