<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Hello
I AM NOT the type to get into debates on line and this will be my first. I
have way too many others things to do to stay healthy, than debate a ton.
BUT I feel compelled beyond belief to SPEAK OUT.

There have been messages of late about eating out and it has been hinted
that those that don't do it right are weak or there is some flaw in their
personality or intelligence....which is so preposterous.

I am an educated, aware, GF person of almost one year, and I rarely if ever
eat out. I am NOT suggested others follow suit, but I sure as heck would
not announce that you just need to ask the right questions to be safe. That
is a DANGEROUS and thoughtless response, and could damage a lot of newbies
who really do not know how you have to worry about every detail, and then
still know it is a risk. BOY are we sending a careless message if we tell
others who are not yet equipped with enough details and knowledge about
celiac, diet, cross cont, etc that they just need to be STRONGER or more
forceful, or less weak and it will all be okay in the land of gluten free
eating out. I am not the type to rant and rave at all....especially
here...but I am offended NOT FOR ME, but for others. I can handle comments
like this, no biggie...small potatoes, but please be mindful that this list
is here to help people understand, not berate them for being weak or
uniformed.

To those that can go out and eat and not be sick..GREAT. I am stoked for
you. ENJOY SOME extra food on me. To those that fall in the middle, great,
to those that don't go out and eat, or have trouble doing it, thats okay
to. We are all individuals and don't follow one routine. I do believe that
healthy/safe eating can happen when eating out, yet I also believe it is
always risky...or there is a chance of risk...maybe not. Do what pleases
you, but please try not to spread widespread comments about how safe it is
if you are asking the right things..etc....because that is just not a fair
statement.

Let's be mindful about our posts and the impact they have on others. I love
this group, and have relied on it heavily....and knew a TON about diet and
food well before I was Gluten Intolerant. If I had heard comments like this
early on....I would have been confused and thought that I really could just
go out and say a few words to some chef or waiter and be fine...that is not
the info I would have wanted a year ago..and still don't.

thanks for letting me rant...well it actually felt fun..lol...maybe I
should do it more...kidding. I don't mean to be mean, just thinking of
others who may misuse this info or format....

the redcat beast

* Please remember some posters may be WHEAT-FREE, but not GLUTEN-FREE *