Has having Coeliac Disease made you more or less food focused?

[FionaGFG]

eg do you think about food more than you ever did pre-CD and if so in what way?

[VickiK]

Hmmm hard one, I used to have a catering company so I've always been food focussed. BUT I now eat a much healthier diet and I LIKE IT!!!

[philaustin]

Yes. Almost to the point of being obsessed about getting glutened. Going out used to be a pleasure, now it is a pain. I try to avoid the 'c' word in company but invariably it slips out when we're eating or looking for somewhere to eat, or ordering drinks, because I know it annoys people.

Last week our daughter took us out for a meal at a hotel called the Grande Mare in Guernsey. The menus were passed around. Everyone drooled at the range of starters, mains and desserts. Except me.

My daughter had assured me that she had spoken to 'the chef' when booking a table to make sure that there would be some gluten free food. All of the starters except the soup contained gluten. The waiter got cheesed off going back and forth to the kitchen to ask about the ingredients of the choices on the menu.

I got out my Ipod with the app on it that describes Coeliac Disease in many languages, to show to the waiter.

Annoyed daughter "YOU DO NOT GET IPODS OUT IN RESTAURANTS. IT IS RUDE AND BAD MANNERS"

Everyone tucked into the bread rolls on the table. Except me. I said I should have brought one of my gluten free baguettes with me. Daughter replied crossly "YOU DO NOT BRING YOUR OWN BREAD INTO A RESTAURANT. IT IS RUDE AND BAD MANNERS".

I supped my miserable tasteless soup, without bread, while everyone tucked into good, tasty food.

Main course was not so bad. Some choices.

There was one dessert I could have. Eton Mess. I know it is made from meringe and fruit but still asked the waiter if it contaned gluten. Annoyed daughter again.

Everyone left the restaurant in a bad mood. I realised afterwards that I should have asked to have a discreet word with the waiter, away from the table, as soon as he had handed the menus around, rather than making a fuss at the table. We might all still be speaking if I had.

[Hidden in reply to philaustin]

oh, Philaustin, I am saddened by the lack of support you are getting from those closest to you. Be determined, do things in public, it all adds to the general knowledge. Think of Florence Nightingale always insisting people washed their hands...

[Hidden]

I am totally obsessed by food and making good stuff/information/choices available to as many as possible. Much better than being obsessed by pain and troubles of unknown origin.

[FionaGFG Administrator]

Phil I have been meaning to reply to your post (aka your Daughter & Wife need to dine out with some more Coeliacs and I'm sure they'll then be more understanding). When I get more free time I'll add a fuller response. I say keep up the app/ mobile searching / review/ showing to waiters. I do it all the time. It is your health that's at steak and nowadays I don't know anyone who doesn't have their mobile with them when they eat out.

[ladyshelly]

dear phil.....maybe you could suggest your daughter has a look @ this forum or get her some literature or surprise her by taking her to a local group meet.... she sounds very caught up in societal conventions & manners & i hope she becomes more understanding & supportive in the future....keep asking the questions & there is no need to feel you should hide your dietary needs or feel embarressed ever....i realise that it can be quite stressful & remember to always take the details of where you are going & speak to them yourself....& good luck & happy eating out !!!