Dining Out Gluten Free

The dreaded question to anyone is “what are we having for dinner?” 

Most people do not enjoy cooking, and cleaning after a long day at work or school, so they take the easy way out. They either call for delivery, or decide to dine out. However, when you have allergies, it can become complicated. Most of the time, I ask the waitress if the chips are corn or flour and they look at me like I have a third eye. It is a simple question that I think store managers should be training their employees to know the exact ingredients.

Needless to say, it is becoming more known that restaurants add a symbol to let you know if it is gluten free, or if there is a separate gluten free menu. Unfortunately, this does not always happen, and for most allergens you can tell that I obviously can not order a sandwich, but gluten and other ingredients can be mixed with products without you knowing.

Luckily, a genius put together an article including 75 gluten free restaurant menus that you have never seen before! You no longer have to say “you can’t eat there” or have to always go to the same restaurants because you know you can get a salad there! The world is starting to understand the severity of allergies and are helping people dine out again.

I have had multiple experiences with this, including gluten, and my other allergy of walnuts. Gluten is always the biggest with sauces and seasoning hiding certain wheat proteins, so this one gets tricky. But I was at a delicious restaurant and ordered a gluten free sandwich with chicken and pesto…. who knew pesto was made sometimes with walnuts?! I found out the hard way with a itchy tongue! But regardless, we are in luck now with the help of online menus and more search into what they are really putting in them.

So, who wants to GO OUT to dinner?!

http://glutenfreeguidehq.com/68-essential-gluten-free-restaurant-menus-you-need-to-know/

Pamper Yourself: GF Edition

You just began eating gluten free. Your refrigerator is completely cleared out of anything that contains gluten. When you go out to eat, you are cautious of what you order/ask questions. You know the best products and recipes to make your favorite meals.

BUT WAIT.

Did you think about what you wash your face with, what make up you use, what is soaking into your hair?! Some beauty products contain gluten!!! The products you use on your skin and hair absorb into your body, causing a similar reaction to what foods could do! Here are some links to double check that your body and lifestyle are COMPLETELY free of gluten.

http://www.weareglutenfree.com/gluten-free-shampoo-and-conditioner/

http://livingglutenandgrainfree.com/2011/02/14/gluten-free-personal-care-products-2/

Next time you go to get a haircut, call ahead and make sure they have GF products for you. If they don’t, either bring your own or find a new place. Beauty products are just as important as food! It may be hard to believe, but your body may react on the outside as well if certain makeup irritates your skin. Don’t stress about it, and the next time you get ready in the morning, do a quick check on all of your products!

Going Gluten Free

Are you allergic to gluten? Do you want to try it out, and see if it makes you feel better? Getting started is the hardest part. If you are trying to really give up all amounts of gluten, this article is the perfect read!

I recently found an article that explains every item that gluten can be found in and different names for it. Luckily, the grocery stores are becoming more familiar with the problem of gluten allergies, so like other food allergies, they are starting to add LABELS! YES! It is such a relief in the store when you see in big font “GLUTEN FREE”. You know you are safe to devour that entire package.

However, something aren’t labeled. How are you suppose to tell if it has any traces of gluten in it? The next best choice is under ingredients, when it says May Contain: Wheat, etc… If it doesn’t say wheat, then you can most likely eat it, but if you are Celiac, or want to avoid it at all cost you may need to do more research then that. Even small ingredients can contain traces of gluten.

I constantly google “gluten free foods” and recipes so I know what I am cooking, but sometimes grocery store brands have different things added. I know my biggest surprise was the marinade and dressing mixes that come in powder form and you add oil or water.. great for meats. Fortunately, there are a few that come without it but that one took me a little longer to realize!

Here’s an article that is an amazing help to getting started. Check out the main page, or even some recipes!

http://knowgluten.me/2012/03/31/other-names-for-gluten/