Want to take your hot new date out for a bite to eat? Are you stumped because he or she dropped the “gluten-free” bomb on you?

Firstly, gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, so items with rice such as sushi are perfectly fine. Next, you need to understand why some people need to stay away from gluten. A probable cause can be celiac disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease: the immune system attacks the small intestines when the person consumes gluten. The villi in the small intestines absorb vitamins and other essential nutrients. If these villi become damaged, the body will not absorb nutrients, and malnutrition can potentially result. Celiac disease is different from gluten intolerance or gluten sensitivity. The latter two cause symptoms similar to celiac disease, but they are not immune responses, and the long term effects are not serious.

So now that you know what the deal is, where should you take him or her? Gluten-free has surpassed being a condition and is now a diet fad of sorts: this works out to your advantage because most menus have a gluten-free section. But if you want to get extra points, you should check out Saturn Café on Allston Way here in Berkeley. Everything on its menu is Vegan and Gluten Free. I must say as a non-vegan, non gluten-free individual, I went to check it out and loved it.

If you got yourself a cheap date, even better! Crossroads has gluten free pizza and bread to enjoy. Word on the street is that Trader Joe’s is the best grocery store around too for gluten free products so give it a try. Their Udi’s bread and quinoa pasta are a must for the gluten-free. Last but not least, you can’t go wrong with sushi, unless you order tempura or soy sauce—that’s a gluten no-no. Equipped with this new knowledge, your first date is going to be a blast, unless you actually take your date to Crossroads or Trader Joe’s. (I was kidding about that being a good first date option.)

Article by Arya Minaie

Feature Image Source: blog.muscle-zone.com