Traveling with celiac

[Stefani87]

Traveling with celiac

 

I would like to relate my experience today and then ask for advice on traveling and bringing food along (being prepared). See last paragraph 

 

Today we traveled to a new place and meet new people. We had a project to do and then everyone wanted to go to lunch. So I didn’t have an opportunity to research this place before hand - I could’ve used Find Me Gluten Free - but I didn’t. I took a risk. (I know better now) anyways the place we went had gluten-free options so I asked the waitress if I got the gyro without the pita would it be gluten-free. She said yeah. She asked if I wanted fries even though fried in same fryer as other gluten items. I said yes because I’ve done it before without any repercussions. I love fries. So the place seemed pretty knowledgeable about gluten-free food. My food was great! But an hour or so later I was vomiting in the men’s stall at a gas station (all the fries, TMI?) - the woman’s was occupied! I have only recently started vomiting when I have a cc gluten exposure. Ugh! 

 

Ok so I know my mistake was getting the fries. Taking a risk. Not double checking the restaurant. Not maybe being more vigilant for my health. I hate being that person at the restaurant who has to make a scene asking all the gluten free questions. Especially in front of new people. So now I know I need to be better prepared. But does that mean not eating out at new places every again? 

 

I need advice in how to travel with celiac disease, how to be better prepared for going to a new restaurant. At this point should I just pack my own lunch every time I go somewhere new? My husband (bless his heart) did pack me veggies to eat but I need more than that or I’ll get hangry. Also I am terrible at being that prepared that I could have brought my own lunch along. Also do I eat my own lunch in the restaurant? I can’t do that right plus it would be weird?

[Ennis-TX]

Emergency, I keep Julian Protein Bars, and Miracle Noodle MRE packs with me when I leave, I also take meal replacement shakes. I often take bags of nuts/seeds/cocoa nibs kale chips etc for snacks. I also starting last month started keeping a sealed jar of sunbutter in my under seat storage, You can stick almond butter and sun butter individual pouches and the Julian or what ever protein or kind nut bars in your purse. If you can the old thermos of soup, or a gluten free sandwich works old style lunch box meals. I heard recently of someone who kept gluten free progresso cans in their trunk all the time...and just stuck it on top of the engine to heat it up and pulled it off with a oven mitt and opened and ate...crazy college kids dealing with this disease on a budget eh. I also make steam pouches with a food saver vacuum packer just sticking the veggies, seasonings etc in a pouch and sealing it, freezing it...just grab a pouch and go...gas station microwave lay down some napkins..stab some holes in it and instant steamed meal (bring a plate).

I recently did a stock at a gas station for gluten free options. Rythem kale chips, Epic jerkey and pork rinds, many bars, certain brands of seed had gluten free, I saw wonderful pistachios, hard boiled eggs, and some lays chips.