Living Gluten-Free

Gluten-Free Lifestyle

Based on my experience, and living gluten-free

 

I was diagnosed with Celiac's Disease in March 2012. Removing almost all fast food from my diet as well as many quick meals at home was a vast change in my life, and not to forget mention of the countless snacks and near every dessert on the menu. Prior to this year, I knew nothing of this condition - that is, being allergic to proteins found in wheat, barley, rye and oats. Although many call it an allergy, and even I refer to it as an allergy, it is actually an autoimmune disorder. This disorder is somewhat uncommon, but restaurants do exist which cater to an individual's specific needs - some more so than others. However, that level of care may vary so much that perhaps some restaurants may even serve a deceivingly not-at-all gluten-friendly meal, depending on kitchen practices. It is often up to the customer him- or herself to help the servers understand the needs of a gluten-free customer.

On this page will be found plenty of gluten-free considerations over the coming weeks; this section is under development. This section tailored for those who wish to - or need to take on a gluten-free diet. Sub-topics will include purchasing ingredients, scouting restaurants and meal suggestions.

Information on this page may not necessarily be accurate (but as someone whom this information pertains to, you bet I try). All data comes from my own internet research.

  

A great resource of gluten-free ingredients may be found HERE. On the contrary, un-safe ingredients may be found HERE.

Gluten-friendly restaurants 

Searching for a gluten-friendly restaurant is generally quite a long and almost troublesome and irritating process. 

 Restaurants specifically featuring gluten-friendly items

Where I live, Saskatoon, there are a few places I may regularly visit. All of which for me (except Keo's Kitchen) are specifically for their GF pizza which I have actually been to.

• Boston Pizza
• Aroma (underneath Radisson Hotel)
• Pizza Pirates
• Keo's Kitchen

Asian and Mexican restaurants tend to feature gluten-friendly items being mostly corn or rice based food. Take note that the kitchen of any "gluten-friendly" restaurant may not be gluten-free where they prepare or cook your food. This may be a problem for those severely affected by the disorder.

When considering a new meal at a restaurant, a person needs to ask the server about their "gluten-free" items. They'll probably give you a funny look. Begin losing hope and follow-up by attaching "wheat-free" and hope you don't further need to explain you have an "allergy". If you do explain she will likely ask a cook and your meal probably won't end up being something within your regular preferred meals.

Common potentially gluten-friendly restaurant items

• Salads
• Real bacon bits - not simulated
• No croutons
• (Ask about dressing)

• Deep fried items 
• Items usually include fries, non-breaded dry ribs
• Only gluten-free if cooked in gluten-free deepfrier (no other wheat items in deepfrier) 
• Breading often contains wheat. Ask if breading is wheat-based. 

•  Pizza
• Some ingredients contain wheat crumbs or otherwise

On this page will be found plenty of gluten-free considerations over the coming weeks. This section tailored for those who wish to - or need to take on a gluten-free diet. Sub-topics will include purchasing ingredients, scouting restaurants and meal suggestions.