Gluten Free UAE
Hoping to be of help to all those living gluten free in the United Arab Emirates – نأمل أن نكون عوناً لكل من يعيش حياته خالية من الجلوتين في دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة
Restaurant Challenges
Last week two of my best friends suggested we meet up for dinner.
All good I thought and yes, I would love to…but where? and is it safe for me? The fear of getting contaminated with gluten and more was taking over…
So I slipped a packet of vegetable crisps into my handbag (just in case) and a bottle of water and off I went!
One of my friends had chosen a place with a stunning view and away from the never ending busy city life. As the waiter approached to take our order , little he knew that I was about to subject him to a full on “gluten free” questionnaire …It got so complicated and confusing for him that he needed the restaurant’s manager to the rescue…, and wouldn’t you??
Turned out there was nothing safe for me on the menu…
Lesson 1: Always call in advance to make sure the manager knows about your food allergies/intolerances!
So I decided to order a drink… and as I was sitting there enjoying my veggie crisps and a cup of tea for dinner… I realized that my focus had completely shifted…
Instead of feeling “sorry for myself” which I would have normally done…I was actually accepting the facts and choosing to still enjoy the evening…. I had my best friends with me,who showed patience and complete understanding, a beautiful view and a candle light…
My feeling of not being safe and fear of eating the wrong food, and disappointment had vanished for the evening…Did my desire for enjoyment push it away for good?
I guess this is something I am still yet to discover…
Lesson 2: Friends help us turn our challenges into victories.
Focus on your possibilities instead of your restrictions and you will find your heart at peace…
-by Daniela Maitland-Walker
Gluten Free UAE 