There are many common myths about being gluten-free, for example, one is that you won’t be able to find anything to eat at your favorite restaurants. This is incorrect, in recent years a large number of restaurants have posted their nutrition and allergen information, either online or in person at the establishment.
This is going to be your best friend.
Being gluten free is not that difficult, once you learn how to do it. At first, be sure to take into account the nutritional information of everything you eat. You never know when a company introduces gluten into their product or leaves traces of cross-contamination. These labels can be found on the nutrition label on the side of the product or online, on the front that says it’s “Certified Gluten Free,” and throughout the allergen list. The main ingredients to avoid when avoiding gluten are: wheat, barley, rye, malt, brewer’s yeast, and most oats. Just keep an eye on these labels and you’ll be good to go!
The great thing about your favorite restaurants is that most places offer gluten-free menus and options, and are also used to accommodate special dietary needs. For example, Noodles and Company, known for their pasta dishes, has a gluten-free or rice noodle substitute! On top of that, they ask you when you’re ordering if it’s a preference or allergy why you order them instead, so they can prepare it in a completely gluten-free environment to prevent cross-contamination if they need to.
When in doubt, look it up! There are thousands of gluten-free recipes online. A favorite is to go to Pinterest.com and search for recipes, you have so many to choose from! Don’t be afraid to try new recipes, even if you don’t like some of the ingredients, you can always substitute other ingredients.
If you find that you’re still having difficulty avoiding gluten, see a registered dietitian or your doctor for more information. They have the professional expertise in nutrition and diets and can even provide you with specific meals and meal plans.
Visit this blog to learn more about foods, restaurants, and recipes that will help you “Keep Gluten Free!” and continue on your way!
-Wheatless Wendy
