Dining Out 101

Dining out: something ridiculously hard to do on a diet

     It actually gives me anxiety when I have to eat at a restaurant or at anyone's house. I've given up on the latter, just bringing food whenever I go to someone else's house now. It's not just that I'm gluten free, but have so many food intolerances, it just makes it really hard and frustrating. My whole family and my friends understand now, and do not even question it, but it was uncomfortable to explain at first. My line usually is, "Sorry...I just have a million food allergies." I don't even say food "intolerances" because then I get a questionable look, the term allergy is just more widely used. See Cinderella's post on food allergies and food intolerances to learn more. I try to explain that it has nothing to do with them, I just don't want to get sick and dizzy. As it's becoming more common now, people understand and my friends and family are always so accommodating. That being said, ordering from restaurants can be tricky. Sometimes I really want to go out or order out, and sometimes I really just don't want to cook! I cook breakfast, lunch and dinner for myself everyday because of all of the restrictions I have, it's exhausting! At most places now there are gluten free options, but you can also "make" a dish gluten free and make sure to ask the right questions. Usually, corporate restaurants are the most accommodating and the most knowledgable about being gluten free.

Corporate Restaurants with Gluten Free Menus/Allergen Information Available (click on the restaurant for their gluten free menu): 

Applebee's, Bonefish Grill, Boston market, Buffalo Wild Wings, California Pizza Kitchen, Carrabbas Italian Grill, Chilis, Chipotle, Famous Dave's, Hooters, Olive Garden, On the Border, Outback Steakhouse, P.F. Chang's, Red Robin, Ruby Tuesday, Ted's Montana Grill, TGI Friday's, Uno Pizzeria & Grill

Ask the right questions:

     First of all, don't be afraid to ask questions or let the waiter know you have an "allergy." Years ago this wasn't accepted or was brushed off as someone being an annoying customer, I would know, I used to be a waitress! However. in recent years, allergies, especially gluten allergies, have become widely known and accepted. Please, ask as many questions as you need to and figure out the best choice for yourself when dining out.

• Is this dish gluten free? (be especially carefully with soups and sauces)
• Do you have allergy information or a list of ingredients? (See Cinderella's post on the gluten free diet for more specific ingredients to avoid) 
• Is the meat injected with anything? Is anything added to the meat before or after cooking? (some restaurants inject the chicken or other meat with ingredients that contain gluten)
• Is there flour in this dish?
• How is the meat prepared? (some meats or other items are dipped in flour before cooked)
• What is used to thicken the sauce?
• Do you fry all items in the same fryer? (gluten containing ingredients are often fried in the same as "gluten free" ones)
• Do your french fries have any type of flour on them?
• Do your mashed potatoes have any extra ingredients? (some are pre-packaged and contain gluten)
• Does your seasoning contain wheat or gluten? (some French fries seasonings have gluten containing ingredients)
• What kind of gluten free salad dressings do you have? (If none, ask for plain olive oil and pure vinegar-not all vinaigrettes are gluten free)
• Do you have gluten free pasta? 

Make the right choices:

• Ask for a burger with no bun (or bring your own gluten free bread)
• Ask for a side salad (don't forget to say no croutons!), rice, corn, potatoes (be careful with this side-see above) or other gluten free substitute instead of another side
• Ask if they have gluten free pizza or pasta (some menus don't advertise it, but they have it)
• Order a big salad with a meat, hard boiled eggs or good fats like nuts or avocado (be careful about choosing a dressing-most are not gluten free) 
• Ask for grilled chicken or meat instead of fried
• Avoid all fried foods (I know, depressing)

Be careful and make the right choices, don't give up on staying away from gluten just because you are dining out. It is so tempting and can be frustrating at times, but focus on how much better you will feel if you stay away from it. Please comment with any other suggestions or questions about dining out!

Love,

CInderella