Visiting relatives

[Donnaw61]

We go to my sister in law’s frequently. She tries to accommodate my dietary needs but I can tell it’s a problem. This visit I brought several things like gluten-free tortillas and I helped with meal planning as well as doing some of the cooking. I also have dairy issues so took a lot of lactaid. I still ended up getting sick. Definitely not the worst I’ve ever been, but abdominal pain, vomiting and having to stop repeatedly in the way home isn’t fun. They have a very gluten heavy kitchen and pantry so I suppose it’s unavoidable . Next time I’ll have to fix food for me ahead of time and fix individual servings to eat while we’re there. Does anyone have other suggestions?

[Kurlykaitlyn]

Hi there, 

first of all, been there and totally understand your experience and concerns. If I do ever eat in someone else’s kitchen, it’s my sister in laws, and like you it’s a great idea to be a Co-cook. I recommend to continue helping cook and prepare the food, and also bringing some of your own gluten free foods. 
another good idea is to bring a cutting board and a big pot of your own if possible. If she has stainless steel pots, there shouldn’t be a concern of gluten. But non stick and cast irons can hold traces of gluten. Cutting boards of all kinds whether wood or plastic should never be shared. Also, avoid sharing wooden utensils for all cooking and salads. Wood holds gluten and has caused me to become ill until I went and bought all new ones for my house after diagnosis. 
when you’re in their kitchen, think about the ingredients and spices going into the cooking. Butter for example- you guys should use a fresh one because the opened one can be contaminated from bread or other gluten items. Sometimes, but not often, spices can be contaminated from manufactures. It’s just another thing to be cautious of if you are doing all these other things and still getting sick. 

I hope you figure out it so you can still have fun and enjoy cooking with your family and friends! And if anything, you could always bring your own prepared food if it’s necessary. Good luck! 🤗

[Scott Adams]

I had a similar experience recently when visiting some old friends this summer in Germany. I stayed for a week in a standard gluten-filled home, and like you, I brought with me some basics like gluten-free bread, tortillas, pasta, etc. Luckily I didn't encounter issues, but it may have been because I always tried to help in the kitchen (to watch over things--I'm sure I was at least mildly annoying at times, but you've got to do what you've got to do!). 

 

[Courtney09]

Every time I travel I always take my own breakfast, lunch and dinners with me.  It makes for a lot of pre planning, but I make 3 different crockpot meals and portion them out into containers and freeze them.  I place them in a cooler with a lot of ice until I get to my destination.  I am very sensitive and don't want to risk getting cross contaminated while traveling!

[Donnaw61]

I’ve realized that I’m really sensitive too. I’m going to my daughters for a few days next month to watch my gkids. They aren’t totally gluten free. I may just do what you do. The idea of taking my own pots and pans to a just too much.

[Donnaw61]

5 hours ago, Scott Adams said:

I had a similar experience recently when visiting some old friends this summer in Germany. I stayed for a week in a standard gluten-filled home, and like you, I brought with me some basics like gluten-free bread, tortillas, pasta, etc. Luckily I didn't encounter issues, but it may have been because I always tried to help in the kitchen (to watch over things--I'm sure I was at least mildly annoying at times, but you've got to do what you've got to do!). 

 

I watched over, but didn’t think about gluten residue on her cooking utensils. I’m just a lot more sensitive than I realized. This dragging feeling that lasts a week or so afterwards sucks!