Gluten-Free Adventures: 5 Traveling Tips!

I’m home safe from Portland (barely!) I considered ranting to you about the bad luck streak I’ve had this last week before and ON vacation, but I’m going to skip it and get to the good stuff- life is too short and my theory is to be happy anyway! Above is a pic of me visiting Crave Bake Shop in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Crave is a Gluten-Free Bakery- an awesome gem tucked away in the luscious green landscape of Oregon. This place is more than just a bakery: it’s a dedicated Gluten-free bakery who recently WON on Cupcake Wars! One of their winning cupcakes was the chocolate Hazelnut Cupcake… and I sure ate the heck out of that thing. They offer G-free doughnuts, scones, dinner rolls and garlic knots to boot!

This place was obviously on my MUST GO TO list! With my handy iPhone, I find eating G-free in other cities much more tolerable. Traveling is stressful. It’s 10x harder to travel for those with us with food allergies. Anxiety and preoccupation with food takes over our otherwise meant to be relaxing vacations. We worry about where the heck we will or can eat; between other people’s homes, and all the restaurants you’re likely to frequent… the G-free environment is never guaranteed. Not eating gluten does NOT mean you have to feel out of control just because YOU are not making every meal. Here are some traveling tips that I can share that have really helped me keep my worries at bay on the road (However, I am Gluten Sensitive- not a Celiac):

1) Research Your Destination Before Leaving:

Utilize the technology you’ve got at the tips of your fingers: Smart Phone, computer, iPad, iPod- just get searching. “Google” Gluten-free Restaurants and Health food stores in the area. Some top Apps I use when traveling: Urban Spoon, Around Me, and Find me Gluten Free. Honestly; just Google “Gluten Free _____ (insert city)” and you’ll find everything you’re looking for! I really appreciated

www.GlutenFreePortland.org

this trip. Yelp and Urban Spoon helped me decided by reading the reviews and ratings. I’m such a foodie, I just can’t but over research where I want my next meal to come from!

 

2) Stock Up Roadie Style:

 

Pack your carry-on and suitcase with easy healthy snacks so that you don’t die of hunger from a long traveling day and can’t munch on the cookies everyone else grabbed to tide them over. Don’t think you’re just going to hold out until the next “meal” you will find, at a hopefully decent place (that you’ve researched, right?). You’re going to be really mad at yourself. Good options: (Gluten free of course) Protein Bars, nuts, trail mixes, beef Jerky (my personal fav), powdered protein in a ziploc (for you health nut, gym going protein junkies like me :-)), water (can’t bring it on the plane though unless you purchase after security- so stupid), and don’t forget your gum, those plane rides will seriously irritate the ear drums. Bring enough for plane ride and 1 snack/day.

3) Once You’re There- focus on one meal at a time:

I’ve traveled enough to know that the preoccupation, the stress I cause myself, in regards to dining out is draining. I know that I’ve done my due diligence and came up with some options and a REALLY flexible plan. If I allow myself to live in the moment, enjoy where I am and who I’m with, It takes more pressure off me, and I can actually enjoy and relax.

4) Be Flexible, Be Smart, and Speak Up:

Sometimes plans just don’t work out. Timing and traveling are never going to be the way you plan it. If you find you’re self at a questionable restaurant, don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions, and explain exactly what you need. Talk to the Chef if you need to, make it extra clear to your server, repeat your order,

and have them repeat it to you

.

5) Talk to Your Family and Friends: ahead of time if possible!:
Give them a heads up on what you’ll need. Some people get this stuff, and some don’t. Don’t be afraid to relay the significance of your special needs. Just as you would in a restaurant, you might have to explain in detail to those you will be with and around. It’s not embarrassing (yes, people often tell me they feel like a pain in the butt asking for everyone to adjust to their needs)- it is what it is. You are worth it, and people instinctively want to help other people. Love is a gift God gave us, and he meant for us to care for one another. So let them!

My next Adventure? CHICAGO! Next week I’ll be heading out for some fun, researching, planning, but mostly enjoying my trip! Stay Tuned!
~Tiffany~