For all of you celiac or gluten intolerant people out there, we’re here to say that you’re not alone. Sure, it takes a bit of getting used to and every holiday’s just another reminder of the foods that once were, but thanks to the influx in dietary restrictions becoming a “trend,” there are more options out there than ever before. Being blessed with this allergy just got a whole lot easier and we’re discovering that being gluten free-doesn’t suck.
1. Finding Friends Who Have Allergies
Anyone who’s gluten-free knows how difficult going out to eat is. Whether it’s the little crunchy bits on top of sushi or the ungodly amounts of soy they put in every single dish, there always feels like there’s no escape. Even more, it’s twice as difficult to go out with your friends to that new trendy restaurant that you’ve been waiting to go to for months when you realize everything on the menu has gluten in it. So get out there, make a new friend, and explore all of NYC’s most gluten friendly spots.
2. Freshman Fifteen Isn’t a Thing
We all know that despite the rumors you’re not going to become obese the first year of college. All your friends will be eating Top Ramen when they run out of money, but you’ll be sitting on your bed crying while eating a fistful of strawberries. You know, from that special carton you have tucked in the drawer all the way in the back of the fridge? Jokes aside, you’ll always be able to choose the healthier options without sounding like a snob who won’t dare touch the trans fat foods. Take that freshman fifteen.
3. Cooking At Home is Way Cheaper Than Going Out
If there’s anything I learned in college this year, it’s the importance of changing your Dining Dollars into Newcard Cash. Trust me when I say once you do it, there’s no going back. No more sad strolls through the UC Cafeteria looking for food that doesn’t have bread in it. As a person who’s transferred their money over, I can for sure tell you that I’m living large. I’m actually eating good food I don’t have to leave the dorm for and technically it doesn’t cost me anything at all. #freemoney
4. Looking Like a Local When You Aren’t Actually One
The most difficult part about moving to NYC is the struggle of finding places to eat and feeling stressed when you’re looking at a new menu and three people behind you are yelling at you to hurry up. Since the ratio of restaurants that cater to dietary restrictions as opposed to those that don’t is so low, it’s awesome when you find somewhere that you can go back to time and time again. Making somewhere a frequent stop increases your chances of ordering like a champ. While I’ve listed the positives of being gluten-free, I can’t lie when I say ultimately, being gluten-free does suck, but hey, take it with a grain of bread.