Managing social life and celiac

@yellowdoggirl, I think it's a great idea to call the restaurant ahead of time and talk about your menu options for gluten-free and vegetarian. I’m wondering if this article may give you some ideas? I hope you decide to go as I'm sure it will be fun to connect with family and friends.

-- Vegetarian, Vegan or Gluten-Free? A Guide to Dining Out: https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/more-than-money/vegetarian-vegan-gf-dining/.

@johnbishop, thank you so much for sending this resource. It has a lot of helpful information and ideas. I think I have been vegetarian/vegan for too long. I tried eating fish a few months ago and I just couldn't tolerate the feel of flesh in my mouth. I must sound like a real fuss pot! With gluten it's an issue of cross-contamination and having people understand that you can't just pick the croutons out of a salad, have something that was cut on the board where bread has been cut, or a positive boiled in the same water where gluten containing pasta was boiled.
Those are things I learned from the dietitian when I was diagnosed. Sometimes I think I sound ridiculous, but it is true that a person with celiac disease does have to be that fussy.
There are apps to find reliably gluten-free restaurants. In this case, I am just a guest, not choosing the restaurant, and still learning how to manage in the world.
Maybe the Celiac Disease Foundation or Beyond Celiac has notes about how to behave. Sometimes I think of trying to start a support group here. I looked for one in the beginning, but couldn't find one. There used to be one but it is defunct.
I know this is long. Thank you again very much for your help!

@johnbishop , I used an incorrect term. I said cross-contamination and should have said cross contact with gluten containing items. I really am still learning. Nationalceliac.org offers virtual support groups!

Hi there,

I hear you and understand your frustration! I too am gluten-free, must also be dairy-free, can't have artificial sweeteners, etc.

I always call the restaurant ahead of time and ask what is on their menu that I can safely consume, and speak to kitchen staff, preferably the chef who really knows! When you find out what you can eat, you'll know ahead of time.

When you get to the restaurant, say your name to the Host/Hostess, and the party that you're with, and you're the gluten-free person who called ahead of time.

The next step after you order, be sure that the wait staff puts in large enough bold lettering on your order receipt that you must be gluten free, vegetarian, etc.

Also, there may be different people cooking in the kitchen, so I ask every time I go, even if it's to a trusted restaurant.

I hope this helps you!

@frobvt, thank you so much for your tips! Good idea to keep checking, reminding, and asking for labeling the order.
I called today, but should give my name, ask theirs, so I can remind them. I did get straight that their g-f pasta will be cooked in separate water.
I avoid dairy, too, and FODMAPS, but am ok with lactaid and Beano.
Thank you again!!!

Hi. I totally understand your choosing to stay home and stay healthy over going out and risk eating and getting sick. Please don’t let anyone guilt you into doing anything that’s not in your best interest. We are the ones that live with the insides of us. Right? And we are the only ones to make decisions in our best interest. I at times am still wearing a mask. I don’t care what people think. Not one bit. Gods speed.

@adlittl123, Thank you so much for the support! It seems silly to have to struggle with these things, but until others have been there I don't think they really understand what it's like. It turns out I am going after all, but have checked with the restaurant and one of the hosts understands the situation.
I will have my own plate of food. That's still not a guarantee, but I think it will be okay. I hope!