Additional Coverage:
- I have celiac disease, which can make eating with friends and family difficult. I’ve learned to stand up for myself and my needs. (businessinsider.com)
Living gluten-free: How I navigate social dining with celiac disease
Being diagnosed with celiac disease just before my 18th birthday meant a lifelong change in my diet. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, now has to be completely avoided for me to stay healthy. While managing my diet has become routine, navigating social dining situations with friends and family sometimes presents challenges.
Dining out requires careful planning. I often research restaurants beforehand, checking menus online and calling ahead to discuss gluten-free options.
Knowing whether a restaurant’s staff is knowledgeable about celiac disease helps me feel more comfortable. Certified restaurants are my preferred choice, but I’m willing to try other places if they can accommodate my needs.
Recently, a restaurant I called was knowledgeable about celiac disease and assured me they could adapt a dish to be gluten-free. This attentiveness made me feel cared for and confident in my choice.
When eating at someone’s home, communication is key. I usually call ahead to discuss the menu and any potential gluten cross-contamination issues.
I’ve learned to be proactive, offering to bring a dish or suggesting alternatives if the planned meal includes gluten. While my family and friends now understand my dietary restrictions, I sometimes need to remind them about things like using clean cookware and washing their hands.
Sometimes, setting boundaries is necessary. I recently had to decline a dinner invitation because the chosen restaurant couldn’t guarantee a gluten-free meal.
After explaining my situation, we chose a different restaurant where I could safely enjoy my meal. It’s important to advocate for my health, and my loved ones are generally understanding.