Traveling...

[AmandaD]

Hi everybody - I need everyone's help that's traveled. I'm going to Savannah, Georgia and Nashville, TN this week. My first trip out of Wisconsin in a while! It's also my first big trip since my endoscopy and Celiac diagnosis.

I'm freaked!

Could somebody tell me what kinds of things I should order at restaurants or give me travel tips as I go about. I don't want to starve - but I don't want to poop all over either, Hee, Hee...

Thank you much!

AmandaD

[rmmadden]

Amanda,

First I would bring some snack items with you from home. This will get you through the actual traveling to your destination. The airlines and airports have practically nothing for a celiac disease person to eat! Then (If you are staying for any length of time) find a local health food store in the towns you are traveling to and stock-up on some safe foods. Also, try speaking with the kitchen staff at any hotels where you will be staying in advance of your trip. See if they know what a gluten-free diet is and, if not, educate them.

For breakfast try ordering Egg Beaters. These are usually prepared in a separate pan and the risk of CC is far less than regular eggs. For lunch I usually snack on some of the items I bought at the health food store (Fruit, Lara Bars, nuts, etc.).

For dinner I look for Atkins menu items. A lot of them can be made without the sauces/gravies. If not then I stick with plain foods......Grilled chicken breast and/or steak. I survived a week-long convention on this diet and felt great.

Best of Luck!

Cleveland Bob

[AmandaD]

Thank you, Bob. All of this info is much appreciated. I'm going to print out all the responses I get and take them with me...

Amanda,

First I would bring some snack items with you from home. This will get you through the actual traveling to your destination. The airlines and airports have practically nothing for a celiac disease person to eat! Then (If you are staying for any length of time) find a local health food store in the towns you are traveling to and stock-up on some safe foods. Also, try speaking with the kitchen staff at any hotels where you will be staying in advance of your trip. See if they know what a gluten-free diet is and, if not, educate them.

For breakfast try ordering Egg Beaters. These are usually prepared in a separate pan and the risk of CC is far less than regular eggs. For lunch I usually snack on some of the items I bought at the health food store (Fruit, Lara Bars, nuts, etc.).

For dinner I look for Atkins menu items. A lot of them can be made without the sauces/gravies. If not then I stick with plain foods......Grilled chicken breast and/or steak. I survived a week-long convention on this diet and felt great.

Best of Luck!

Cleveland Bob

[happygirl]

Bring individual dressing packets....Hellman's makes a few that are gluten free (naturally). I carry them with me so I can always order a plain salad and still have dressing!

Be careful when ordering something that seems "safe"---like grilled chicken or steak. The marinades (esp for chicken) that the food often arrives in (aka, like at Applebee's) has soy sauce in it. So make sure you are getting a PLAIN chicken breast!

Another suggestion is to look up either through CSA or GIG if there are Celiac Support groups in the area...they might be able to tell you of "local" places that cater to gluten free eating, besides just the large chains that do (Outback, Pf Changs, Bonefish Grill, etc.)

Good luck!