Does the thought of traveling when you have to eat gluten free make you want to stay at home forever? Do you have enough trouble going out to eat locally….let alone finding safe food in an unknown place?
I know the feeling! However, there is hope! I am currently planning a trip and I wanted to share my tips and hacks on how to safely travel with out being glutened.
6 Tips on How To Safely Eat Gluten Free While Traveling
1) Research the area(s) you are traveling to. What is the restaurant selection like? Where are you staying, what services do they have? Do you have the option of a kitchen or kitchenette where you are staying? Do you have access to a crockpot, blender, or oven?
- If you do have access to a kitchen make sure you wash all prep, cooking surfaces, utensils, and dishes with soap and water. Buy some crockpot liners, parchment paper and/or aluminum foil to use for safe surfaces with using crockpot, pans, grill, etc.
- Call ahead to restaurants with gluten free options and talk to them about their prep areas and procedures in making gluten free foods
- Do they use a separate prep area with clean utensils?
- Do they change the pasta water?
- Do they change gloves?
- Is there a separate fryer?
- Can you make substitutions to your meal?
- Can your food be made on clean foil or parchment paper (grilled meat or pizza)?
- Are seasonings and sauces gluten free?
2) Research the area(s) grocery stores and markets. Do you have access to local produce? Is there a place where you can buy gluten free foods? Think about essentials. Can you make salads, crockpot meals, Instant Pot meals or grill?
3) What snacks can you pack? Are you driving or flying? Do you need to pack a cooler or carry on bag?
- Here are a list yummies that I have found are easy to pack….
- Homemade sandwich, wrap or calzone (packed in an airtight container)
- Fruit- bananas, clementine’s, apples,
- Bars- there are so many kinds! Find your favorite!
- Protein
- Rebel Plant Based Protein Elixirs
- Owyn Vegan Protein Shakes
- Powdered Protein - HERE is a list I compiled to help you find your favorite!
- Pouches
- Homemade muffins or energy balls (packed in an airtight container)
- Crackers
- Salad dressing packets
- GF soy sauce packets
- Antipasto assortment (packed in an airtight container)
- Empty water bottle
- Drink singles
- Meat sticks
- Nut butter packets
- Tea bags or individual drink mixes
- Go Picnic Meals
- Tuna packets
- Gluten Free instant cups
- Reusable travel utensils and straw
4) Bring your own toiletries that you know are gluten free safe.
- sunscreen
- shampoo and conditioner
- lotions
- bug spray
- hand sanitizer
- bar dish soap
- bar produce soap
5) Bring GF Wellness Emergency Kit to prevent illness or help if you are glutened.
- Here are items I take…
- Digestive Enzymes
- Activated Charcoal
- Ginger
- Pre/Probiotics
- Fiber
- Immunity
- Vitamins
- Sleep
6) Have a positive Mindset. To keep a positive mindset, select affirmations to repeat to yourself, choose to have fun and don’t rush. Rushing is usually what causes glutened accidents to happen. Don’t let people rush you at restaurants or make you feel bad for getting the proper food. Plan out options and be clear in what you want and need.
