According to functional medicine leader Dr. Mark Hyman, gluten sensitivity is “actually an autoimmune disease that creates inflammation throughout the body with wide-ranging effects across all organ systems including your brain, heart, joints, digestive tract and more.” We understand the many ways inflammation can infiltrate the body, which is why all of our Clean Eating Programs eliminate common triggers like gluten, dairy, refined oils, and refined sugars to restore and maintain the function and fitness of our clients. Food blogger Stephanie Buhaj shares our passion for nutrition, so we caught up with the Provenance Partner to learn more about her transition to and tips for leading a gluten-free lifestyle.

“Gluten-free sounds very intimidating to most people, but you can still enjoy all your favorite foods. There are so many incredible options.... You can modify just about any dish to make it sans gluten without missing out on delicious food.”

Food Blogger Stephanie Buhaj's Gluten-Free Journey - Provenance Meals

Provenance is inspired by the philosophy of food as medicine and works with partners like yourself that share this ethos. What does ‘food as medicine’ mean to you?

For me, food as medicine means fueling my body with food abundant with vitamins and minerals in order to help me feel my best both mentally and physically. I believe nutrition is the most powerful way to protect your body and fight off disease.

We couldn’t agree more! As an organic meal delivery service, we are always curious about people’s relationships with certain foods and their approach to nutrition. As a gluten-free food blogger, when did clean eating start becoming a priority in your life?

Clean eating became a priority for me shortly after moving to New York City back in January, 2015. After graduating high school, my sister and I decided to move to the Big Apple so I could attend the Fashion Institute of Technology to study Fashion Merchandising. I went gluten-free in 2015 after my dad decided to try it. He read the book Wheat Belly by Dr. William Davis which explores the idea of how modern wheat products can affect your overall mental and physical health. After he had success with a gluten-free diet, I decided to make an effort to limit my gluten intake. Within a few months, I noticed a huge difference in my digestion and energy level. I now love creating healthy, organic, gluten-free meals for me and my family!

Do you have a gluten sensitivity?

Non-Celiac gluten sensitivity is an established medical diagnosis. The symptoms can be as subtle as occasional digestive upset, low energy, excess weight and feelings of bloat, or it can manifest in serious autoimmune diseases, chronic illness, and mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.

If any of those sound familiar, it may be time to try an elimination diet and do the gluten challenge.

LEARN MORE >>

Tell us a little bit about your process in removing gluten from your diet.

When I was in high school I pretty much grew up on fast food, so it was quite the lifestyle change when I initially started to eliminate gluten from my diet. Like starting anything new, at first, it was difficult. Nonetheless, I was determined to see if a GF diet would be beneficial for me. So I stayed focused and learned to alter my favorite meals by swapping in gluten-free foods. As the months went by it became easier.

Some individuals are curious about going gluten-free but don’t think they can make the full commitment. Share one piece of advice you think could help inspire them.

Some people believe that the most challenging part about being gluten-free is that they won’t be about to enjoy social gatherings or fear that the restaurant they’re going to won’t have gluten-free options for them. However, many restaurants have dedicated gluten-free menus with so many delicious entrees to choose from. I advise looking up the menu prior to going out with friends to see what you could order in advance. Also, something else that has helped me over the years as well is the Find Me Gluten Free app. You’re able to search for GF restaurants near you, and it also includes honest reviews from other GF individuals!

Your tasty creations are clear records that going gluten-free does not mean missing out on delicious food. What would you say is the most common misconception about the GF lifestyle?

The most common misconception is that gluten-free products, like bread, for example, taste dry or bland. However, products have come such a long way — the delicious, unique menu at Provenance Meals is such a great example of that. Gluten-free sounds very intimidating to most people, but you can still enjoy all your favorite foods. There are so many incredible options… gluten-free pasta to make your favorite pasta dish or gluten-free pizzas. You can modify just about any dish to make it sans gluten without missing out on delicious food.

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Can you share some of your go-to gluten-free snacks?

Some of my favorites snacks include carrots with hummus, apples with peanut butter, popcorn, yogurt and Perfect Bars. However, my absolute favorite snack is Provenance Meals’ Sesame Ginger Bar, which is cashew-butter based and packed with powerful antioxidants. I also love the Camu Cacao Superfood Protein Powder from the Wellness Shop. I use it almost daily in my morning coffee to make a healthy mocha!

You are no stranger to the kitchen and have a knack for creating delicious dishes. Although you appreciate cooking, why do you use meal delivery like Provenance?

Although I love cooking, I very much enjoy having Provenance deliver my meals! I work full time as a buyer at a major NYC retailer, as well as run my Instagram account Gluten Free Stephy. Some weeks are crazy busy for me. That being said, I like to prioritize eating healthy, but don’t always have the time to grocery shop or meal prep. So I love having the option to order Provence Meals when I know I’m going to have a packed schedule. Most importantly, everything is so absolutely delicious!

How has Provenance Meals nurtured your gluten-free diet and overall health? Do you have any favorite dishes?

Provenance offers so many great dishes and options for all diets, but what is incredible is the entire menu is gluten-free. They focus on using clean, organic ingredients to create nutrient-dense meals to make me look and feel my best. I notice a huge difference in my gut, skin, stress level and overall wellbeing while enjoying meals from Provenance. My favorite dish from Provenance? This is a tough one. I have so many favorites, but I love their Baked Cranberry Oatmeal with Wild Thyme Cream from the Daily Essentials menu — it is a little slice of heaven!