Even with Allergies, You Can Eat in Many Restaurants

Many years ago, I developed problems with caffeine-a sensitivity, an allergy. I knew it was in coffee and tea (even in most of those beverages considered caffeine-free). I knew chocolate was off my list of foods to have even on a cold Winter's night. But while it is fairly easy to avoid caffeine, many other allergens are not so easy to detect.

In the last three years I've developed sensitivities to any number of food items--including gluten. One, like an allergy to strawberries that are now extremely dangerous for me, is a resurgence of an allergy I thought I'd long outgrown. I now have to watch out for most fruits, tomato, peanuts and other nuts, processed cheese and gluten (wheat and other gluten flours). It is a daunting list and I've discovered many of these allergy producing products or directives are in foods no one would normally suspect.

Gluten is a binder used in any number of processed foods. Even shopping for groceries can be frustrating, especially since my husband doesn't suffer the same allergies and prefers not to be as restricted as I am in food choices, which makes perfect sense.

However, food products now carry labels revealing common allergy producing foods to help me stay safe. I can read the label for gluten, nuts and other allergies. I am still surprised at the food products that contain wheat/gluten.

It is not so easy when I want to eat out. Many of those things I enjoy I can no longer order. The one restaurant in our town that carries sweet potato chips plainly states in the menu they are cooked in peanut oil-an allergy no-no for me. At least it was made clear on the menu. Most of the time now I have to ask what sort of oil is being used to cook my food.

My daughter who waitressed in any number of restaurants while going to college, also clued me in to products sprayed on foods such as broccoli or potatoes that have potential problems for me. Spices can also cause problems. I've learned to quell my embarrassment when eating out at a restaurant and ask.

Things are easier now. Those hooked up online can often plan their order before stepping into the restaurant because many national chains now list foods that may cause problems and even list gluten-free items as well as other allergy free products.

Recently, we planned to enjoy ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery. Before we left home, I googled the site and downloaded a chart that gave me confidence that what I ordered wouldn't have me reaching for my epi-pen. You can find that allergy chart at Cold Stone Creamery.

That's ice cream. What about restaurants that serve meals? Culvers restaurant has opened in the last couple of years in our town and I like what they serve. But what can I actually eat without problems with my allergies? I check it out on the Culver web site.

Burger King not only has a list on their web site, but also makes it easy to print out the list of common allergy containing foods. Subway's chart looks much like the Cold Stone Creamery list and is very helpful. Denny's restaurant, too, has a good allergy list.

At Restaurants & Allergy Information find links to allergy lists for other popular restaurants in the US and Canada, though the list is far from complete.

Have a question about a particular restaurant, google it and see if they have information on allergies on their site. Many do. Many restaurants also are doing more to help their staff be aware of allergy problems and to accommodate customers.

Eating out? Check online. When in doubt? Always ask. Don't be afraid to order a meal that won't endanger your health and keep you from enjoying time out with co-workers, family or friends.