People decide to go gluten-free for many reasons. Sometimes it’s because they suffer from a sensitivity or have Celiac disease. Sometimes, they just want to eat healthier foods. You might think that going gluten-free means no more searching for the cheapest pizza specials, but the reality is that many fast food establishments are jumping on the gluten-free bandwagon. You just need to know how to find them.
Check the Menu in Advance
When you have the urge to find out who has special on phillysteak pizza, it’s important to research in advance. After all, not all fast food places, and especially pizza places, will offer gluten-free crusts. By browsing the menus in advance of ordering, you have time to determine whether gluten-free options are available and to call and ask questions if you need to. Many people check out the menus of places they intend to eat days in advance just to ensure there will be something they can eat.
Talk About Your Dietary Restrictions
Many restaurants, even those considered fast food, will do what they can to accommodate your dietary restrictions. In many cases, all you need to do is to explain what they are. When you communicate, be sure to do so with a smile. Explain that your diet is medically restricted and that you cannot eat certain grain products. List what they are and ask if the server can help you find acceptable menu items for your dietary needs. If your gluten-free diet is one of true medical necessity, consider a medic alert bracelet for credibility.
Learn About Potentially Problematic Foods
You might not think that searching for “cheeseburger pizza near me” could be more beneficial than a salad when you have a gluten-free diet, but the salad could actually be more harmful. Salads could have gluten transfer from cutting boards used to chop bread and then vegetables. Other problem foods could be salad dressings (thickeners could have gluten), some soups or sauces, or even meats that contain gluten-heavy seasonings. Knowing which seemingly safe foods could cause you problems is essential for sticking to your diet.
Confirm Your Order
Everybody makes mistakes sometimes. With as often as “regular” orders come back wrong, it may be even more likely that your special order does. For this reason, it is important to confirm your order. Avoid simply asking the server if he or she put in your “special” order. Be specific about what you ordered and why to ensure it is correct. If it isn’t the right menu item, don’t be shy about sending it back. After all, a bit of an extra wait is worth it if it means that you are healthy and sticking to your diet, whether that diet is medically necessary or not.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to stick to your gluten-free diet. Even major pizza chains are now offering gluten-free versions of their crusts, so their customers can continue to enjoy their favorite pizzas without the worry of messing up a diet. Contact your local pizza restaurants to find out if they offer gluten-free options that meet your needs.