Dr. Schär Institute

February is the special month when we celebrate love and dating. Dating may be pretty daunting as is, but try adding to the equation worrying about what and where to eat.
Below you’ll find some useful tips for your gluten free patients and clients on what to do when dating and socializing on the gluten free diet:

• Consult a Registered Dietitian if you’re new to the gluten free diet.
• Let your date know you’re gluten free ahead of time. Explain it’s not by choice but due to a health-related condition and eating gluten will make you sick.
• Ask your date if they need your help finding a restaurant that offers gluten free options.
• Call or have them call the restaurant ahead of time to confirm they have gluten free options and follow cross-contaminations precautions.
• Once at the restaurant, don’t be embarrassed to ask your server about cross-contamination precautions in front of your date. They need to understand what is involved when dating someone who is gluten free for health reasons.
• If you ask your server for the kitchen staff to use separate prep surface and utensils and either wash their hands or change their gloves before dealing with gluten free food, they’re more likely to treat your request more seriously.
• If your date assumes you’re too high maintenance because of all the above, they’re not going to be a good match for your lifestyle.
• Always be your own advocate first. It is you and no one else who will suffer the consequences if you end up eating gluten and getting sick.
• Don’t forget to have fun! There’re many restaurants out there that cater to gluten free needs, and almost everyone knows someone who has to eat gluten free so your date is most likely to be supportive of your dietary needs as well.