Juliet, stop your foolishness about Romeo and let me use the balcony to scream, “Oh gluten, gluten, where art thou gluten.” It has been a year since finding out I am destined to be celiac forever, and from the previous dramatic line, I haven’t been taking it very well. Why? Some of my favorite foods and pleasures in the world contain gluten. Since the semester has started, being allergic to gluten has made it harder to eat on campus or to bring in anything from home besides fruit. However, as annoying and frustrating as it is to eat as well as find gluten-free food, I am slowly coming to terms with my newfound allergy. It is a fact I must accept in order to start feeling and living healthier. Besides, being gluten-free does not have to be a prison sentence. From restaurants to grocery stores, gluten-free food, recipes, and products are becoming more available.
Being gluten-free does not only apply to those with a gluten and wheat allergy. It may also benefit those with a sensitive stomach, other diseases such as Crohn’s or those who have sensitive skin. So Pitt HC readers, if you need to start eating gluten-free, the following stores and restaurants may help you from slipping up.
Grocery Stores- No more IGA. Finally get some fresh products along with some of your favorite gluten-free snacks. From gluten-free bread to gluten-free pasta and pizza, these stores can definitely help you regain a bit of your old lifestyle. See which store has food products that work better for your body. For example, being a Philly native, gluten-free hot dogs from Shoprite are less greasy and taste better than Giant. Also be cautious, gluten-free is not cheap!
- Whole Foods
- Gluten Free Zone
- Trader Joes
Eat Out/Restaurants- Sorry, no more burritos from Chipotle. It’s the burrito bowl or soft tacos from here on out. The first rule when eating out is being smart. Don’t be afraid to ask questions such as: Do you have a gluten-free menu? Can I change the wrap for gluten-free bread? Are your fries breaded? More than often, the staff will be more than happy to accommodate you. If you end up going with friends to a non-gluten-free restaurant, be creative. It doesn’t always have to be the Caesar salad (hold the croutons). Try eating the hamburger without the bun, wrapped in lettuce and tomato.
- Chipotle
- Red Oak
- Noodles and Company
- Double Wide Grill
Recipes- Living out of a dorm definitely makes it easier to cook your own healthy and gluten-free meals. Personally, chicken and broccoli is my favorite. However, if you ever run out of ideas, there are plenty of recipes on Pintrest and gluten-free sites. In fact, Pitt has its own gluten-free club with a website dedicated to all gluten-free food near campus. Check it out at http://www.pitt.edu/~sorc/glut…. However, if you do live in a dorm with a meal plan, gluten-free doesn’t have to be so far from your fingertips. Rite-aid sells a few gluten-free products, and you can find your basic healthy food at nearby grocery stores just in case. If possible, stock up the next time you go home.
A few tips:
- Make sure you always read labels, including sauces and drinks (this includes alcoholic beverages). Gluten can be anywhere such as soy sauce and dark sodas because of the caramel coloring, who knew?
- Just because it says gluten-free, doesn’t mean it is always good for you. The point of having a few gluten-free products is so you can ease out of your old eating habits and be able to continue eating your favorite snacks. If it was junk before, it probably still is after being stamped with a gluten-free label. Also, junk food regardless will always make you feel crummy if you eat it on a regular basis.
- If you are living with non-gluten household residents, separate your food! This is to avoid contamination.
- If you know you are going somewhere where there is not much for you to eat, try to pack some safe snacks beforehand. Perfect example: road trips. Unfortunately, there is not much gluten-free food at rest stops.
- If you have a gluten allergy, be sure to avoid products that say wheat-free. This does not mean it is also gluten-free.
- Buy gluten-free cookbooks and gluten-free baking mixes! Just in case you get bored.
- *For non-gluten folks. If you respond well to gluten, do not try eating a gluten-free diet, especially for weight-loss. It may do more damage than good, such as not gaining the right nutrients. Also, eating gluten-free products will make you gain weight.
Living this life-style may be a hassle, but once you get used to it you will have no trouble knowing what to eat. Hopefully, you will feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally on your new diet. If not, call your doctor. You may have something other than a gluten allergy. Last but not least, remember, slipping up is part of the process. Eventually it will become easier to avoid food containing gluten to the point where it doesn’t even faze you.