How do we eat out?!?!

[heatherp]

So we haven't eaten at a restaurant since Wyatt was diagnosed. This is ok, except that with summer coming and a few trips scheduled it sure would be nice to have a place to eat at on the road, even if just occasionally. I am great at packing a cooler and heading out, but as for restaurants I am clueless. How do we go about finding a safe place? How do we get them to cook food in a safe manner so it isn't touching fructose filled food? Are there any chains that have a safe food as of right now? Any help is appreciated!!!!

[colormist]

So you're from the US, that's helpful. A lot of the restaurants are chains and you should be able to find something pretty easy. Hamburgers (no bun, no toppings aside from mustard/cheese), Mac & Cheese, and french fries are always my default options.

McDonalds chicken nuggets and french fries should be safe (I haven't tried them in 6 months, but last time I had them, they were fine). McDonalds also has white milk or water, of course.

Steak is usually fine (check to make sure there's not added seasoning) and mashed (white) potatoes & green beans are usually okay.

You can always ask for a plain chicken breast grilled in oil or butter.

I've been having a good time at Olive Garden recently since they added the "build your own pasta". I usually ask for shrimp, cavatappi and have them make a basil, olive oil, butter, garlic, and salt/pepper sauce. I have them put LOTS of cheese on top.

Baked potatoes are also good (sour cream, cheese, and/or butter as toppings).

You can get most of these things at just about any restaurant. Just steer clear of Asian cuisine. Those places get a bit trickier since they like to use copious amounts of sauce.

[Tammy]

Colormist has listed all of our "go-to" items when we eat out, which is quite often. The McNuggets are still fine. Regina eats them a couple of times a week. Also, Long John Silvers coating is fine. She gets the original chicken, fish or shrimp there. Some of the new things may be fine but I haven't checked into them. KFC original coating also works for her. Arby's roast beef without the bun works.

We usually do the chain restaurants, but sometimes the small diners work better. They usually aren't as busy and are more willing to cook off-menu. Also, sometimes it's better to avoid the normal rush hour meals if you can. Don't do lunch at noon. Eat early or late when the kitchen isn't as apt to be as busy and mess things up.

One thing to watch at any restaurant is the gravy. If they use a ready made gravy or even make it from a mix, it probably isn't good. We just put butter on her potatoes to be safe.

One key word to use is "Allergy". I know it's not an allergy but the general public can understand that easier - unless you feel like getting into a big discussion about it. Just say very extreme allergy and they are usually pretty helpful. One time when I didn't think the waitress was taking it serious enough I told her "OK, but if it's not right you'll be the one cleaning the puke off the table." THAT got her attention. lol. Regina doesn't react that instantly, but the waitress didn't know that ;-)

[heatherp]

I did it! I had brought Wyatt's safe food along, but was sitting in a Noodles and Company thinking, "I'd bet these noodles are just like all other noodles." So I ordered buttered noodles for Wyatt and he ate them with no problems! It's hard to give up control of food preparation for him, but it sure did feel great to know that he can eat out somewhere. The start of life with HFI, Chapter Two, where limitations are fewer!

[colormist]

I love Noodles & Company! They're great about customizing your order. He would probably also like Mac & cheese (providing he does okay with lactose). My favorite is the Pesto Cavatappi--but it requires some modifications to the order. I'm so glad you had a good time dining out! It's difficult finding safe resaurants, but once you do a whole world of opportunity opens up for you!

[Tammy]

Yeah! Yeah! Your life just got a little easier. Not less stressful mind you, but a little easier.
I have never been in a Noodles and Company. I don't think I've ever seen one. I will now be on the lookout for them.

[heatherp]

Tammy, they are great! We went again last night, and watched Wyatt happily eat his buttered noodles!

[colormist]

Their buttered noodles are the best thing ever. I want to figure out how to make them at home. My buttered noodles never taste that good!

I'm glad he likes them!

[heatherp]

Well, we tried the mc nuggets at McDonalds. In fact, Wyatt has had them three times now....and I really think we are getting a slight reaction from them. It is very hard to tell. This last time I even watched blood sugar....and he has hovered lower than normal for two days now and had diarrhea. He has not had a huge crash in blood sugar though, like he would with a decently sized reaction....he has just hovered in the 70s and 80s rather than his usual, higher numbers. So, I think we are crossing the mc nuggets out, at least for now. The ingredients list at our mcdonalds showed natural flavorings and I am thinking it was either that or perhaps some cross contamination. It is hard to tell with a little kiddo, but I would rather be safe than sorry, and I make homemade chicken nuggets for him by the droves and freeze them, so crossing them off isn't too awful. I was wondering....anyone else have issues with mc nuggets?

[heatherp]

Colormist, I am trying to make them as wonderful as they are at Noodles, also. I have even looked up recipes! They don't come close to Noodles quality when at home! The most wonderful thing about Noodles and Company buttered noodles for me right now is my five year old also loves them....one large order of buttered noodles, an extra bowl, and both kids eat quietly for a solid ten minutes. Silence is bliss! If I find an almost as good recipe I will share it!

[colormist]

Has Wyatt tried the fries at McD's, too? The only thing that might be contaminating the chicken (I think) would be how much brine is added to plump the chicken. That's always a concern for me when I buy chicken breast at the grocery and we really have no way of knowing how much is in McD's chicken nuggets.

I would love the recipe for Noodles & Company's buttered noodles if you can find it! I also saw that you can pre-order family sized portions of a dish (I usually get that promotion during football season in my email). If Noodles is close enough to your home (or on route from work) that's a really easy dinner right there. Cooking every meal does get a bit tiring after a while. Last night I wrapped sharp cheddar cheese in a flour tortilla with mustard and called that dinner. Thankfully I usually only cook for myself and my husband. He can fend for himself if he doesn't like my lazy dinners.

[rysmom14]

I bought Ryan the gluten free chicken nuggets from Tyson. He loves them! ( I tried them and they taste gross, but if he likes them its a win!) they do come in a small bag and are a little pricey, so if you woulnt mind sharing how you make the nuggets I would love to try them out.

Now I am starting to wonder if the regular chicken I buy has brine it it.... I will have to look.

[heatherp]

Hi,
The mcnuggets ingredient list at our McDonald's lists natural flavor - botanical source. That was my guess as to where some fructose was coming into play. Is that what is listed in ingredients at your McDonald's? Could natural flavor - botanical source be a source of fructose? Or is it more likely cross contamination? We didn't let him have fries or anything...just nuggets, and I don't think they would have touched (not on my watch anyway...never know what happens I guess!)