Lunch

It is one of my favorite meals.  Well, they are all my favorite, but I have learned to have a lot of fun with this. Depending on whether it is a lunchbox meal or one selected from a work cafeteria or restaurant, there are tons of options for you. Lets begin with that sack lunch.

Cody's Favorite Meals
Cheese Quesedilla - Corn Tortillas (MUST say gluten free as many are made with corn and wheat flours) and shredded cheddar jack cheese.
Popchips or Corn Nacho Chips (MUST say gluten free)
Fruit cup or Sugar Free Jello Fruit Cup
Coca Loco Chocolate Bar
Yoplait Light

He is a creature of habit. So typically the only change he may want is instead of the Quesedilla he loves his Cheese Pizza. Kinnikinick crust, Classic Tomato Sauce of choice and Cheese.
 

On days where I have forgotten to buy tortillas or don't have pizza ready made, I will use gluten free bread, bun or bagel and make a chicken and cheese sandwich, warmed 20-30 seconds in the microwave.

There are a zillion cookies, bars, chips, and other gluten free options to place in the lunch. So get creative.

Judy's Favorite Meal
Salad with Craisins, crushed nuts, chicken, sprinkle of blue cheese and the Walden Dressing of choice. YUM!
Sliced apples for dessert
Carbmaster Yogurt (Kroger)

Eating Out
I spend a little time up front and this makes planning or being spontaneous that much more fun!

Check online for the restaurants you frequent and see if they offer a Gluten Free Menu. Many do now and that is half the battle, especially if you are dining with children. I have a smart phone and download the menus to have on hand.

Then know how to order off a standard menu. Be prepared to ask questions and if needed talk to the manager or chef to assure they will get it right. The last thing you want is to feel sick for days after a nice meal out.

Off the REGULAR menu look for some of the following:
 
Meats: salt and pepper is safe. Caution for any rubs or seasonings as
often they use flour or malt for flavor.
e.g. steaks, chicken breasts, fish or pork    
Vegetables: Make sure they do not have them cooked in stocks that may contain gluten. Boiled or steamed are great.
Salads: These can provide a robust meal. No croutons, chips or starches. Be cautious with dressings. Oil and vinegar and moist vinaigrette's are fine. Ask to read the label of any other dressing or carry some single serving Walden's dressing in your pocket for those meals. Salsa is another topping that is typically safe and great on salad. Again ask, don't assume.
Soups: No can do. SORRY. Very few soups in dining venues are gluten free. There are a couple but those will likely be in a gluten free focused establishment.
Dessert: There are almost always plain ice creams, fruit cups and applesauce. REMEMBER - NO CONE, WAFFLE DISH or COOKIES:-) This will tide you over until you can get home to your chocolate chip gluten free cake.

Now you can go anywhere, anytime. Once you have done this two or three times you will find it to be easy to be a part of the social venues involving food whether you are "packing" or eating on the fly!