Gluten Free Eating Directory: Blog

Thanks for tuning into this page.

It’s great to be able to jot down some handy tips that may be of value.

Tip Number 1 - Polite and Positive

My main tip when eating out is always to remain polite and positive. You know, it’s easy to become short tempered when a meal experience doesn’t look like it’s going your way, or you’re not provided with the range of choice that you wish you could be. Remember to stay calm and don’t get stressed. If it is more than you feel you are going to be able to cope with, walk away with a smile on your face!

It doesn’t benefit anyone if we become short tempered with the eatery staff, and this attitude just makes life even more difficult for the next gluten free customer. To assist in encouraging eateries to provide gluten free food for us, we need to be positive and helpful. I’ve spoken to several restaurateurs who are discouraged with gluten free customers because of their lack of politeness in dealing with situations. They then feel disinclined to accommodate our particular needs due to these unpleasant experiences. Who can blame them? After all, it’s not their fault we’ve got a gluten intolerance but, given the right treatment, they can certainly make life easier for us. And, who knows, our positive attitude might even encourage them to provide even more gluten free choices for us!

Tip Number 2 - Plan Ahead

One of the more difficult aspects of being on a gluten free diet is that eating out isn’t as spontaneous. To avoid disappointment, or that forlorn feeling of not knowing where to eat, it is helpful to plan ahead. That’s part of the reasoning behind this website. You can plan your next holiday or eating experience in advance. Print out the useful pages and maps, and you’re halfway there! Don’t be afraid to phone eateries in advance if it gives you peace of mind.

When packing snack foods, treat yourself to some new gluten free products that you generally don’t purchase. Again, check this website to  see what’s available. New products are hitting the market all the time.

Make sure you pack plenty of food for your trip or outing - there is nothing worse than the feeling of having nothing to eat. And don’t forget to include some healthy stuff!

Tip Number 3

Sorry it’s been so long since this has been added to. The website has been constantly expanding and, unfortunately, the tips went by the wayside for a little while! Apologies if you’ve been waiting for the next installment!

Went to the Irresistible Gluten Free Food Show a couple of weekends ago. It was a fabulous exhibition of some great gluten free products (some healthy, some not so healthy and some just downright decadent!), and it reminded me how some manufacturers will go out on a limb to ensure that we have plenty of gluten free alternatives to choose from. The other thing that struck me is that our eating situation is only going to improve even more as time goes on, and how much easier our gluten free lives are becoming. That’s exciting!

The same goes for eateries that specialise in gluten free. As I talk to owners and managers, their passion for seeing us well looked after is inspiring and touching. I know, I know, they are also benefiting through increased sales. But many eateries don’t go to the same lengths, so isn’t it great when some do?

On this website, there are now many eateries and gluten free products to make your life easier. Check some out today! Let’s support them wherever we can!