Eating out- gluten free menus in restaurants, travels and flights:

If you have gluten intolerance, you need to stick to a gluten free diet and restaurant dining may be really challenging to you. According to a study made by the California University, 86% of celiac patients have trouble in eating out and they avoid eating in restaurants. A diagnosis of celiac disease does not really mean that you should avoid eating out. You need not stay home for fear of taking gluten containing foods. Restaurant dining is an important aspect of our life and you can make it enjoyable with little effort and planning.

Tips to eat gluten free foods in restaurants and flights:

  • Some restaurants have a website and they provide the list of menus. You can read the menus and choose gluten free foods like sea foods, eggs and foods that are made with fresh poultry and beef. If you like veggies, go for menus prepared with fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Some restaurants have specialty gluten free menus. You can plan to visit there.
  • It is worth to find restaurants, where the chefs have great knowledge about gluten free diets. This helps you to avoid dangerous food items.
  • You can also inform the waiter that you are on a special gluten free diet. The restaurant staff does not realize the risk of celiac disease, unless you point out to them. Anxiety to speak freely about your disease may cause severe reactions after dining out.
  • If you need to eat out while traveling, you need to specify that you cannot eat wheat, barley or rye. It is always advisable to carry gluten free breads or crackers, while traveling.
  • You need not fear to ask how the food is prepared.  Sometimes, hamburgers and hamburger buns may be grilled in a same griller, which can lead to gluten contamination. You can ask whether the food has been marinated in any sauce.
  • If you do not find any gluten free food on the menu, ask whether it is possible to steam some vegetables or sauté some plain meat for you. It would not taste good, but it is safe for you.
  • Mc Donald’s assure that they provide French fries that are gluten free. Therefore, it is safe to eat French fries in the nearby Mc Donald’s restaurant.
  • The most valuable tip to enjoy restaurant dining is to join the network of other people with celiac disease. They can help you to find out a restaurant that serves gluten free diets and to reduce the anxiety level of eating out.