How to Stay Gluten Free While Eating Out

How to stay gluten free while eating out. What could be more of a challenge in our society? Everywhere you look, there's something gluten related. So how do you eat out and be true to a gluten free diet? I've learned a few things over the last couple of years since my own gluten issues have surfaced. Here's a few.

Celiac Free Restaurants

Believe it or not, with the seemingly non-stop growth in awareness of celiac and gluten intolerance, restaurants are happy to oblige in many cases. I personally know a local restaurant owner that is currently working hard to find a gluten free recipe that he can use for his fish frys, a common entrée on Fridays here in my hometown Milwaukee. They're out there in many communities. If you research it enough, you'll find one in the general vicinity. I'm from Milwaukee Wisconsin which is limited, but 90 miles south is Chicago, and gluten free restaurants are all over that city.

Check Online Menus

Once you find a celiac friendly restaurant, try to see their menu online. Most restaurants will have that option especially if they specialize in specific foods that cater to these types of diets. Hopefully once you find a menu for the restaurant, you'll be able to eat something there. At the very least you'll have saved yourself a trip in the event that you're unable to find something within the parameters of what you can eat.

Avoid Busy Times

If you try to make your visit to the celiac friendly restaurant during a slower time, your wait staff will have more time to answer your questions to help you feel more at ease. You should also check in with the cook or chef and let him/her know that you'll be eating gluten free that night to ensure there are no mistakes made that could be harmful.

Bring A List

I have found that it helps to bring a list to recite to the waitstaff that includes what you can and can't eat. For instance, I have dairy allergies, so anything cooked or prepared with dairy will do me in. It's important for those who are preparing your meal to know specifically what they should and should not use to prevent any illness.