Dear Neighbors:
I have followed a gluten-free diet for the last two and a half years. I have Celiac Disease and wheat makes me pretty sick. You may have a friend or two who also follow a gluten-free diet. You probably wonder where it is that you can eat when you want to go out to lunch, and what kind of dessert is tasty and healthy for everyone.
Many foods are naturally gluten-free. Fruits, vegetables and meat are always fine. There are other products that are never okay, such as bread, cookies, cake, and donuts. Keep in mind that food that is made specifically gf is often more expensive. Often, foods that are naturally gf will be labeled as such in order to boost the price. Don't be fooled. Look out for sauces -- many use a wheat product as a thickening agent. If you need teriyaki, soy or barbeque sauce, check the label carefully. Cereals are either made with wheat or corn as a base. Don't assume that a cereal is not gf. Read the label!
Look for health food stores in your area. Whole Foods has plenty of gf offerings, but the store is expensive. If you have a Sprouts in your area, they label the shelves so you can easily find the gf food. I found a great store in Texas called H.E.B. and I ended up shipping stuff home. Check your local grocery stores and ask if they carry gf food. If not, you can usually request something you want.
Look for health food stores in your area. Whole Foods has plenty of gf offerings, but the store is expensive. If you have a Sprouts in your area, they label the shelves so you can easily find the gf food. I found a great store in Texas called H.E.B. and I ended up shipping stuff home. Check your local grocery stores and ask if they carry gf food. If not, you can usually request something you want.
When going out to eat, there are many restaurants that have specific gf menus, such as P.F. Changs and The Outback. Other restaurants, such as Olive Garden, will claim to have a gf menu but only offer one or two items that are gf. Fast food restaurants are not a good idea for a person with a sensitive stomach. Even though they have a few items that may be gf, they cannot be trusted to prepare the food safely. The goal of fast food is to get the food out fast -- they don't have time to think about whether your hamburger accidentally touched a bun and if the five second rule applies to that particular situation. Don't risk it. No one's that hungry. If you're out to eat with a friend who has dietary restrictions, it's important to be sensitive. He or she is not being picky in ordering, and we have to be very assertive in order to ensure our food is safe to eat.
And my favorite topic...dessert! Unless cookies, cake, brownies or donuts are made gf, they are off limits. Fortunately, some restaurants offer a hot, flourless cake that is usually the best dessert on the menu. Don't forget the ice cream!
If you have questions about the care and feeding of your gluten-free friend, feel free to e-mail me at ItsDoro@gmail.com
Free From Gluten,
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