Navigating life with a gluten sensitivity can be a challenge, especially for someone who loves food as much as I do. After realizing that gluten was causing various discomforts, I embarked on a journey to eliminate it from my diet. While it seemed like a minor lifestyle modification at first, I soon discovered that avoiding gluten requires constant vigilance and adaptation.
Though I’ve been tested for celiac disease and found negative, my gluten sensitivity manifests in ways that affect my daily life. Symptoms like fatigue, bloating, and lingering discomfort remind me how important it is to avoid gluten altogether. It took time to accept that my favorite dishes were the culprits behind my discomfort.
At first, I attempted to remove other factors from my diet, hoping that gluten wasn’t the actual issue. I tried cutting back on dairy and sugar, but ultimately discovered that gluten was the true problem.
Initially, I thought keeping gluten out of my meals would be a manageable adjustment—a slight inconvenience at most. However, the reality is that it has become a continuous mental exercise.
Now, every dining experience starts with careful consideration. I scrutinize menus for potential pitfalls: Is there flour hidden in that sauce? Are there breadcrumbs in the meatballs? Is soy sauce part of the marinade? I’ve learned that gluten has become more than just an ingredient—it’s woven into the fabric of culinary choices made by food establishments that aren’t always accommodating.
What was once a joyous activity, dining out, has transformed into a series of negotiations.
“Is this fried? Do you share a fryer?”
“Do you offer gluten-free pasta?”
“Can you serve the eggplant without breading?”
“Do you have Tamari for my sushi?”
We all know that moment when the waiter has to “check with the kitchen.” It signals that dinner just got a lot more complicated.
There are moments when I catch myself staring despondently at the bread basket, watching others enjoy their slices slathered in butter. In many restaurants, when I ask “What’s gluten-free here?” I often receive a finger pointed toward the salads. So there I am, reduced to rabbit food for the evening.
It’s humbling to realize how much of my identity revolved around bread. I make my own pasta at home and even own a shirt that proclaims, “HOT GIRLS EAT BREAD.” I have always been an adventurous eater who embraced carbs and believed food was the best way to bond with different cultures.
Now, however, I find myself questioning even the simplest items, like whether tortilla chips are genuinely gluten-free or merely pretending to be.
I’m not perfect at adhering to this new dietary lifestyle. I still indulge in my beloved cacio e pepe, a pepperoni and cherry pepper pizza from Roni Island, bánh mì from Asian Bakery, pancakes at diners, mole, and dumplings in Boston’s Chinatown. Sometimes, I willingly suffer the consequences for these delights.
Fortunately, I’ve discovered some fantastic establishments that cater to my new dietary restrictions. Verveine Cafe & Bakery in Cambridge is solely gluten-free, and their breads and ube brownies make me feel like I’m not missing out. Nicks on Broadway in Providence serves gluten-free crostini and biscuits that are just as delightful as their traditional counterparts (and I mean it). Thankfully, Eataly has an excellent range of gluten-free pastas available for home cooking. Lately, I’ve also been enjoying Vietnamese cuisine, which often is naturally gluten-free. Places like Le Madeline in Quincy and Gao in Dorchester have become regular stops. I find myself ordering poke bowls, crudo, and sushi more frequently—my ultimate comfort foods.
Life is different now. While I still enjoy trying out new restaurants and foods, I often pause before taking a bite. The careful consideration of ingredients has become a part of my dining experience.
Do you have recommendations for gluten-free dining options? Please send them my way at Alexa.Gagosz@globe.com.
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For inquiries, reach out to Alexa Gagosz at alexa.gagosz@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @alexagagosz and on Instagram @AlexaGagosz.
