This summer has tested my gluten knowledge and
assertiveness. I have done a lot of traveling, so I wasn’t always able to make
my own food. I feel so much safer when I make my own food in my own home. But
sometimes you don’t have a choice and have to rely on others. And sometimes, I just make stupid mistakes!
I went to a convention in Texas. During the convention, my
lunch and dinner was included. I was able to request gluten-free meals and the
whole buffet where I got my food was gluten-free. So, there was no chance of
cross contamination by people getting their food. The food was really good and
my friends with the regular meals were jealous.
Before the convention, I had a couple of meals on my own. I
was pleasantly surprised that a Mexican restaurant I went to have a gluten-free
menu. The waiter was very knowledgeable and the food was delicious.
The main menu had options listed on both sides. The little white one in the corner is the gluten-free menu: isn’t this the cutest little menu (dripping with sarcasm)?!?! It was more what they could remove from dishes to make it gluten-free, but of course you still had to pay full price. I was not feeling too confident with their ability to prevent cross contamination. I opted for just some vanilla ice cream covered with strawberries.
As for flying, I brought snacks for the plane. I was traveling extremely early on the way to TX and didn't really need a meal. I ate supper at Dallas, Love Field (which is a beautiful little airport). I had a tasty spread at a cafe. The zebra is one of my boys' toys, which they named Sully. He made several appearances in photos to my boys while I was away from them.
I went on a vacation to visit family in CT. Since I flew
from my convention in TX, I didn’t have to deal with restaurants on the road.
While in CT, my in-laws bought one of everything Live G Free at Aldi. Yes, it
was a little overboard, but it was nice to have those options available. ;) An
Italian restaurant said they could make everything gluten free except for the
pasta. So, when the soup came, I asked if there was pasta in it. Of course
there was, so I went without. When the salad came, I had ordered oil and
vinegar for salad dressing, so I knew that was safe. I ate a third of my salad
and found croutons hiding at the bottom of the bowl. I figure the salad was
premade and they must have just taken them off my salad, without realizing
there were more there. I was not happy! I also learned to ask how drinks are
being made instead of assuming they will be okay.
Driving home from CT, I had a bunch of snacks. I did find a
good meal at Applebee’s.
Then came our camping trip. I had all our meals planned out,
but apparently failed to check the label on the mustard. After eating it for
three days, and swallowing that last bite of my wrap on the third day, I noticed
the words, “wheat flour” on the back of my husband’s favorite mustard. Ahh! I
had been getting heartburn every night and on that day, had it all day. My
whole body hurt on day two. These are the same symptoms I noticed from my
gluten encounter in CT. But it was so much worse this time, most likely because
I had multiple gluten encounters. Dun, dun, dunnnnn….! I still have heartburn
every time I swallow. Today, my husband asked when I’m going to a doctor. I
suppose after a week of it not going away. Any fellow Celiacs or people with
gluten intolerance have similar symptoms?
I’ve learned a lot of lessons this summer. I hope I can
avoid future gluten encounters (cue the horror music!).
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