There are trends, whether that is in fashion like crop-tops, in transportation like using electric cars, or choosing to be gluten-free for healthier living, however, some of us don't do things to be trendy, it is because we have to. I am part of this group. I have Celiac Disease, which is an auto-immune disease that results in the small intestine not being able to process gluten. Therefore, I cannot eat gluten or any derivative of gluten for medical reasons, not just because I desire healthier living. Being gluten-free isn't all that bad, and since my diagnosis, I have had the unique chance to find the best food options out there in the midst of the not-so-great, cardboard tasting options.
Being gluten-free does not mean you will never eat delicious food again because companies and restaurants have consistently began catering specific to our needs. Gluten is contained in wheat, rye and barley. Brown rice and corn are two great substitutes for wheat. For example, Cheerios are gluten-free because they simply took out wheat, and replaced it with a substitute and it still tastes the same! Olive Garden has gluten-free rice noodles and so does Noodles and Company. If you know who to ask, there are many options to live a healthy, happy life being gluten-free.
Here are my top favorite, chain-restaurants that cater to being gluten-free, and they offer delicious options:
1. P.F. Changs/Pei Wei for Chinese
2. Chipotle/Panera (but only the salads)/ Chick-fil-a
3. Olive Garden for Italian
4. Hacienda Colorado for Mexican
5. Smashburger/5 Guys/Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers/In-N-Out
6. Mod Market/Mod Pizza/Mad Greens
7. Egg-N-I for Breakfast
8. Red Robin for Anytime/Outback Steakhouse/Ted's Montana Grill
These are some options that will have specified gluten-free menus, or substitutions to their menu items. Each of these restaurants will help make sure that I have the best dining experience even while having Celiac Disease. Ask anywhere you go as most likely there is something for you! While being gluten-free is not my top choice, I have made it work by finding the places that have food that I can enjoy, and finding foods and brands in grocery stores that are made gluten-free and insure my health. There are options out there, so take heart fellow Celiac Disease fighters!
