Question by Serena M: How many of you have Celiac disease or a wheat allergy? What’s the hardest part for you?
I was diagnosed 6 months ago with Celiac disease. There have been a lot of different struggles, but the hardest part for me is the fear of eating anywhere but home. I’d like to know what your experiences have been and how you’ve gotten through them.
Thanks!
Best answer:
Answer by mcmufin
I know how you feel. I was diagnosed in 2003. Eating out is challenging at times, but doable, even in an Italian restaurant (and there is some REALLY GOOD Italian food that is naturally gluten-free).
First, knowledge is your friend. Learn the safe and forbidden ingredients at the websites listed below. That way you’ll know what you shouldn’t even consider ordering.
Second, never be worried about saying to someone “I don’t mean to be difficult, but have a severe reaction to certain types of food …” as a preface for asking your friend to explain what’s in her “secret” recipe or for a waiter to check with the kitchen on whether you can eat something. Also, feel free to use that as an excuse to make substitutions, even if a waiter tells you substitutions aren’t allowed. Restaurants want your business and their managers know that you wil not visit them if you cannot eat their food.
Third, if you’re going to a social event where food will be served (weddings, business parties, etc.), there is absolutely nothing wrong with eating before you go and then just nibbling on safe foods while you’re at the event.
Finally, explore types of foods you’ve never tried before. Many cultures use no gluten-containing foods in many dishes. There are recipes and food blogs all over the web that can help you.
What do you think? Answer below!
My mom and brother are both celiacs. My mom is also allergic to a few other things because she went on eating wheat for so long, not knowing what she had.
My mom makes me watch out for my brother when we go anywhere without her, I’ve learned to ask questions for him. Even at other peoples’ houses, I make sure that there is no wheat in his food or he’ll be sick for weeks.
At restaurants, ask questions about the food. Sometimes they may be able to make the food different for you, just quickly explain your situation and stress how important it is that no wheat/gluten touches your food.
Once when we went out to eat, my mom ordered something that would normally have bread crumbs on it. She told them no bread on hers, that she couldn’t have it. When they brought her food out, it had bread crumbs all over it. She had to explain again and make them get her a new one. Just the other day we went to a sushi place. I have been there before, my mom had not. She was asking me questions every few minutes, trying to make sure she wouldn’t get ‘glutinated’ as she calls it. In the end she and my brother were fine, no signs of glutination yet.