Gluten intolerance makes it difficult to know where one can eat out and what restaurants will have gluten free meals. But the enjoyment of eating out should not have to be put completely aside for this reason. Consider these tips for finding good restaurants that offer good gluten free meals.
Avoid Most Fast Food
Fast food places thrive on wheat based foods which are not healthy for a gluten free diet. Many fast food restaurants do not fully understand what gluten free really means; however, they are not completely insensitive to the need for gluten free food. In many cases, there are salads and other parts to a meal that are safely gluten free.
Learn to Carefully Read the Menu
Restaurants that are not fast food are more likely to have meals that are gluten free, but one should still be careful. These restaurants may use sauces or seasonings that have gluten in them. Read the menu carefully in deciding what meals will be gluten free. If there is more need for clarification, don’t be afraid to ask for an ingredients list. As it is a concern because of gluten intolerance or a severe allergy, ingredients lists will most likely be willingly shared.
Take Note of Ingredients
For dressings in particular, some restaurants will use a particular brand that can be found in grocery stores, in which case it is easy to know the ingredients of the dressings. Take a moment to read the ingredients on the dressing at the grocery store. It might help to make a list of dressings, seasonings, or restaurant menu items that are gluten free.
Inquire About Gluten Free Menus
Most restaurants will be compliant when it comes to allergies and issues like gluten intolerance. Some restaurants do, in fact, understand completely what it means to be gluten free, and will present a good menu for their customers with celiac disease. Keep an eye out for these restaurants.
Understand that gluten free meals at restaurants tend to be more expensive, as are any of the specialty foods found at a grocery store or a health food store. They may be more expensive, but are usually healthier as well and are certainly better for one with celiac disease. For more information about celiac disease and where to find gluten free food, you may refer to: Why a Gluten Free Diet?
Finding good restaurants that are safe for a gluten free diet may seem difficult, but it can be done. It’s as easy as learning ingredients, carefully reading menus and taking the trouble of inquiring about the restaurant meals.
