Helping you find peace within the chaos of a gluten-free lifestyle
People with Celiac Disease often don’t find relief after simply following a gluten-free diet. This can be for a variety of reasons. Often people with Celiac ask themselves if they should follow a nightshade-free diet too. What are Nightshades? You might know nightshades to be …
We’ve all been there, we made a list, checked it twice, though we got everyone and then realized someone was missing. For the times where you need a quick gift to grab and go for your loved ones, here are my top gluten-free last minute …
Living on campus with Celiac disease can be tough, especially when meal-plans and cafeterias have questionable offerings.
(like the salad bar where croutons consistently find their way into the
gluten-free options)
On top of that, you might be sharing a dorm with someone who is not gluten-free. This can leave room for cross-contamination when it comes to eating.
College can sound like an anxiety-ridden mess for those who are gluten-free (or have any dietary needs really).
The Solution?
Follow my Top Gluten-Free College Dorm Tips below!
Be sure to check out my Gluten-Free College Student Commuter Hacks too!
It’s good to have some safe food on hand. It’s especially helpful for quick snacks and meals when you can’t find anything else (or just don’t have the time or patience).
⇒ Hummus
⇒ Gluten-Free Bread, Muffins, and Tortilla Wraps
⇒ Fresh Fruit & Vegetables
⇒ Gluten-Free Frozen Pizza
⇒ Yogurt
⇒ Cheese Sticks
⇒ Lunch Meat
⇒ Gluten-Free Pretzels, Crackers, Chips
⇒ Nuts, Seeds, and Dried Fruit (processed on safe equipment)
⇒ Gluten-Free Boxed Macaroni & Cheese
⇒ Gluten-Free Granola, Cereal, Oatmeal
⇒ Apple Sauce Packs
⇒ Gluten-Free Candy
⇒ Nut Butters
⇒ Fruit Cups
⇒ Popcorn
⇒ Salsa
Check out my Gluten-Free College Snack Hacks Post for more inspiration and ideas!
To prevent cross-contamination on all levels, bring and use your own dishware. Whether it be reusable or not.
If it’s reusable, make sure only gluten-free foods are going on your dishes. Also make sure you bring your own cleaning supplies to prevent cross-contamination. (This means soap, sponges, drying rags, etc.)
Be sure to only use these supplies on your dishware and to store these supplies away from normal use cleaning ware.
Does it feel like every situation you think of or everywhere you look there is room for cross-contamination?
Doesit feel like nothing is safe to eat?
Believe me, I have been there.
Just remember to remain calm and collected.
Make sure you have a good stock of safe items in your own space in your room and if worst comes to worse, access and use it! Know that it’s not the end of the world and there is safe food to be found! (Refer to the list of perishable and non-perishable gluten-free foods above for ideas!)
I bet you thought this was only for getting jobs!
The truth is that networking can do wonders for you when it comes to making sure you’re getting safe food on campus.
If you are able to take advantage of the meal-plans offered on campus, make sure you get to know the cafeteria and restaurant staff.
Talk to them, let them know about your needs. Be friendly and build relationships so that you have advocates when it comes to dining on campus.
On top of this, get to know other gluten-free students on campus. Even meeting people with other dietary needs can help.
Having a support base on campus who understands your struggles and needs can help manage the stress that comes with gluten-free college living.
Consider joining allergy based or gluten-free clubs.
Are there no such clubs on campus?
Think of this as a positive and use this to your advantage. Start your own club and demonstrate your leadership skills while building helpful relationships.
