Fast Food Fix

    Now that midterms are over our patterns can come back to normal.  We get a respite until finals when we don't have to think about cram sessions and all night study groups.  Sleep comes back to us, as does a regular eating.  However, when finals roll around and you are looking for a way to get calories and not spend time on cooking, there are a few fast food places that not only offer modifications to make their food gluten free, some offer it at no additional cost.

Free Gluten Free Substitution

    There are several fast food places that offer lettuce as an alternative to a bun at no extra cost.  Jimmy John's will gladly make and deliver you an "unwich" for no additional cost and they offer gluten free chips as well.  In 'n Out also offers their burger "protein style" and because the only fried item they serve are fries, there is no worry about contamination.  Carl's Jr. has recently overhauled their menu and now offers a "low carb" burger which is wrapped in lettuce, however they are happy to make any of their sandwiches lettuce wrapped for you.  

Gluten Free Substitutions at Additional Cost

    Subway offers a gluten free bun to replace their sub bread, but the cost versus yield is a little higher than I would like.  If you're in a pinch they are quite careful to make sure only one person with clean gloves handles the gluten free sandwiches.  Dominos Pizza is the most unexpected of the fast food chains to offer gluten free alternatives.  They are very careful to warn that the gluten free pizzas are sent through the same oven as the regular ones, so for extreme allergies and Celiac patients, they do not recommend it.  They are also quite expensive considering the serving size is a personal pizza, but costs twice as much as a medium.  They do offer promotions for online orders at 50% off, which you can be made aware of by signing up for email offers.

   School is stressful enough without worrying where to go for gluten free food.  With a little planning and awareness of fast food menus, you can meet for study group and have 24 hours with no sleep and be fed.  These options should help you do that without breaking the bank.