Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Eating Out With A gluten-free Kid - Help

Benshell

Recommended Posts

Benshell Explorer
Benshell
Posted

I have the list of places that have gluten-free menu's - like Uno's, Outback, etc.. But I'm visiting my parents in NJ who live in cow country (it's very pretty) and their are no chains around. I checked the gluten-free websites that listed a few NICE (meaning expensive seafood/steakhouse) restaurants in the area that have gluten-free food, but nothing a 6year old would eat.

Any suggestions on what to order for a 6 year old when going to a restaurant that doesn't have a website with a menu, or a local diner? She's not super picky, but she also doesn't have grown up tastes yet. We always used to get her chicken fingers , spaghetti or burgers at nice restaurants as part of the kids menu, but most of these places put breadcrumbs in their burgers to fatten them up and give them flavor. And my parents aren't really regulars at any restaurant where the owner would be helpful to us.

I'm at the point of tears. Parents don't want to eat in, but are being understanding. Now need to realize we need to plan our meals while on mini-vacation. I'm ready to cry and don't want my daughter to see the sadness and overwhelming feelings i'm having (yes, I'm new at this).

Help please.

m

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


tarnalberry Community Regular
tarnalberry
Posted

find the phone numbers to some restaurants that you guys (the adults) might want to eat at and then call them, and ask what sort of things could be put together for a gluten-free kid. call during an off time - like when they first open, or some other non-rush time - and ask to speak to the manager.

depending on what is around, there may be a number of things to try. I'm not sure what you mean by "not having adult tastes", since the kids I know who are around two eat all kinds of different things (one of 'em *loves* sushi - the kinds without raw fish, of course). maybe she'll surprise you by what she'll eat?

renee28 Rookie
renee28
Posted

Hi,

Just bring an easy prepared meal with you to the restaurant for your child (turkey burger and rice pasta with veggie of your choice)...you can pack some gluten free foods to bring with you on your mini-trip - this in not a big deal. .....things could be so much worse.

homemaker Enthusiast
homemaker
Posted

I don't have a gluten-free child to feed...but I recently took a quick vacation for a few days...and I packed in my carry on...

gluten-free Snack Bars

gluten-free Crackers Asst...I took lots of these...

Hard Cheese Cubes...

Apples

gluten-free Bread...frozen so that it would unthaw and I could use it later...I put it in tupperware so it would not get crushed...I asked for a scoop of egg salad on lettuce...(after I asked what was in the egg salad!) Tuna might be another option...

Then I indulged in Potato Chips or Frito Lays....

Small Peanut Butter Travel size packs to put on gluten-free crackers

gluten-free Cereal in Zip Lock Sandwhich Bags Portioned out...Helps at breakfast time....

Basic Grilled meats are best without marinades

Baked Potato...with butter ...kids usually eat it right up....

Call local restaurants in the area to see if they can accommodate your child's gluten-free needs

I was in a restaurant one afternoon and was dismayed because I thought there was nothing I could have...

Then I saw the clam chowder and asked what they thickened it with...She said cornstarch!

She said she did that purposely because many people are sensitive to wheat!

So don't be afraid to do your legwork and call those restaurants right up...So plan ahead...

Raven's Mum Newbie
Raven's Mum
Posted
Hi,

Just bring an easy prepared meal with you to the restaurant for your child (turkey burger and rice pasta with veggie of your choice)...you can pack some gluten free foods to bring with you on your mini-trip - this in not a big deal. .....things could be so much worse.

I love this idea! I think this is what we will do from now on. Even if a restraunt is accomadating to the best of their ability, I still worry about cross contamination without preparing it myself.

Darn210 Enthusiast
Darn210
Posted

We are lucky in that my daughter likes salads. We ask them to only put lettuce, carrots, and cheese on it (that's what she prefers). We also bring our own dressing - the little individual cups of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing.

We have also been known to pack her meal and then let her order a soda to drink with it which also makes her perfectly happy. Sometimes she's also allowed to get a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

At home, start introducing your daughter to some of the things that you are more likely to find like salads. We started out giving our daughter (larger) pieces of lettuce and shredded carrots and cheese in separate piles. She would put the shreds in the lettuce and roll it up and then dip it into the dressing. She called them "salad sandwiches" and now she will eat salads. We also do baked potatos at home and let her put butter and shredded cheese on it (she's a big fan of cheese :P ) and now she wants to go to a restaraunt that will serve her a baked potato.

We're working on grilled chicken . . . gonna have to work a little while longer . . . ;)

Ahorsesoul Enthusiast
Ahorsesoul
Posted

When my kids were this age, I always packed them their own dinner in their lunch box along with some toys. They would eat while the adults had drinks and decided on what to order. By then the kids were done eating and were playing with their toys. Kids at other tables were crying and screaming by now because they wanted to eat and nothing for them had arrived. I say pack something if you are really worried about these restaurants.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Juliebove Rising Star
Juliebove
Posted

We used to live in NY so ate at the diners in NJ many times. Are you sure they put bread crumbs in their burgers? I have never actually seen such a thing, although on a cooking show I did see them put eggs.

I would think that a diner would be the perfect place for a gluten-free meal because they have such large and varied menus.

The only problem I had when eating at a diner was in getting what I call a salad. A green salad. They did not seem to understand what I wanted. I got coleslaw, potato salad, egg salad, macaroni salad, but no green salad.

nicoleblakeman Newbie
nicoleblakeman
Posted

My son is 5 and anytime we go out he gets either grilled chicken or a cheese burger without the bun and french fries. he loves rotisserie chicken too. There are plenty of things without the bun that you can try.

I have the list of places that have gluten-free menu's - like Uno's, Outback, etc.. But I'm visiting my parents in NJ who live in cow country (it's very pretty) and their are no chains around. I checked the gluten-free websites that listed a few NICE (meaning expensive seafood/steakhouse) restaurants in the area that have gluten-free food, but nothing a 6year old would eat.

Any suggestions on what to order for a 6 year old when going to a restaurant that doesn't have a website with a menu, or a local diner? She's not super picky, but she also doesn't have grown up tastes yet. We always used to get her chicken fingers , spaghetti or burgers at nice restaurants as part of the kids menu, but most of these places put breadcrumbs in their burgers to fatten them up and give them flavor. And my parents aren't really regulars at any restaurant where the owner would be helpful to us.

I'm at the point of tears. Parents don't want to eat in, but are being understanding. Now need to realize we need to plan our meals while on mini-vacation. I'm ready to cry and don't want my daughter to see the sadness and overwhelming feelings i'm having (yes, I'm new at this).

Help please.

m

BemLmom3 Apprentice
BemLmom3
Posted

We always do this and Mimi bought daughter a special "dora" lunch bag that she carries her meals in. We have been doing that for so long, she just thinks it is normal :) I also save some "special" foods that she really enjoys for eating out times. And I really save those items for times like these. I know at first it is sad and hard but the longer you do the diet the more 'normal" it gets, hang in there!

I love this idea! I think this is what we will do from now on. Even if a restraunt is accomadating to the best of their ability, I still worry about cross contamination without preparing it myself.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,857
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    LowellFrancis
    Newest Member
    LowellFrancis
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Rogol72
      Ibuprofen

      By Rogol72 · Posted

      Some interesting articles regarding the use of Zinc Carnosine to help heal gastric ulcers, gastritis and intestinal permeability. I would consult a medical professional about it's use. https://www.nature.com/articles/ncpgasthep0778 https://www.rupahealth.com/post/clinical-applications-of-zinc-carnosine---evidence-review https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7146259/ https://www.fallbrookmedicalcenter.com/zinc-l-carnosine-benefits-dosage-and-safety/
    • Jillian83
      Celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis has taken Me from Me

      By Jillian83 · Posted

      He is. Which makes everything even more difficult. I’m not a believer in “staying for the kids” but I have nowhere to go and it’s not just me, it’s me plus my babies. We live in a beautiful place, lots of land in the country and me and the kids love the place we’ve called home for their entire lives. But Im seeing that he’ll never change, that my kids deserve a happy healthy Momma, and that staying in this as is will be the early death of me. Then I look at the scars covering my entire body…this disease and the chronic stress I’ve been enduring for years that tell me I’m no longer beautiful and no one will ever look at me with interest again. I try self care, try to give myself grace so I can just start loving myself enough to gain strength but the slightest sparkle in my eye and skip in my step attracts his wrath and it all comes crashing ten fold. Life is just absolutely railing me from every single direction leaving me wanting to wave that white flag bc I don’t feel like there’s much hope no matter what happens. 
    • trents
      Celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis has taken Me from Me

      By trents · Posted

      Is this man the father of your children?
    • Jillian83
      Celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis has taken Me from Me

      By Jillian83 · Posted

      Hi, I was recently diagnosed with Celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis after years of suffering without answers. I lost my mind. I lost my job. I lost so much time. I lost Me. Conventional doctors are opulent come near me and the one who did sat across the room, misdiagnosed me, pumped me full of steroids which collapsed my entire hip for 6 months. So without answers I began my holistic journey. Fast forward a couple of years and still struggling with a mysterious whole body itchy, crawling “skin hell”, perfect teeth now deteriorating, thick hair now thinning rapidly and no more than a day or 2 at most relief….An acquaintance opened up a functional medicine practice. Cash only, I found a way. Within a month tests clearly showing my off the charts gluten allergy/sensitivity as well as the depletion of vital nutrients due to leaky gut and intestinal damage. dermatitis herpetiformis was more than likely what I was experiencing with my skin. I was happy. I thought this is easy, eat healthy Whole Foods, follow the diet restrictions and I finally get to heal and feel confident and like myself again very soon! 😔 Supplements are very pricey but I got them and began my healing. Which leads to the other major issue: not working, stay at home Mom of young kids, entirely financially dependent on my man of 7 plus years. He’s never been supportive of anything I’ve ever done or been thru. He controls everything. I’m not given much money ever at a time and when he does leave money it’s only enough to possibly get gas. His excuse is that I’ll spend it on other things. So my “allowance” is inconsistent and has conditions. He withholds money from me as punishment for anything he wants. Since being diagnosed, he’s gained a new control tactic to use as punishment. He now is in control of when I get to eat. He asked for proof of my diagnosis and diet bc he said I made it up just to be able to eat expensive organic foods. Then after I sent him my file from my doctor he then said she wasn’t a real doctor. 😡. I go days upon days starving, sometimes breaking down and eating things I shouldn’t bc I’m so sick then I pay horribly while he gets annoyed and angry bc I’m not keeping up with all the duties I’m supposed to be doing. His abuse turns full on when I’m down and it’s in these desperate times when I need his support and care the most that I’m punished with silence, being starved, ignored, belittled. He will create more of a mess just bc I’m unable to get up and clean so that when I am better, I’m so overwhelmed with chores to catch up that the stress causes me to go right back into a flare from hell and the cycle repeats. I’m punished for being sick. I’m belittled for starving and asking for healthy clean water. I’m purposely left out of his life. He won’t even tell me he’s going to the grocery or to get dinner bc he doesn’t want me to ask him for anything. I have no one. I have nothing. Im not better. My supplements ran out and I desperately need Vitamin D3 and a methylated B complex at the very minimal just to function….he stares at me blankly…no, a slight smirk, no words. He’s happiest when im miserable and I am miserable.  this is so long and im condensing as much as I can but this situation is so complicated and disgusting. And it’s currently my life. The “IT” girl, the healthy, beautiful, perfect skin, perfect teeth, thick and curly locks for days, creative and talented IT girl….now I won’t even leave this house bc Im ashamed of what this has dont to my body, my skin. Im disgusted. The stress is keeping me from healing and I think he knows that and that’s why he continues to keep me in that state. He doesn’t want me confident or successful. He doesn’t want me healed and healthy bc then how would he put the blame of all his problems on me? This journey has been hell and I’ve been in Hell before. I’ve been killed by an ex, I’ve been raped, robbed, held hostage, abused beyond nightmares but the cruelty I’ve experienced from him bc of this disease is the coldest I’ve ever experienced. I’ve wanted to give up. Starving and in tears, desperate…I found a local food pantry in our small town so I reached out just saying I had Celiac and was on hard times. This woman is blessing me daily with prepared gluten free meals, donations, educational info, people who know this disease and how they manage life and the blessings just keep coming. But it’s overwhelming and I feel like I don’t deserve it at all. He just glared and I know he’s going to sabotage it somehow. I don’t even know what to do anymore. I’m so broken and just want peace and healing. 
    • cristiana
      Ibuprofen

      By cristiana · Posted

      @Colleen H   I am just curious,  when you were tested for coeliac disease, did the doctors find out if you had any deficiencies? Sometimes muscle pain can be caused by certain deficiencies, for example, magnesium, vitamin D, calcium, and potassium.   Might be worth looking into having some more tests.  Pins and needles can be neuropathy, again caused by deficiencies, such as iron and B12,  which can be reversed if these deficiencies are addressed. In the UK where I live we are usually only tested for iron, B12 and vitamin D deficiencies at diagnosis.   I was very iron anemic and supplementation made a big difference.  B12 was low normal, but in other countries the UK's low normal would be considered a deficiency.  My vitamin D was low normal, and I've been supplementing ever since (when I remember to take it!) My pins and needles definitely started to improve when my known deficiencies were addressed.  My nutritionist also gave me a broad spectrum supplement which really helped, because I suspect I wasn't just deficient in what I mention above but in many other vitamins and minerals.  But a word of warning, don't take iron unless blood tests reveal you actually need it, and if you are taking it your levels must be regularly monitored because too much can make you ill.  (And if you are currently taking iron, that might actually be making your stomach sore - it did mine, so my GP changed my iron supplementation to a gentler form, ferrous gluconate). Lastly, have you been trying to take anything to lessen the pain in your gut?  I get a sore stomach periodically, usually when I've had too much rich food, or when I have had to take an aspirin or certain antibiotics, or after glutening.  When this happens, I take for just a few days a small daily dose of OTC omeprazole.  I also follow a reflux or gastritis diet. There are lots online but the common denominators to these diets is you need to cut out caffeine, alcohol, rich, spicy, acidic food etc and eat small regularly spaced meals.   When I get a sore stomach, I also find it helpful to drink lots of water.  I also find hot water with a few slices of ginger very soothing to sip, or camomile tea.  A wedge pillow at night is good for reflux. Also,  best not to eat a meal 2-3 hours before going to bed. If the stomach pain is getting worse, though, it would be wise to see the doctor again. I hope some of this helps. Cristiana    
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.