We all love food and we all have different tastes. Some individuals love meat, while others prefer vegetables. For some people, health restrictions or beliefs make it difficult to find foods that cater to their lifestyles.

Three students give their tips for maintaining different dietary lifestyles in Brantford.

Hayley Angold began a gluten-free diet in August after her mother was diagnosed with celiac disease.

With a vegan and gluten-free lifestyle, Angold said she thought that coming back to Laurier Brantford would be more challenging than it is. Angold said, “Most places have a gluten-free option or they will have ways that you can substitute something else for whatever animal by-product that you have.”

Alyssa Imamudin said she noticed her stomach rumbling while eating ice cream at home two years ago. Realizing she may be lactose intolerant, she switched to lactose-free milk and said she felt better.

Imamudin said she tries to eat more of her meals at home. She said, “I try to stay with my home products that I know are [foods] I bought and I know what is in them.”

Kelsey Craig took on a vegan diet four years ago. Craig was initially worried about starting university as she was unsure of the vegan options available on campus and in Brantford.

Craig often visits Goodness Me! Natural Food Market which has a lot of vegan and vegetarian options, located near Lynden Park Mall.

Places to Eat Out:

The WORKS: “They go the extra mile and they are very concerned with cross-contamination,” said Angold.“Let them know you have a sensitivity or allergy of any sort.”

East Side Mario’s: “If you are gluten-free they have an entirely different menu that you can order from, and it’s all cooked and prepared separately,” Angold said.

Pita Plus: “I get a lot of shawarmas because there aren’t that many cheeses in there, [like a lot of] Mediterranean food,” Imamudin said.

Tips:

Bring a snack wherever you go: Angold suggests trail mix or granola bars.

Do your research: To find the best places to go, Angold said to “look into what each company puts towards their gluten-free [or] vegan menu.”

Make your own food: Angold said cooking “is less expensive and you are guaranteed that you won’t have what you are trying to avoid in your diet.”

Go on with your life: “Don’t think too much about it,” Imamudin said. “If you worry about it a lot you are going to feel [the stress].”

Experience food: Craig said, “Even if you don’t think there will be vegan options, a lot of places will surprise you.”

Let others know: “Don’t be afraid to tell people that you’re vegan,” Craig said. “People are really accepting of your lifestyle and will help you [fulfill] your needs.”