Am I Unreasonable?

[1desperateladysaved]

My family is planning a long car trip. On the forum, people were discouraged that my family would choose to eat at a restaurant that I would not eat at. Traditionally, we have eaten out atleast 1 time a day on our family trips often twice. We have 7 people in the car, and a car oven that can perhaps accomodate food for 2 people at the most. At our destination, we have booked a hotel that includes a kitchen, so we will eat there. What else can my family do?

At home we got all of the gluten out of the areas I use in the kitchen. My family no longer makes gluten containing foods in my house. My family tried to find eating places that could cook for me. Jason's Deli has gluten free, but when I was there once, they actually told me they couldn't guarantee it was gluten free! I have seen places with "gluten free noodles or chips." I can't eat those either since I am not tolerating grain.

I saw a post on the Five Guys burgers and was so impressed, I was ready to go. Five Guys Burgers was also mentioned by my chiropractor, who is gluten intolerant, and had a safe experience there. Then someone on the forum reacted to going to Five Guys burgers and I didn't want to try going there either. Basically, I am refusing to go to any restaurant.

I am 6 months into grain free. I have feelings like I am just beginning to really heal. I am on a rotational diet besides. I was 30 years with symptoms. I have been feeling good. I am going to be away from home and needing energy.

Does anyone blame me for being so careful?

[kareng]

When I travel, I always pack my food and get a hotel with a kitchen. My family might get sandwiches and I just go in and get iced tea and eat my stuff. Sometimes we go to Wendy's and I get a Frosty and don't feel left out at all. I make sure I have something I really like, like Fritos, in case I feel left out. Often we just pack picnic stuff. I will get packs of cold cuts, chips, fruit, carrot sticks, make gluten-free cookies, fruit snacks, drinks, etc. they have gluten bread, so I pass out the cold cuts and cheese & fruit, etc to paper plates and they handle the bread. It's cheaper than eating at McDonalds and healthier as my family will eat fruit or carrot sticks in a picnic but not at McDonalds. It's not relaxing as I have to keep passing out more grapes, etc but it keeps everything gluten-free.

Sometimes I put a few carrots or grapes in little baggies and label them with a big K. Then I have my safe carrot sticks and they can gluten up the bigger bag. This might work best with so many people.

You could get a little camp stove. Mine is big enough to make 4-6 burgers at once or many hot dogs. You could grill out lunches or at the hotel along the way.

Got interrupted by 16 yr old boy seeking food!

If it doesn't bother you to either watch the others eat at a restaurant or stay behind in the hotel or car, then do it. With that many people traveling, it might be nice to have a half hour of quiet! I know when I travel with 40 teens for Robotics, I enjoy staying back from dinner in my room and eating a snack dinner ( nuts, crackers, fruit, etc)

[kareng]

Diana,

I just posted about this little food warmer. About $20 and I have seen them at Target in the last week or so. You might be able to get a car adapter and plug it in in the car to heat some soup or casserole for your trip. Freeze portions before you go so they will last a few days in a cooler.

[bartfull]

Protecting your health is NEVER unreasonable. Do whatever you have to do, and if others don't understand that is their problem.

[Takala]

No, you're fine. Everyone has different levels of carefulness they need to practice, so they don't get sick.

[tarnalberry]

It's your choice. A pain, maybe, but your choice. I do think, however, that means you have to figure out how to pack/travel so that you can have enough food, even if they choose to eat out too. For starters, I would suggest a roof rack!

[dilettantesteph]

I am very sensitive and I can travel now. I have a small microwave and a cooler that plugs into the car that I can also plug in at a hotel. I am pretty much healed and have my diet figured out.

I can see how during the healing and figuring out process it would be difficult to travel. You need to give your health the importance that it deserves. Others need to appreciate the importance of that. The next trip might be better for you.