But is it freekin’ safe?
I mean how many freekin’ times do we have to ask, but is it freekin’ safe, can I actually eat that without my body going into full blown break down mode. The truth is most people don’t get it and will never understand the struggle bus that we are on.
I’m sharing my top 5 tips for eating allergy-friendly in public without losing your damn mind.
Okay, let’s be real for a sec.
Life with food allergies? It’s not always cute. In fact, it’s been downright rage-quit-a-restaurant-menu frustrating at times. I didn’t grow up eating this way—I didn’t even get tested until I was 27. And the kicker? I still didn’t learn about my gluten and dairy issues until years later. (Bless it.)
So here we are. Living that gluten- and dairy-free life—plus a few extra intolerance curveballs just to keep it spicy. If you’re nodding along like, “Yep, same,” welcome to the club, my fellow flavor-seekers. It’s not always a vibe, but it can be.
Now don’t worry—this post isn’t a deep dive into my whole diagnosis saga (that’s another day, another rant). This is more of a shout-into-the-void slash love letter to anyone who’s ever looked at a restaurant menu and wanted to cry a little. Or a lot.
Because here’s the thing: loving food again when you’ve got allergies feels impossible sometimes. Like, hello?? Why is it 2025 and we still have to play ingredient roulette just to eat out without needing an EpiPen or a support group?
I mean, how many freekin’ times do we have to ask—“But is it safe? Like, actually safe?”
Can I eat this without my body going into full-blown shutdown mode like the apocalypse just arrived via appetizer?
Why is it 2025 and we still have to play ingredient roulette?
The truth is, most people don’t get it—and honestly, they probably never will. But you know what? I’ve learned to make it work. I’ve scouted out my staple safe meals at a few local spots. Maybe it’s just one or two dishes on the menu, but when you find your “go-to,” it makes eating out actually enjoyable again.
Yes, I’ve even had to sit out at restaurants with family and friends because there was nothing on the menu that could be adapted. Awkward? Yep. But necessary.
It’s been a journey, no doubt. And like any journey, you figure out what helps you survive—and maybe even thrive. I’m a foodie. I’m also artistic. So for me, food is a whole experience. I want layers, bold flavors, a gorgeous color palette, textures that pop—and yes, I want my plate to be as pretty as it is tasty. Did I geek out? Absolutely. But I’m not ashamed—I know what I like and I know what makes me happy. But just because I know what I like doesn’t mean I always get what I want.
Living with food allergies means compromise. It means being okay with skipping the bread basket and side-eyeing that mystery sauce. It also means accepting that sometimes? You’ll get “glutened,” even when you were careful. And yeah, that sucks.
I used to love everything about going out—sweets, savory bites, traveling, sipping cocktails while listening to live music. But once I got diagnosed, it flipped my world upside down. It made me fearful of travel, nervous about even eating out, and honestly, sometimes just over it.
Speak Up, Buttercup, Don’t be shy
So I got creative. We started cooking more at home, adapting recipes, reclaiming flavor on our own terms. Thankfully, my husband is a total grill master (shoutout to the backyard MVP). But let’s be clear—I’m not about that “never leave home” life. I still love good food, good drinks, and good vibes. I just had to find a way to freekin’ live again—without fear, without settling, and without giving up the joy of eating.
So if you’ve ever felt like it’s all or nothing with food allergies, I see you. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Stick around—I’m about to share my Top 5 Tips for Eating Allergy-Friendly in Public Without Losing Your Damn Mind (and without living on that sad side salads).
Speak Up, Buttercup, Don’t be shy — your health is more important than their feelings. Tell your server exactly what you can’t eat, and don’t be afraid to double-confirm. Be clear, kind, and confident—this isn’t your first rodeo.
Stalk the Menu Like a Pro — Check that menu online before you show up. Scope out the options, ingredients, and allergen info if it’s listed. If the place looks like gluten and dairy are the main food groups, maybe suggest a Plan B that won’t send you into a spiral.
BYO Just-in-Case Kit — Pack smart. Stash a safe snack, some digestive enzymes, or allergy meds in your bag—because sometimes that “grilled veggie plate” shows up drowning in mystery butter sauce.
Ask for It Your Way (Hold the Drama) — Don’t be afraid to modify. Most restaurants can swap, sub, or leave things off. Just say it with a smile—and maybe a wink—and you’re golden.
Support the Spots That Get You — When a place nails your allergy-friendly order without side-eye or confusion? Tip big, shout them out online, and go back often. You deserve more than “We’re not sure if there’s flour in that…” energy.
At the end of the day, this journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress (and maybe a little extra sauce on the side). Living with food allergies will always come with its share of challenges, but it doesn’t mean you have to live small, hide at home, or settle for tasteless meals. You deserve food that excites you, experiences that fill your soul, and a seat at the table where you can actually eat. So take these tips, add your own flare, and keep showing up—messy, mindful, and always a little bit freekin’ fabulous. We’re out here making flavor magic with limitations, and honestly? We’re doing it better than ever.
— Your allergy-friendly foodie-in-crime —
Tiffany