In Search of Fast Food

As you all know by now, one of the hardest aspects of being on an elimination diet has been eating out, especially at fast food restaurants. Granted, I don’t usually eat a lot of fast food, but sometimes a girl just wants what she wants, and lately it’s been a large order of McDonald’s French fries with barbecue sauce. But nope, can’t have those … because like so many things I’m craving right now, the fries AND sauce contain citric acid. This past weekend I was trying to find a fast food place for my friend and I to eat at that would be accommodating to my food allergies. I wasn't very hopeful, but I did some online research anyway. Did you know that many fast food and chain restaurants provide a downloadable PDF of the allergens found in their menu items on their websites? After reviewing several menus (including Buffalo Wild Wings, Hooters, Popeye’s), I decided on Portillo's — one of my favorite places to eat at when I’m back home in Chicago. Although what I really craved — an Italian beef with sweet peppers, dipped — was off limits for me (the beef sandwich contains MSG), I couldn't have been more excited to eat a polish sausage with grilled onions and a large side of French fries. Yummy!

For my food allergy sufferers, fast food may be “possible,” based on your specific allergens, of course. Check out restaurant websites before you go — it could give you the answers you need before you travel to your destination. And when in doubt, phone first to speak with a manager.