How To Eat At Restaurants When You’re Gluten Intolerant

4. Don’t order anything with other grains.

Since oats and wheat are often grown in nearby fields, processed, milled and transported in the same facilities or the same containers, oats end up picking up airborne gluten particles that can be enough to cause an immune reaction. Don’t chance it.

5. Salads and Salad Dressings

Don’t take a chance on salad dressings that were store-bought. Stick with olive oil and a lemon.

When ordering salads, ask for no croutons, no bacon bits, and no fake meats (meat substitutes). Remember that even mayonnaise could contain wheat as an ingredient; avoid coleslaw made with a creamy mayonnaise base, too.

6. Look for compliance of the restaurant with FDA guidelines for gluten-free labeling on the menu.

The FDA realizes the problem that can result when restaurants serve food contaminated with gluten proteins and have lack of knowledge and has issued a final rule on how manufacturers and restaurants can comply. These guidelines will be enforced in August 2014. In the meantime, you can make a phone call to your favorite restaurants, asking them to find out more at http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/Allergens/ucm362880.htm

7. Gluten in the Ice Cream?

The safest thing you can do is avoid ice cream based on the remote possibility that wheat is added to it. The problem is that you can’t simply bring in a list of foods or food ingredients that contain gluten and ask the waitress to read the labels of everything she serves you. She’s too busy. When looking for a perfect gluten-free dessert, always choose a fresh fruit with no sauce or whipped cream. Even an ice cream parlor could accommodate this type of request.

8. Stick with poached salmon or meats grilled without oil.

If you’re ordering a steak, ask that the grill be cleaned before cooking your meat. Ask for it to be plain, with no sauces or gravies.

9. Use a menu plan that works every time.

By ordering steak or meat that’s grilled, a baked potato, steamed vegetables, and a fruit for any restaurant meal, you will have a lot of options. Restaurants can always accommodate your requests.

And don’t be shy about voicing your requests or sending food back if it’s incorrect. Your health is important.

Author

This article was written for Insights-on-Health.com in Dec 2013 by Dr Donna Schwontkowski. Reversing health disorders is easier when principles of natural healing are used. Dr Donna is a retired chiropractor with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in nutrition and a master’s in herbology. She has over 25 years experience working with thousands of patients to reverse their health conditions. Read more about her here.

Pages: 1 2