Coverage of gluten-free diets in the media

Greengoddess · Post by **Greengoddess** » Fri Jan 16, 2015 10:48 am

The latest: "coeliacs suffer as gluten-free diet fad takes off"
We have enough problems without this. It suggests that "real" coeliacs are not being taken seriously in restaurants. But maybe there ARE those who sort of play with GF diets? If there was ever a case of the need to present a united front....

Post by **tex** » Fri Jan 16, 2015 1:26 pm

Yes, that has been a common problem in this country for a couple of years now. It appears that most people following a GF diet are doing so in an attempt to lose weight, and most restaurant workers realize that, so they aren't as careful with their food preparation. We have to make it very clear that we are not following the diet just to lose weight — we have a medical condition that will make us very sick if we eat even a tiny trace of gluten. Sometimes it may be necessary to tell them that we are allergic to gluten, in order to get their attention.

Tex

UkuleleLady · Post by **UkuleleLady** » Sat Jan 17, 2015 7:18 am

I tell restaurant workers I am a celiac. It's not far from the truth.

Nancy

Hopeful · Post by **Hopeful** » Sat Jan 17, 2015 9:44 am

I made myself a bunch of index card size cards to give to servers/chefs. It's based on Ant's (thanx, Ant!).

The front says: To the chef: I suffer from Celiac and Microscopic Colitis which causes multiple serious food intolerances.
What I can eat: (I list everything that's safe for me)

The back has the same message at the top followed by
What I can't eat: (very specific list of no-no's)

I have now eaten in many restaurants with the help of this card. The staff has taken it very seriously and I have had no problems (except maybe blandness!). I carry my own olive oil to put on rice or baked potato.

Hope this helps!

brandy · Post by **brandy** » Sat Jan 17, 2015 5:46 pm

I also say I am celiac.

carolm · Post by **carolm** » Sat Jan 17, 2015 9:49 pm

I have also said I'm celiac and/or that I have an allergy to wheat and glutens. The outcome is the same if we eat it--- and that's all that counts.

Greengoddess · Post by **Greengoddess** » Sun Jan 18, 2015 11:35 am

Great ideas. I have one of those cards in three languages from coeliac websites. Also discovered that my local Indian have a mostly GF menu. I have done things like having a potatoe and baked beans for breakfast! Also omelette with potatoes like in Spain. Some of the GF bread is horrible.