Cars, Buses, and Planes

Traveling may look a little different now, but really it’s even more important now to be smart while traveling as there are less, and less options and it is even harder to communicate specific needs when staff is busy and overworked. As someone who is avoiding ingesting gluten or has Celiac, the key is to always be prepared. Find a healthy individual serving size nut or trail mix that you like and always keep a few stashed in your bag and if you are driving make sure to pack a small go bag with.

 
 

Traveling may feel and actually be very different today, but any time you leave your house and you have a gluten allergy, sensitivity or Celiac, this really applies.  Quick trips to Target are not always a guaranteed thing anymore.

Keeping healthy, high protein snacks available at all times, is something I have always recommended to anyone on the go.  It was hugely invaluable when I was traveling all over the country for work and is just as important now, even when I am just out running errands.  Especially in today's world where you never know how long an errand will take due to lines, and limited staff in establishments.

Pack your own go bag:

  • Carrots and nut butter (I love the Justin’s individual sized squeeze packets for this)

  • Beef Jerky
    High protein meal replacement  or snack bars like Kind or Lara bars - or make your own!

  • Hard boiled eggs
    Roasted chickpeas

  • Avocado - if you like them you can eat them right out of the shell

  • Banana, apple, grapes (washed and dried), blueberries (washed and dried) all can survive out of the fridge for a number of hours, just watch for hot cars from sitting in the sun.

Some fast food options that have worked:

  • Wendy’s baked potatoes, caesar side salad (just don’t take the crouton packets) 

  • Culver’s does great with gluten-free buns, grill cleaning protocols and most locations

  • McDonald’s other than the best tasting Diet Coke or their Sweet Tea I haven’t really found anything here that is worthy it

Gas station options:

  • Nuts, nut bars or other gluten free meal replacement type bars (if you can do research on a couple more national brands and which of their offerings are safe for you)

  • Individually packaged hard boiled eggs

  • Banana 

  • Yogurt 

Rather than stopping for fast food, consider finding a grocery store and just buy a meal.  Scope out the place, as some will have microwaves you can use to heat up a frozen meal or ready to go section (I usually avoid anything that is made in house unless touts that  it is made in a dedicated space.  Just be sure you are 100% sure it is gluten free and safe to your level of comfort.  Some brands like Amy’s have had great products that are well labeled but not have the warning that they may have a risk of cross contamination.

 So use YOUR judgement on what option would work best for your current situational need.  Just have a plan.

Want to find a better balance with your Celiac lifestyle? Contact me at hello@justjamiesmith.com to learn how we can work together!

- JAMIE -

TravelJamie Smith