Gluten Free Resources for On The Go… September 2012 WildFlours Gluten Free Group
Gluten Free Cupcakes… make a lot and freeze them for fast gluten free goodies!
Last Sunday, September 16th, WildFlours Gluten Free Group met to share ideas and tips for Gluten Free On the Go. I know first hand how hard it can be to successfully maneuver life on a gluten and allergy free diet. When our days are busy, that is when we tend to want to throw in the towel and eat like the rest of the world. For many of us, that is a dangerous decision. Our health is at stake when we choose to allow gluten and/or other intolerances to creep back into our diet for the sake of convenience. There are many new products at the market that make following gluten and allergy free living a whole lot easier. I hope you find these ideas helpful!
Tips for success:
1. A little Planning goes a long way: Have you ever heard the statement “Failing to Plan is like Planning to Fail”? When work, school, sports, and activities with friends and family get in the way, your ability to succeed at following a gluten and allergy free diet depends on how much you have planned. Block off some time on your calendar once a week to make sure you are organized for all the busy times ahead.
2. Baking Days: Organize one or two days a month dedicated to baking (or cooking) gluten and allergy free goods that are easy to freeze. This means bulk! Like the GF cupcakes featured above, if you have a recipe for treats or breakfast items that everyone in your family loves, make enough for the month and freeze what you will not eat in a week. The whole day can be set aside for these types of things. Here are some other ideas for gluten and allergy free foods that can be made on a baking day that will make your life a whole lot easier when you need to grab a meal or snack on the run: Pizza Crusts, Chili or other freezable soup, Lasagna, Breakfast bars, scones, english muffins, sandwich bread, rolls, wraps, banana bread, cookies, etc.
3. Mix It Up: Do you miss boxed mixes that you used to have for pancakes, muffins, cakes and cookies? There are many on the grocery shelves these days that are gluten and allergy free. In some cases though, cost may be a factor. Find a recipe you like and create your own gluten and allergy free “mix”. You can even portion the dry ingredient amounts into zip-lock style bags and label with liquid ingredients that need to be added. So easy even a teenager could figure out how to make pancakes on a Saturday morning when you are away!
4. Learn to Wrap: Okay, I’m not talking music here… but the sandwich kind. Find a gluten and allergy free wrap (or wrap/flatbread recipe) you like and make a few sandwiches ahead of time for easy grab and go. Fill them with traditional deli meats, cheeses, lettuce with mayo or dressing of your choice. Or, a favorite chicken salad, tuna salad or egg salad. Cut and wrap individually and keep in the refrigerator for up to three days typically.
5. Tools for Travel: Make sure you have what you need to keep a snack or meal handy while you are on the go. A good, insulating lunch box/bag is essential. Be sure to have a few frozen ice packs in the freezer as well. For really hot weather, you may even find a mini cooler is important. Don’t forget the utensils. If you keep a few plastic forks and spoons with your lunch bag or cooler you won’t have to worry about how you will eat when away from home.
Eating Out:
Restaurants are much more savvy these days about gluten and allergy free service to their customers. Steer clear of establishments that would be very difficult for them to serve you a safe meal, such as pizza restaurants or places where they allow peanut shells to adorn the floors. So, when friends or the team wants to head out to eat, know your options and speak up on where to go. Some of the best restaurants in our area that are happy to help customers eat safely are:
- PF Chang’s China Bistro
- Biaggi’s Restorante Italiano
- Wok ‘n Fire
- Gabby’s Kitchen
- Chipotle
- Prasino (Chicago and La Grange, IL)
- Ben Pao (Chicago)
- Village Squire (S. Elgin) – GF menu is separate
- Aurelio’s – has a gluten free pizza crust
- Most Mexican restaurants – make sure to order corn tortillas and ask if the beans or sauces are gluten free
- Too Toot’s Whistle Stop Café (Bartlett & Glen Ellyn)
- Fast Food Options: Burger King, Culver’s, Fresh D’Lite, Red Robin
