I love to cook, but there is sometimes just not enough time. As a full time student with a full time job I often find myself having to grab something on the run. This is especially challenging for someone who is vegetarian and gluten free.
Following are some solutions that I have found fast, affordable, and delicious! Hope they work for you too!
Jersey Mikes has become my favorite go-to when I am on the run, and for good reasons.
They offer their regular sub on Udi‘s gluten free rolls. I order cold sub #14, “The Veggie”. It contains generous portions of both swiss and provolone cheese and slices of green bell pepper (I love the flavor added by these peppers). I order it “Mike’s Way”, which means sliced onions, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, special spices, and “the juice” (a proprietary vinaigrette), plus mayo. Super good!
I also very much appreciate the attention the people at Jersey Mike’s locations pay to safe practices when making my sandwich. They put on clean gloves, make the sandwich on a clean tray, and use separate utensils. I don’t ever have to remind them, they are trained to do this and do it with an eagerness that helps me feel welcome despite my special needs. This has been true at every location I have visited, telling me it is simply part of their training and culture. Kudos Mike!
Mod Pizza allows me to create a personal pizza that is just the way I want it. They offer a gluten free crust that actually tastes great, and I am able to load it up with all the veggies my heart desires!
I do have to carefully watch the employees here. They are not all that careful with safe practices. On more than one occasion I have had to remind them not to pick up my gluten free crust with flour covered gloves. As long as I keep a good watch though, I can get a pizza that I feel is safe for me. If you are extra sensitive, please be cautious about eating here.
In n Out is everyone’s favorite, and everything there is gluten free except the buns! Of course, being vegetarian limits that quite a bit. But I can still get filled up on an order of animal fries, which is french fries (hand sliced from fresh potatoes) topped with grilled onions, melted cheese, and their special sauce. If I add a milk shake I have a very satisfying, quick, and inexpensive meal!
Chipotle offers me a choice of salad, bowl, or tacos, each of which I can customize to my liking. Their nutrition chart lists all of their menu items as gluten free except the flour tortillas. They serve “sofritas”, a proprietary soy based vegetarian protein that is available for any menu choice. I personally do without the “sofritas”, and instead load up on the fajita vegetables, I just love them!
I also have to watch the employees here. They are not trained to automatically put on clean gloves after handling flour items and do not use separate utensils. Again, if you are extra sensitive, please be cautious about eating here.
Taco Bell actually has a few choices. The Veggie Power Menu Bowl contains seasoned rice, lettuce, a double serving of black beans, guacamole, reduced fat sour cream, and pico de gallo. It is really good, very affordable, and fast! Another favorite here is a taco supreme with black beans instead of meat. I have also tried the spicy tostado, yum!
Living Gluten Free without Meat! 