When you leave for vacation this year no need to fear what you eat when you use these tips for eating gluten-free on the road. Whether you have a medical diagnosis of Celiac Disease, or simply have a gluten sensitivity that brings minor discomfort, it can be tough eating on the road. With strange restaurants and uncertain cooking methods you may hesitate to take that trip, but these tips will help make it possible and even easy for you to accomplish.
Tips for Eating Gluten-Free on the Road
Pack your own food. This is by far the easiest and best tip for eating gluten-free on the road. It is easy to do this when you are driving, but even if you fly you can start out your trip with a few snacks and scout out a grocery store at your destination to supplement. Packing your own food will give you and your family a chance to eat all of your favorite things from home without spending a lot of extra money on the trip or being fearful that something may have gluten in it. Look for hotels and resorts that have kitchenettes available in room to make this easier to manage. You can prepare the bulk of your meals in your room and avoid not only spending money, but potential allergic reactions.
Stick with well known chain restaurants. While you may want to visit a local mom and pop restaurant along the way, it is often best to stick with well known chain restaurants that keep gluten-free menu items at all of their locations. Seek out restaurants at your destination and along the way that are specifically geared toward gluten-free menus. There are more and more locations offering up great full menus that are completely gluten-free and prepared safely so no cross contamination occurs.
Don't hesitate to ask for substitutions when ordering a meal. Nobody wants to be that pesky guest at a restaurant to ask for something different, but the safety of your health means it is a must. Don't hesitate to let your wait staff know you cannot have gluten. Ask for suggestions on their menu that would be safe, or politely request a substitution of extra veggies or no bread with your meal.
Keep an approved list of foods on hand. This is important for those who are still pretty new to eating gluten-free. Keeping an approved list of foods on hand that will help you to navigate menu options can help tremendously. Especially inside theme parks with kids involved. Although most kids will be with you when ordering meals, some older kids and teens may go off to do their own thing. If you can send a list of foods that are safe along with them, you have less fear of them eating the bad things that could result in them being sick later in the day. Make yourself a few copies of a master list of easy safe foods and keep those in mind as you travel.
These tips for eating gluten-free on the road will help you and your family to stay safe from those reactions and sensitivities that can become a burden on everyone while you travel.
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