Gluten-Free In Belize

[mareahf]

I recently came back from a wonderful trip to Belize. I was there for 9 days and I am a sensitive celiac and I did very well.

First I stayed in Placencia at the Laru Beya. The restaurant there was good and had a nice selection. I ate the ceviche but I used my own crackers, (it comes with corn chips but I wasn't sure it was 100% corn or fried in tainted oil, etc.). I ate the special of that night of grilled fish with a fresh veggie and herb mixture on top with rice and veggies. I ate a simple breakfast of a fried egg, bacon and coffee. The last meal I had there was the curry fish. I asked if they used soy sauce and they said no, so I tried it but by the end of the meal I was not feeling well. I did get a little sick from that so I do not recommend eating the curry.

Other than that everything I had at the restaurant was delicious, the staff was helpful and nice and I didn't get glutened.

In the town of Placencia I had a wonderful smoothie and ceviche (with my gluten-free crackers) at The Shack. They have a large menu and the cook is friendly so I'm sure he would cater to altering some dishes.

I also ate at the Cozy Corner Restaurant. I ordered the grilled shrimp kabob and it came out with Teriyaki sauce all over it. I knew I couldn't eat it and so did my husband. He took my dish and gave me his grilled fish with veggies and mashed potatoes. It was good and I didn't get sick, thanks to my husband.

For dessert we went to Tutti Frutti for gelato and I had the mango. It was good and so was I.

Other meals were on scuba diving excursions, I ate rice and beans, fruit, lara bars and chicken with veggie topping. It was good and I felt fine.

Then for the second part of my trip I stayed at the Belize Jungle Dome near Belmopan. They were great with my gluten-free diet. I let them know ahead of time and I had breakfast and dinner there for 4 days and it was all very good and catered to my diet. For breakfast I had fresh fruit, hard boiled eggs, gluten-free toast, and bacon or sausage. Dinners they made sure I had a special plate if the nightly dinner was not normally gluten-free. Meals included; Pork chops, mashed potatoes, grilled veggies, grilled chicken, rice, salads and different ice cream flavors. They also asked questions if they didn't know, I appreciate that because they will know in the future and I feel better they are aware of what they are doing.

On the excursions they special ordered my lunch with no seasonings and no bread. It was chicken on lettuce with dressing on the side. I did not use the dressing but it might be okay. Yucca chips, fresh fruit and a snickers. That was perfect for me. The other excursion I ate a greek salad (no croutons) and a taco salad (no tortilla chips) at a local restaurant, they use lots of fresh veggies and fresh ingredients so you could try the soups and/or stews with rice and beans.

I went to Tikal in Guatemala for a day and had a vegetarian meal of beans and rice, fresh veggies. I didn't get sick.

Also for every meal I took the Gluten-ease pills, I have never tested the pills by eating gluten on purpose but I do think they help cut severity of symptoms.

I would also take some food for those situations were your not sure. I packed lara bars, gluten-free crackers, dried fruit and gluten-free bread and bought cheese at a local grocery store.

I hope this helps if you are planning to go to Belize, I had a great time.

[kareng]

Thanks for that encouraging news. Might need to go to Belize for a vacation now.

[lynnelise]

I spent a day in Belize as part of a cruise before going gluten-free. I really loved it there, it's so beautiful. It's nice to know that I'm able to go back and eat safely!