Special Medical Diets (not weight loss)

[PurpleHeather]

I know a lot of us have special diet needs.

Gluten, (wheat etc) Lactose (dairy) and nuts ( sorry I have nothing for nutless as yet). There is no separate section for us so I am having to place this on the 'Shed'.

Genius (the best possible alternative for wheat bread) is now available on prescription. It is only the unsliced but as the bread is easy to slice with an ordinary knife (unlike wheat bread which needs a saw type knife) I suggest that users pre slice it then freeze it and take out what they need for the day. It seems the powers that be want to issue 6 loves at a time. (small loves) They do freeze well and the choice is brown or white. The brown is very like a Hovis in taste.

If any one has a problem with the details for their GP. PM me with an e-mail address and I will send the details on to you. (Genius sent it to me and I will be delighted to pass it on).

I can also pass on a lot of lactose free info should any one new to the diet need it.

Galactosides found in pulses are no longer considered to be connected to lactose and lactic acid is fine for lactose intollerants. (in case you don't know that)

I will say that I have been carrying on an experiment recently at restaurants, cafes and pubs. I have gone to the bar with the order for a group and before giving the order I have told them that one of our members has a special dietary need.

ME

There are a group of us here who want to place an order, One of our group has a medical problem and can not eat any of the food on your menu. Will you allow that person to consume their own food on your premises?

Any humming and harring shall we say. (I never ask for the manager, that is up to them and it some times mean I have to repeat it, sweetly with a smile)  I then add  He/She is prepared to pay the price of the lowest cost item on your menu if you will provide them with a plate and knife and fork.

Saying that before ordering means that they could be losing customers if they refuse.

I have been working on this for a couple of weeks now and as yet, I have not had either a refusal, nor a charge for the sufferer added to the bill.

Sadly the victim of their unfortunate circumstance is not going to enjoy a restaurant meal but at the same time they are not going to be denied the social side of the gathering.

If you feel a bit shy about doing this. I assure you the buzz you get after finding that you have been successful is well worth it. Offering to pay for something you do not get, seems to work. I have not yet been charged at all. I think it could happen and when it does it goes on my list of (places not to return to).

I would be interested to find out if any one has tried this sort of thing on pre-booked restaurants. (most reastauranters know that there are allergies which can be fatal) I suggest that they too would rather provide a clean plate, knife and fork rather than end up being sued for the food they offer being the cause of ......Something nasty.

[PurpleHeather]