SANS GLUTEN

Tips On Staying Gluten Free During Spring Break

By Christina McGairk

Spring break is right around the corner. This means rest, relaxation, and travel for many kids. Vacations are usually fun for the whole family but can be a bit tedious when it comes to gluten-free kids or parents. You never know where gluten will turn up in the foods that are offered while on a trip. Yet, there are ways to ditch the gluten and stay food safe.

My daughter TiTi and I usually don’t go anywhere exotic or extravagant on spring break because I usually have to work. So I like to take her to closer destinations like Fort Wayne or Chicago. The last thing I want while on a mini-vacation is for my daughter to get glutened and end up having stomach issues. In order to prevent that from happening, I have to take a few extra measures before we even drive off to our mini-vacay.

Here are some of my tips on a safe gluten-free spring break.

1. PLAN AHEAD! Planning ahead is usually the story of one’s life if you or someone in the family has a food intolerance or allergy. I can’t stress this point enough. In order to control your eating environment, you MUST do some pre-planning. This includes picking the hotel that fits your needs and researching what gluten-free options are available in the area where you’re staying. I always make sure whichever hotel we stay in has a full kitchen. That way I can cook just in case we don’t feel like eating out. I also research various gluten-free eateries along the route and in town as well just in case we get hungry along the way or I don’t feel like cranking up the stove.

2. BUY SNACKS AHEAD OF TIME There are always vending machines at rest stops and in the hotels, but more often than not, there are no gluten-free options to be found. So I like to buy our snacks a few days before the road trip. We usually get gluten-free pretzels, g-f corn chips, g-f lower sodium potato chips, and g-f graham crackers. TiTi absolutely loves fruit. So we also bag up some blueberries, strawberries, grapes, and organic bananas. Fruit cups are great, too. That way you don’t have to worry about peels or seeds in the car or on the plane if you are flying.

3. BYOB: BRING YOUR OWN BREAKFAST Now, I know this means bringing extra bags or having heavier luggage, but it’s so worth it. I find it easier to find eating spots that offer more gluten-free lunch and dinner options compared to breakfast. I mean let’s face it, eating g-f muffins, toast, or waffles gets old after a while. Utilize that hotel kitchenette

space by scrambling eggs and frying some bacon. TiTi has a bit fancier taste and prefers cage-free eggs and chicken breakfast sausage.

4. JUST HAVE FUN! Being gluten-free on spring break doesn’t have to be dull and boring. More restaurants are catering to customers who have certain dietary needs. That means more options for gluten-free eaters. Check out the local pizzeria that serves gluten-free pizza. Soak in the ambiance at a cafe that serves gluten-free pastries, nutrient-rich smoothies, and freshly squeezed juices. In fact, just go down the list of your carefully planned itinerary and have a wonderful time on vacation. Just do it safely.

***Disclaimer: I’m not a nutritionist or a doctor. I’m just a loving Mama supporting her daughter and others through their gluten-free journey. If you have questions about the gluten-free diet or celiac disease, please contact your medical professional. Thank you.***

If you would like to share gluten-free tips, tricks, info, etc. in an upcoming issue of Special Needs Living, email us at SpecialNeedsLivingIndy@n2pub.com.