The thought of going out for a meal always brings a smile to my face, but also an internal monologue of “Please, let them have gluten-free options.” I’m sure many of you living the gluten-free lifestyle can relate, and I can tell you, dining out can become a joy again.
Living a gluten-free life doesn’t mean you’re resigned to home-cooked meals alone. So many restaurants are adjusting their menus and methods to cater to the gluten-free community. Today, I want to share my top tips and strategies for dining out gluten-free without feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders.
Firstly, it’s important to remember to be kind to yourself. Change can be hard, especially when it comes to changing something as personal as how we eat. It’s okay if you’re not yet comfortable going out to eat, it’s okay if you still make mistakes or find this whole process overwhelming. In the blog post [“Embracing your Gluten-free Journey with Positivity”](insert hyperlink), we talked about nurturing a positive mindset, which is an important aspect of this journey.
Research, research, research! Nowadays, most restaurants have online menus or at least a Facebook page where they portray their dishes. You can research before you plan to visit, to ensure they do have gluten-free options. Use this time to plan your questions about the preparation of the meals, potential cross-contamination, and the dishes that have flexible ingredients.
In the beginning, you might want to stick to restaurants that either clearly label their gluten-free dishes or those known for accommodating dietary restrictions. As your confidence grows, you might feel more comfortable venturing out to new places without such clear indications.
Always be open and clear with the restaurant staff about your dietary needs. Let them know you have to avoid gluten for health reasons. If possible, call ahead and speak to the management to ensure they can cater to your needs. Being proactive can make all the difference, and it’s essential to remind ourselves that we are not causing inconvenience by communicating our needs.
Know what questions to ask — having a list prepared in advance might be helpful, especially if you’re new to living gluten-free. Ask about the types of oil used in frying, potential cross-contamination, and any potential hidden sources of gluten in sauces, dressings, or marinades. Our post on [“Hidden Sources of Gluten”](insert hyperlink) can help you understand the wide array of places gluten might be hiding.
While dining out, choosing naturally gluten-free foods can be your safest bet. Simple dishes that contain meat, vegetables, and naturally gluten-free grains like rice or quinoa usually are safe choices, as long as they’re not prepared with any gluten-containing sauces or spices. Always let the server know about your dietary restrictions so they can guide you through ordering safely.
Once your food arrives, don’t be afraid to double-check your meal. If something does not seem right, be prepared to send it back — remember, it’s about your health.
Come prepared with a backup snack. On those rare occasions when the only gluten-free option is a side salad, you will be grateful to have a filling gluten-free bar or some nuts in your bag.
If you’ve had a positive dining experience, be sure to give that restaurant a shout-out on social media or leave a glowing review online. Not only does it thank the establishment for a great experience, but it can help other gluten-free diners find reliable options. You know how much it means when you find a new go-to spot!
After a while, you might find that dining out gluten-free becomes second nature. While it may feel daunting at first, remember that every meal is a chance for a mini adventure and an opportunity to educate others about gluten-free living.
Practice, patience, and preparation are going to be your best friends in this journey. Don’t be hard on yourself if the journey seems bumpy at times, and remember to celebrate every successful gluten-free meal out!
Last but not least, share your experiences and favorite gluten-free-friendly restaurants with this community. Let’s turn dining out into a joy again, one restaurant at a time!
**Category: Lifestyle & Social**
