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FOOD, FUN & FAR AWAY PLACES

Do you have diet restrictions but also LOVE to travel? I am your girl! Being gluten-free for almost 6 years now has opened my eyes to many different diets and allergies that are out there. Whether you're allergic or prefer a certain diet, it's always good to know the key things to look out for. In this blog post, I'm going to talk about my experience, my favorite restaurants from my travels, what to bring & some tips to get you through it!


Tacos on the pier, over the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, CA


Depending on what you're traveling in and where you are traveling to, you may have limited options. I may sound crazy but on almost every vacation I've ever been on since I was diagnosed with celiac disease, I have shoved gluten-free bread and peanut butter in my suitcase. Most girls are worried about fitting all their shoes in one bag, I am more concerned that my bread will get squished BY MY SHOES.


MY FAVORITE RESTAURANTS FROM OUR TRAVELS:



All our fried favorites at Tavern in the Square in Boston, MA

 

THE CAR


In my opinion, it's very easy to find or bring options when traveling in the car unless you do not have a cooler. A cooler is an essential part if you're planning a long road trip or bringing any previously made food. I am even thinking about sizing up with ours because we have been taking so many road trips in the past year. When you are traveling with cold food, think about how long you will actually be in the car. If the ice were to melt, would the food go bad? It's always important to think about the what if's, especially when traveling with little to eat if your food does go bad.


My favorite quick and easy meal to bring, that can last us a whole weekend if we wanted it to, is pasta salad. It is not hard to make at all! I usually prepare all of the food ahead of time and make it when I am at my destination. With pasta salad, once you put the dressing in, it is more likely to get soggy before your weekend is over. So just bring the dressing with you, this will be your last step!


This curbside photo was taken in Linville, NC overlooking a beautiful landscape


SOME OTHER GOOD OPTIONS TO BRING IN THE CAR:


  • Granola bars & fruit (apples, bananas, clementines)

  • Homemade sandwiches

  • Homemade protein bars or balls

  • Nuts, seeds, or trail mix

  • Rice cakes (my favorite are the Quakers Carmel Corn)


If you have dietary restrictions that do not allow for cross-contamination, I always bring my own pots, pans, and utensils and keep them in the car. If I don't need them, it's fine but if I didn't have them, it may not end well for me.

 

A PLANE


Sometimes being on a plane does not always work to our advantage. Most people don't even think about all of the cross-contamination and uneducated restaurants can be when it comes to allergies. Every single time I eat at the airport, I get sick. I try to rely heavily on snacks and eating a big meal before I go while packing some things I can put in my carry-on.


My go-to's for the plane are snack-related items. Some big meals I've made before leaving are heavy noodle based. Meals that will fill you up, and for me, help me sleep on the plane! I borrowed a recipe from a friend, Mac and Cheese Chicken Casserole. Could you believe it was all gluten and dairy-free? I couldn't when I tasted it. I have made mostaccioli but it wasn't quite the same as my Grandma's mostaccioli. Nothing could beat Grandma's mostaccioli.

Nothing screams full and tired like passing out on the plane with your mask falling off your face, neck awkwardly in pain, and the flight attendant waking you up to ask if you want peanuts. I don't even like peanuts.

This photo was taken on the way to Tampa, FL



SOME MEALS & GO-TO SNACKS TO BRING ON A PLANE:


MEALS

  • Mac and Cheese Chicken Casserole

  • Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet by Candian Food Blogger, Liz Lampman

  • Stuffed Peppers (I make my own, message me for the recipe)

  • Taco Mac and Cheese

  • Rissotto


SNACKS:

  • Puppy Chow (I do a gluten-free pretzel, Chex, peanut butter mix, and don't forget to add M&M's for extra sweetness)

  • Granola or Protein Bars

  • Smoothies (In the airport)

  • Muffins

 

A TRAIN


To be honest, I haven't been on a train since I was 7 years old. We rode the train from Michigan to Chicago. That was my only time ever in Chicago. This may come as a shock to many of you as we lived so close to it for so many years!


I have to imagine the "restaurants" on trains are just like restaurants but on wheels. I do know you're able to bring your own food but just can't eat it in the dining centers that they have. When I was diagnosed with celiac disease, I was given so many handbooks, I feel like I know way too many random facts on the topic.

 

While I can't be much of help with trains I do have a list of tips & tricks to look out for as you travel! TIPS & TRICKS:


  1. When you're looking for a restaurant at the airport, if you have restrictions such as cross-contamination, be mindful of the other food that is cooked in their facility.

  2. Think about how long your day is going to be and plan accordingly.

  3. When bringing cold stuff, think about if it goes bad, will you have other food options at your destination?

  4. If you have an allergy, tell your server so they can take precautions on their end.

  5. Bring medication or something that will help, if you were to get sick.

  6. Plan out your trip ahead of time and research places you can eat at!

  7. If you have an EpiPen, make sure to pack it!

  8. Try to get a place with a kitchen, so it is easier to make your own food if need be.

  9. Pack more snacks than you think you'll need!

  10. Lastly, don't forget your gluten-free bread & peanut butter! You never know when you're going to need to whip out a sammy!


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