When we first went gluten free, we used gluten free versions of the mainstream products we had always eaten. For breakfast we would have eggs or:
Van’s Wheat Free Waffles
Maple Buckwheat Flakes (which taste like cornflakes–despite the name Buckwheat it is actually more of a fruit than a grain)
Nature’s Path Organic Crispy Rice Cereal (like Rice Crispies…Rice Crispies are NOT gluten free because they contain barley malt.)
Also, Fruity Pebbles and Cocoa Pebbles are gluten free. They aren’t healthy since they are full of dyes, preservatives and additives, but for someone who is gluten intolerant they will be better than the sugar cereal that is full of dyes, preservatives, additives AND GLUTEN. My 6 year old has had them in a pinch.
If you are avoiding gluten, you need to avoid ALL the similar grains in order to see the benefits of a gluten free diet. Spelt, Kamut and Barley all contain gluten. Spelt and Kamut are made for people who have a wheat allergy, but should be avoided by people who are gluten intolerant.
http://www.coeliac.com.au/gluten-free-diet-information.html has information on the gluten free diet.
A few months into our new gluten free existence, when I was trying to cook for my almost 2 year old who is also dairy free, soy free and corn free, I came across some recipes for the Paleo diet, which seemed perfect for everyone. I loved the “muffin” recipe which was made from eggs and nuts and started making waffles using the same formula. They have replaced the Van’s waffles now that we have moved beyond the processed gluten free food. Making the transition to a gluten free diet is much easier if you take advantage of the ready made gluten free products and mixes in the beginning. But, I highly recommend eventually getting rid of the processed gluten free food and replacing it with homemade gluten free food whenever possible.
Nut Waffles
1/2 cup finely ground raw cashews (I grind them in an old coffee grinder, which seems to quickly turn whole nuts into a flour. You can use a cuisinart, but it will have a more grainy texture or you can use almond flour)
1/4 cup eggs
Stir together in a bowl. When mixed, pour into waffle iron set at the lowest setting. Enjoy with fruit jam or maple syrup or powdered sugar.
You can add a banana or make it with egg whites. It should have the consistency of a cake batter.
Nut Flour Muffins
1 1/4 cups of nut flour: walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, etc.
2 eggs
1 banana
1/8 cup of coconut oil
handful of berries or fruit: blueberries, apple grated, peach...
Combine nut flour, eggs, banana and oil in a food processor.
Stir in fruit afterwards. Bake at 350 degrees about 12-15 min.