Safely Traveling on a Gluten-Free or Paleo Diet EP036

Wanderlust.

It is human nature to want to explore, to experience a geography and culture different from our own. Travel can truly enrich our lives. Yet if you have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, the prospect of being away from the familiar for an extended period can be intimidating. Will I be able to find a grocery store? How do I locate a gluten-free restaurant that I can trust? What do I need to bring with me to ensure that I am avoiding gluten? And what if, despite my best efforts, I am accidentally exposed to the gluten protein?

No one wants their trip ruined by an unexpected illness, but you shouldn’t let the fear of gluten exposure keep you from going on an important business trip or taking that vacation you’ve always dreamed of. The Gluten Free RN has ten years of experience helping people discover that they can travel safely on a gluten-free or Paleo diet, and today she shares her recent travel experiences with you. Road trip with Nadine and learn how she locates safe restaurants, what she takes along to avoid inadvertent gluten exposure, and which apps and online resources offer the best advice for gluten-free travel!

What’s Discussed:

The danger of living in a bubble

Leads to isolation
No way to live

Nadine’s mission to teach people how to travel safely on gluten-free/Paleo diet

Follow her travels on social
Posts include pics of locations, food
Various travel tips

How Nadine packed her cooler for a summer road trip to Boston

Applegate deli meat
Kite Hill cheese
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Mary’s crackers
Jilz Crackerz
EPIC bars

The challenge of eating out on the road

Lucky to live in Pacific Northwest
37 100% gluten-free restaurants in Portland
Accommodating to food intolerance
More difficult other places
Stressful when unfamiliar with establishment

The fundamentals of a food desert

Little/no access to fresh fruits, vegetables
Most available food is highly processed

Nadine’s advice around locating grocery stores, fresh foods when traveling

Research local Whole Foods, Natural Grocers locations
Look up local Farmer’s Markets and Co-ops

Nadine’s tips for locating safe restaurants

Employ the Find Me Gluten Free app
Read Yelp reviews, though can be deceptive
Avoid restaurants that make pizza
Flour stays in air for up to 72 hours
Enormous risk of cross-contamination

The myth that heat breaks down the gluten protein

Gluten protein is heat stable
Very difficult to denature (even at temperatures of 1200°)
Applies to woks, fryers and grills

How Nadine is able to go without a meal when necessary

Nutrient ‘gas tank’ is full
High levels of vitamin D, B6, B12 and magnesium
Better to skip than be sick for days, weeks or months

Who to talk to when you are eating out

Start with wait staff, chef
Speak with manager, if necessary

Nadine’s experience at a highly-rated restaurant in Boston

Selected for positive Yelp reviews
Friend used Nima sensor, daughter’s meal contained gluten
Notified wait staff, spoke to chef and manager
Though establishment caters to gluten-free community, next four meals also tested positive for gluten
Learned that pizza was also made in kitchen
Stopped by grocery store on way back to hotel
Made great, quick and easy dinner in room

Nadine’s gluten-free travel supply packing list