GLUTEN-FREE SUMMER TRAVEL

Here is a Quick-Guide to Enjoy Summer Travels Gluten-Free

1. Plan Ahead
I know we are often used to being spontaneous about what we eat when we are on the road. But have you seen what is in most of the food at gas stations and airports? With the exception of fresh fruits and veggies, these convenience foods are laden with High Fructose Corn Syrup; Trans Fats; Neurotoxins, Endocrine Inhibitors and Disruptors such as Artificial Sweeteners and Glutamates. Scary stuff! The key to avoiding these poisons is planning.

I always plan to eat most breakfasts in when I travel. I just got a handy travel blender to make power green smoothies (just a green smoothie with protein powder) on a recent week long trip to Boston. These keep me full all morning long and guarantee at least one super healthy and gluten contaminated meal while traveling
So take out a piece of paper or open up an excel spreadsheet and map out the what, when, and where of your meals. Google gluten free friendly restaurants and grocery stores, and speak to your host or hotel to make sure you have a place to store your food. If you are staying at someone’s house speak to them about proper procedures for avoiding cross contamination while at their home. I don’t bring my own pots and pans when staying at their house. I also don’t cook my food in their pasta pots or rinse my veggies in their pasta colander. I make sure any utensils or cooking instruments I use have been in the dishwasher before I use them or I wash them in hot soapy water with a clean sponge (this is an item worth bringing-a sponge that has not touched gluten).

If you are going on a camping trip, you will of course need to bring all your food anyways. If you are using a grill provided at a campsite picnic area, bring aluminum foil to line the grill and place your food on top of it to cook it.

2. Plan Your Own Treats
Life is too short to sit around and feel sorry for yourself while other people lick their ice cream cones on a hot summer day. So be prepared and find an allergy-free ice cream you can buy at the store, or make your own. There are several coconut milk, agave-sweetened, and low-glycemic ice creams and ice cream bars out now. Thank goodness! There are also lots of gluten-free dark chocolate bars you can stash in a place it won’t melt for just those moments when you need something sweet! I love these power bars for a guilt-free, protein-packed treat on the go. I totally omit the sweetener and the chocolate topping (it could melt easily in the heat) and they are still delicious and very satisfying.

3. Take Enzymes and Probiotics
I take digestive enzymes before eating out anywhere and start taking probiotics before I leave for a trip. I take enzymes before I eat out as pre-caution in case of accidental cross-contamination to help my body breakdown the gluten. I know this is controversial but it helps me. And I highly recommend taking a probiotic to make sure you gut is full of good flora when camping out or travelling places where you aren’t 100% confident the food is prepared in a sanitary fashion and nasty things have a higher chance of finding their way into your system. Check with your health care professional before taking any supplement and for a product recommendation.

And remember to have fun!