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Costa Vida sets out to 'debunk gluten-free diet myths'

The fresh Mex chain is partnering with "Fit2Fat2Fit" Drew Manning, who is working to 'debunk the gluten-free diet trend, showing consumers the wrong way and the right way to maintain a gluten-free or gluten-friendly lifestyle.'

December 4, 2014

Utah-based chain Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill is partnering with "Fit2Fat2Fit" Drew Manning, who is working to "debunk the gluten-free diet trend, showing consumers the wrong way and the right way to maintain a gluten-free or gluten-friendly lifestyle," according to a company release.

The personal trainer first gained a following several years ago by deliberately gaining weight by embracing unhealthy lifestyle choices so he could gain insights into how to better train his clients.

Manning now has another purpose: to clarify the hype and expose the myths behind the gluten-free and gluten-friendly diet trend, the release said.

"All of the sudden, gluten-free has become the most popular diet to follow. Many consumers don't realize though, that unless they are celiac or have a gluten- intolerance, a gluten-free diet doesn't necessarily mean a healthy diet. I actually doubled my body fat in just two short months eating only gluten-free foods. Many substitutes for gluten are actually worse for the consumer and can lack nutrients." said Manning in the release. “Through my journey, I'm educating people on how to eat a gluten-friendly diet the healthy way. My wife and I travel often and consequently need to eat out a lot. Because of Costa Vida’s healthy and easy to navigate menu with a nutrition calculator, the restaurant franchise has always been a go-to dining choice for our family. By partnering with Costa Vida, I love that I have the opportunity to help consumers learn about the lifestyle and practice the diet properly through menu items at one of our favorite restaurants."