Trying Gluten-Free Diet? How To Enjoy Restaurant Fare
More and more people are trying a gluten-free diet these days. Gluten is a protein that is found in barley, wheat, rye, and its derivatives. While people with celiac disease are the main benefactors of a gluten-free diet, other people are finding numerous benefits. For instance, if you have IBS, you could reduce bloating and constipation. If you are trying to lose weight, gluten-free eating may help you with your goals, since many foods that contain gluten also contain lots of sugars and carbs.
However, if you want to enjoy many different restaurants this summer with your friends and family, you may feel like a gluten-free diet will hold you back. It doesn't have to. Here are some ways to adjust your diet.
Italian Cuisine
Italian restaurants can be difficult to eat at on a gluten-free diet because of pasta, bread, and pizza. The task isn't impossible, however. Because gluten-free diets are popular at the moment, the menus are in your favor.
Many Italian restaurants list gluten-free options along with vegetarian ones. You can get hearty salads and soups at an Italian restaurant. If you really want pasta, ask your waiter about gluten-free alternatives. Some restaurants can use rice pasta—a gluten-free alternative—by customer request. Also consider sticking to wines or water with your entrees. Malt in its various derivatives can contain gluten, so milkshakes, beer and some sodas can contain malt extracts.
Mexican Cuisine
The good news with Mexican cuisine is that you usually only have to make one minor adjustment to enjoy a plethora of foods. Instead of a flour tortilla, choose a corn tortilla. With a corn tortilla, you can still get tacos, quesadillas, tostadas, salads, enchiladas, and burritos. You can also enjoy all the different meats, veggies, salsa, guacamole, and chile con queso.
Asian Cuisine
Like Mexican cuisine, most Asian fare is quite good for gluten-free individuals. The main vehicle for most Thai, Indian, Japanese, and Chinese dishes is rice. Along with a base of rice, you can enjoy curry, vegetables, and meats.
So what should you avoid? Beware of fried meats, as these are often breaded and likely have gluten. Also avoid spring rolls, dumplings, and wantons. You may be able to get some spring rolls if the restaurant is able to use rice paper.
If you've never been to a certain restaurant, call ahead before making a reservation. Once you've been gluten-free for a while, this diet change shouldn't be too difficult to manage when eating out. Consider trying out a restaurant like Boudro's Texas Bistro.