The Greater New Haven Celiac Group

Living the Gluten-Free Lifestyle

Socializing and interacting with others - life happens outside the comfort and safety of your home and kitchen! Eating out at restaurants, traveling, going to work, accepting party and dinner invitations, even being admitted to the hospital for a procedure, all mean that you have to consider your gluten-free diet but don't let this overshadow your life. Acceptance of your diagnosis is a key to controlling celiac disease, healing and feeling better. It takes time and patience to learn the details of the GF diet. You've had a quick primer about celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis and learning the gluten-free diet and been given many reliable resources to investigate. Continue to learn and educate yourself by reading books and pamphlets, attending conferences and seminars, referencing the websites of the national support groups, major celiac centers and research facilities. And the education process is ongoing. There is always something new on the horizon.

Your physician has diagnosed your celiac disease, the registered dietitian has evaluated your needs and relayed the basics of the gluten-free diet, but ultimately, managing celiac disease and becoming proficient with the gluten-free diet is your responsibility.

If you live in Connecticut, the Greater New Haven Celiac Group is available to help you. We offer assistance to those just starting out, answering questions, offering encouragement and the tools you need to get on with your life. We have volunteers knowledgeable about dermatitis herpetiformis, and diabetes & CD. If you're an old pro or just new to the area, you'll find our friendly and helpful group offers great meeting and eating opportunities. At our meetings you'll have the opportunity to exchange information, hear from experts about medical breakthroughs, learn more about GF cooking & baking, and taste new products. The gluten-free diet is your lifeline and we are here to help you accept and embrace it.

Accepting Invitations to Home Parties or Catered Affairs
Going to someone's house for dinner or a party can be a little stressful when first diagnosed. Become well educated about your diet. And you must communicate. Much depends on how well you know the individuals and how comfortable you are about sharing your GF dietary parameters, and how much you want to share with them. You will probably find friends and relatives to be very supportive and be willing to help. Offer to bring a gluten-free dish to share, at least there will be something safe to eat. If you know your host or hostess, ask what will be on the menu. You surely don't want to blindly show up for a Pizza Party.

Be prepared and plan ahead . . . Resist the urge to cheat!
Never go anywhere hungry. Eat a little something before you leave. Walking into a room when you are ravenous will only make you want to reach for the first hors d'oeuvre that crosses your path which probably won't be gluten-free!
Consider bringing a "GF Care Package". Bring something small in your purse or jacket pocket. Some crackers or rolls, nuts, trail mix or GF pretzels to eat.
If you will be attending a catered affair at a restaurant or wedding reception, call the management ahead of time and explain your dietary restrictions. This gives the facility an opportunity to offer to prepare a safe alternative for you to enjoy and takes the stress off of your host or hostess. Furthermore, its your diet and you know all the questions to ask.
Socialize and have fun. That's the main purpose of the event.

Eating out at Restaurants
For newly diagnosed celiacs, restaurant dining may seem impossible. Over time you will become familiar with the nuances of the GF diet. Click here for some Quick tips on dining out. Always try to call ahead to the restaurant (during non-rush times are best - after lunch before dinner) and speak with a manager or the chef about your dietary restrictions. Find restaurants where the wait staff and chefs are willing to help. Some chefs will be delighted to prepare a unique GF dish just for you. Some restaurants serve items partially prepared and cannot make adjustments to their food (ie. the fish might be pre-seasoned and therefore may be dusted with flour; that mixed rice side dish might contain hidden gluten). A phone call and a few questions will help you in your decision making.

There are Restaurant Cards available for purchase or to download. (See dining out resources below) While they vary in terminology from one to the other, the purpose is to help relay your gluten-free needs to the chef and wait staff. Or customize your own card on the computer. But don't rely on the card alone. You still need to ask questions and communicate your needs. Learn all you can about food preparation and terminology, so you'll be better equipped to recognize dangerous menu items.

In Connecticut, we have a great list of restaurants that offer gluten-free options. From national chains to local favorites, you will be able to find a place to eat. PDF of Gluten-free Friendly Restaurants in CT. For a list of restaurants in the Greater Boston area, RI and NH, visit: http://www.healthyvilli.com/restaurants/#RestGFMenu

Refer to the list of National Restaurants (PDF) which feature GF choices, as another option when choosing a restaurant. Many provide menus online that you can preview from home.

The Gluten-Free Restaurant Awareness Program (GFRAP) facilitates a relationship between individuals with celiac disease and other forms of gluten intolerance, and restaurants. The relationship builds a win-win opportunity for restaurants to provide service to people following a gluten-free diet, and to gain increased patronage. Participating restaurants are able to provide gluten-free meals from their regular meals. GFRAP is a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) of North America. Visit here for GFARP http://www.glutenfreerestaurants.org/find.php

Some quick hints:

Check out a restaurant website for the menu and see what might be possible to order or adapt to you GF diet.
Try to avoid rush hours when chefs and staff have little time to attend to a special request.
If possible, call ahead and ask to speak to the manager or cook about your gluten-free diet and if the restaurant can accommodate you.
Even if you hand the wait person a restaurant card, make sure you convey your needs (ie no croutons on the salad, use a separate pan to prepare the entree, no sauce on the vegetables). Be patient and pleasant. Generally, the wait staff does want you to have a good experience and they want your repeat business.
Bring some gluten-free bread, rolls or crackers with you so you won't feel left out when the breadbasket comes along.

Gluten-Free Dining & Travel Resources
PDF of Gluten-free Friendly Restaurants in CT (PDF)
National Restaurants(PDF)
GF Restaurants in the Greater Boston area, RI and NH
Gluten-Free Restaurant Awareness Program (GIG)
Restaurant Dining: 7 Tips for Staying Gluten-Free
Quick Tips On Dining Out
Gluten-Free Restaurant Cards
Gluten-Free Travel from Celiac Travel
Gluten-Free Travel by Car (PDF)
Tips for Gluten-Free Travel by Car
Triumph Dining Cards Dining Cards (American, Chinese, French, Greek, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines)
Let’s Eat Out!Free gluten free dining cards in French, Italian, German, Spanish, Greek and Russian: www.glutenfreepassport.com/traveling/translations.html

Websites with Gluten Free Restaurant information:
Gluten-free-on the go: www.glutenfreeonthego.com
Gluten Free Registry: www.glutenfreeregistry.com
Gluten Free Delights: www.gfdelights.com

Hospital Stay
An emergency hospital visit for anyone is stressful. With a diagnosis of celiac disease, it is more of a challenge. Please make sure that your advocate or emergency contact person is knowledgeable about your gluten-free diet and needs before an emergency occurs. Print out the Hospital Stay information and keep it updated and give a copy to your advocate. If your hospital stay is planned, call ahead and speak to the head dietitian to find out what arrangements can be made. As odd as this may seem, many hospitals are not celiac-savvy. You need to feel confident your needs will be taken care of before admission. Hospital Stay Information (CSA) (PDF)

More info about Hospital Stays & Preparing for Disasters
Hospital Visits Made Safe (PDF)
Preparing for a Disaster

Living the Gluten-Free Lifestyle Socializing and interacting with others - life happens outside the comfort and safety of your home and kitchen! Eating out at restaurants, traveling, going to work, accepting party and dinner invitations, even being admitted to the hospital for a procedure, all mean that you have to consider your gluten-free diet but don't let this overshadow your life. Acceptance of your diagnosis is a key to controlling celiac disease, healing and feeling better. It takes time and patience to learn the details of the GF diet. You've had a quick primer about celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis and learning the gluten-free diet and been given many reliable resources to investigate. Continue to learn and educate yourself by reading books and pamphlets, attending conferences and seminars, referencing the websites of the national support groups, major celiac centers and research facilities. And the education process is ongoing. There is always something new on the horizon. Your physician has diagnosed your celiac disease, the registered dietitian has evaluated your needs and relayed the basics of the gluten-free diet, but ultimately, managing celiac disease and becoming proficient with the gluten-free diet is *your* responsibility. If you live in Connecticut, the *Greater New Haven Celiac Group* is available to help you. We offer assistance to those just starting out, answering questions, offering encouragement and the tools you need to get on with your life. We have volunteers knowledgeable about dermatitis herpetiformis, and diabetes & CD. If you're an old pro or just new to the area, you'll find our friendly and helpful group offers great meeting and eating opportunities. At our meetings you'll have the opportunity to exchange information, hear from experts about medical breakthroughs, learn more about GF cooking & baking, and taste new products. The gluten-free diet is your lifeline and we are here to help you accept and embrace it. Accepting Invitations to Home Parties or Catered Affairs Going to someone's house for dinner or a party can be a little stressful when first diagnosed. Become well educated about your diet. And you must communicate. Much depends on how well you know the individuals and how comfortable you are about sharing your GF dietary parameters, and how much you want to share with them. You will probably find friends and relatives to be very supportive and be willing to help. Offer to bring a gluten-free dish to share, at least there will be something safe to eat. If you know your host or hostess, ask what will be on the menu. You surely don't want to blindly show up for a Pizza Party. Be prepared and plan ahead . . . Resist the urge to cheat! Never go anywhere hungry. Eat a little something before you leave. Walking into a room when you are ravenous will only make you want to reach for the first hors d'oeuvre that crosses your path which probably won't be gluten-free! Consider bringing a "GF Care Package". Bring something small in your purse or jacket pocket. Some crackers or rolls, nuts, trail mix or GF pretzels to eat. If you will be attending a catered affair at a restaurant or wedding reception, call the management ahead of time and explain your dietary restrictions. This gives the facility an opportunity to offer to prepare a safe alternative for you to enjoy and takes the stress off of your host or hostess. Furthermore, its your diet and you know all the questions to ask. Socialize and have fun. That's the main purpose of the event. Eating out at Restaurants For newly diagnosed celiacs, restaurant dining may seem impossible. Over time you will become familiar with the nuances of the GF diet. Click here for some Quick tips on dining out. Always try to call ahead to the restaurant (during non-rush times are best - after lunch before dinner) and speak with a manager or the chef about your dietary restrictions. Find restaurants where the wait staff and chefs are willing to help. Some chefs will be delighted to prepare a unique GF dish just for you. Some restaurants serve items partially prepared and cannot make adjustments to their food (ie. the fish might be pre-seasoned and therefore may be dusted with flour; that mixed rice side dish might contain hidden gluten). A phone call and a few questions will help you in your decision making. There are Restaurant Cards available for purchase or to download. (See dining out resources below) While they vary in terminology from one to the other, the purpose is to help relay your gluten-free needs to the chef and wait staff. Or customize your own card on the computer. But don't rely on the card alone. You still need to ask questions and communicate your needs. Learn all you can about food preparation and terminology, so you'll be better equipped to recognize dangerous menu items. In Connecticut, we have a great list of restaurants that offer gluten-free options. From national chains to local favorites, you will be able to find a place to eat. PDF of Gluten-free Friendly Restaurants in CT. For a list of restaurants in the Greater Boston area, RI and NH, visit: http://www.healthyvilli.com/restaurants/#RestGFMenu Refer to the list of National Restaurants (PDF) which feature GF choices, as another option when choosing a restaurant. Many provide menus online that you can preview from home. The Gluten-Free Restaurant Awareness Program (GFRAP) facilitates a relationship between individuals with celiac disease and other forms of gluten intolerance, and restaurants. The relationship builds a win-win opportunity for restaurants to provide service to people following a gluten-free diet, and to gain increased patronage. Participating restaurants are able to provide gluten-free meals from their regular meals. GFRAP is a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) of North America. Visit here for GFARP http://www.glutenfreerestaurants.org/find.php Some quick hints: Check out a restaurant website for the menu and see what might be possible to order or adapt to you GF diet. Try to avoid rush hours when chefs and staff have little time to attend to a special request. If possible, call ahead and ask to speak to the manager or cook about your gluten-free diet and if the restaurant can accommodate you. Even if you hand the wait person a restaurant card, make sure you convey your needs (ie no croutons on the salad, use a separate pan to prepare the entree, no sauce on the vegetables). Be patient and pleasant. Generally, the wait staff does want you to have a good experience and they want your repeat business. Bring some gluten-free bread, rolls or crackers with you so you won't feel left out when the breadbasket comes along. *Gluten-Free Dining & Travel Resources* PDF of Gluten-free Friendly Restaurants in CT (PDF) National Restaurants(PDF) GF Restaurants in the Greater Boston area, RI and NH Gluten-Free Restaurant Awareness Program (GIG) Restaurant Dining: 7 Tips for Staying Gluten-Free Quick Tips On Dining Out Gluten-Free Restaurant Cards Gluten-Free Travel from Celiac Travel Gluten-Free Travel by Car (PDF) Tips for Gluten-Free Travel by Car Triumph Dining Cards Dining Cards (American, Chinese, French, Greek, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines) Let’s Eat Out!Free gluten free dining cards in French, Italian, German, Spanish, Greek and Russian: www.glutenfreepassport.com/traveling/translations.html Websites with Gluten Free Restaurant information: Gluten-free-on the go: www.glutenfreeonthego.com Gluten Free Registry: www.glutenfreeregistry.com Gluten Free Delights: www.gfdelights.com Hospital Stay An emergency hospital visit for anyone is stressful. With a diagnosis of celiac disease, it is more of a challenge. Please make sure that your advocate or emergency contact person is knowledgeable about your gluten-free diet and needs before an emergency occurs. Print out the Hospital Stay information and keep it updated and give a copy to your advocate. If your hospital stay is planned, call ahead and speak to the head dietitian to find out what arrangements can be made. As odd as this may seem, many hospitals are not celiac-savvy. You need to feel confident your needs will be taken care of before admission. Hospital Stay Information (CSA) (PDF) *More info about Hospital Stays & Preparing for Disasters* Hospital Visits Made Safe (PDF) Preparing for a Disaster		Gluten-Free Diet The only treatment for celiac disease is to follow a gluten-free diet. Links to Additional Celiac Disease Information Need more information? Start here. Become a Member Joining is easy. Just follow this link to our downloadable form.
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