Eating Out: Gluten Free

Eating out can be a real nightmare for coeliacs. After being diagnosed it took me a long time to gain the confidence to eat out and trust that I wasn't going to be 'glutened'. The first takeaway I tried was curry, as most are gluten free (please make sure to check with the staff for cross-contamination) and it was wonderful to feel relatively normal after such a massive transformation in my diet and lifestyle. I knew the diet would test me from time to time and I'd miss quite a lot of my favourite foods, or so I thought. I actually found it easy to substitute most of what I liked with a gluten free version and consequently sticking to a strict gluten free diet was made easier.

Another issue with eating out is a lack of awareness and training among restaurant staff and owners. Too often have I asked waiters and kitchen staff what might be suitable on the menu and to be greeted with blank, expressionless faces enquiring 'what's gluten'? I bet most just think I'm on some fad diet or I'm a fussy eater, but I can assure you I would like nothing more than to stuff my face with anything on the menu and not pay the price of terrible stomach cramps and diarrhoea for several days! 

Lunchtime can also be problematic. Whether it's a working lunch or you’re out and about - preparation is key to not starving or risk being glutened. Wherever possible I bring my own lunches to work, which not only saves me a fortune, but also ensures there is no risk of cross contamination and I can enjoy a healthy and well-balanced diet.

The best thing to do is do your research. Whether you're meeting a friend in town or on a works night out - make sure you can eat something on the menu and that the staff are aware of your dietary requirements. The most important thing to check for when eating out is cross contamination, this also applies when eating at home.