5 Gluten-Free Foods That Will Make A Health Change Easier To Adapt To

My boyfriend insists that gluten free (GF) brands taste differently than normal gluten-containing brands. Not true, not true at all.

Since the spring, I've avoided gluten for health reasons and my boyfriend has sadly had to accept that we can't go to Tony & Lucille's in New Haven for dinner anymore.

On Sundays, he usually comes to visit me at school for dinner. He's a stereotypical Italian, so we usually end up making pasta or pizza when we choose to stay in, otherwise we're total sushi lovers.

I decided to make gluten free pizza without telling him I used a gluten free crust. It was a white pizza, drizzled with EVOO, chopped garlic, shaved asparagus, parmesan cheese and prosciutto to top it all off.

It was delicious; if you're drooling, here's the recipe.

Anyway, it came right out of the oven when he arrived, and we quickly devoured nearly every piece. Anxiously waiting for him to ask, he finally looked up to question me, "was that a gluten free crust or a regular crust?"

Although he didn't want to, he finally admitted that it may even be better than regular!

Here are five brands you (or my boyfriend) would never know were gluten free (and additive free!):

1. Banza

This is a high-protein packed pasta made from chickpeas. Banza created their brand in the belief that "healthy should be an indulgence, not a punishment." You'll be hooked once you try their new mac n' cheese, it's my favorite -- better than Annie's, I swear.

This is also amazing when made just with butter. My roommates and I have been making it with EVOO, garlic, sautéed spinach, pine nuts and chickpeas sprinkled on top. If you like spinach, this recipe is easy to make, even in your college apartment.

2. Simple Mills Pumpkin Muffin & Bread

This is made with almond flour, coconut sugar, arrowroot, pumpkin, coconut flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda and sea salt. It's a paleo mix, naturally gluten free, dairy free and soy free -- what's better?

The pumpkin is definitely my favorite for the fall season, but you have to try the banana bread and muffin mix too. Just since I've been at school (September), I've made three batches of the pumpkin mix because it's so easy. Drizzle some Justin's Almond Butter on top and you're in a for a healthy and delicious snack.

3. Barely Bread

Created with natural ingredients you'd find in your pantry, Barely Bread embraces true healthy eating. Being gluten free, I constantly crave bagels and Barely Bread's Cinnamon Raisin Bagel is the best I've had so far.

Barely Bread is also easy and quick to make every morning. You can top your toast with butter, jam, peanut butter, egg and avocado, almond butter, Nutella or cottage cheese. It's the exact same as eating regular toast with any of these toppings.

4. Tate's Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you haven't tried these, you're seriously missing out. These suckers are so light, crispy and delicious that you'll eat the whole pack in one sitting.

If you want to really be in for a treat warm these up in your toaster for a couple of minutes. Also, try dipping them in almond milk or whole milk. It's honestly even better than eating homemade cookies.

5. Bob's Red Mill GF Pizza Mix

OK so, you have to make this pizza yourself but it's super easy. All you need to do is add water, olive oil and eggs. It makes a light and crispy crust that is SO good, your boyfriend will never know. A must try.

Even if you're not eating GF all of these brands are worth a taste. You might realize you like a healthier option better than you liked the ones that have gluten.