Eating out on a Gluten Free Diet

ecamarata

Hello all I'm new to the myfitnesspal community but I hope this is a place that I can ask a very bothersome question of mine. I have Celiac's disease so gluten is absolutely out of the question and I am having a hard time finding alternatives to the daily lunch menu for someone who is gluten free and eats lunch out regularly. What are some of your favorite lunch/dining spots and food items?

Afura

I have several friends that have Celiac's, and it is a pain. As my friend said, eating out can be a chore to pre-game food, especially when traveling. I like Jason's deli because there are options, including having GF bread for their sandwiches, and a pretty decent salad bar. Usually I just pick what looks best, and if I need to make sure I'll ask the server what it's made with. You always run the risk, like any food allergy, of cross contamination though.

canadjineh

Check websites ahead of time for nutrition information including detailed ingredient lists. I like Wendy's Restaurant in Canada for fast food - they have a few choices there and a VERY detailed website. Stuffed baked potato with broccoli and cheese, the chili is good, the Apple Pecan Grilled Chicken Salad (without the pecan package as they are dusted with flour) with the blue cheese crumbles (not pre-shredded cheddar). You can always get a side green salad and a small chili to top it with for a mock taco salad. You can pay for a serving of sour crème to add if you like, but if you are looking to lose weight I'd probably skip that part. I always carry my own dressing in a little leakproof container. When planning on going to a restaurant, I also bring my own raw unseasoned nuts and a couple of HB eggs or a mini tuna can or certified GF deli meats like ham or turkey to roll up. I have never had a restaurant give me grief about it (I try to be unobtrusive though) - although I am ordering their salads, being very specific about seasoning and any added ingredients in the salad and why it's very important. Sometimes they will let you talk to the chef - this is a great idea if you can. Explain that they need to wipe down the grill and use fresh utensils. Don't just say you are GF, tell them it is Celiac disease and a very serious 'allergy.' Most people understand the 'allergy' word and think similar to peanut allergy so they will be more careful. There is a GF restaurant app (a friend of mine uses it) - I'm sure you can find it in the app store.

Once you find a restaurant that does things properly - stick with them and tell them exactly why you like to eat there. The good GF choice restaurants tend to advertise that they have Celiac friendly options so that can help too.

SRJennings

CHIPOTLE!!!!! Yum!

tawanda6329

Chipotle, Boston Market, Five Guys, Red Robin, Chili's

blankiefinder

It would be helpful if you list your location. In Canada, my husband and I usually hit happy hour at Earl's restaurant for their Los Cabos chicken tacos, gluten free as they come plus I always request safe food handling because I don't want to risk cross contamination.