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IBS Travel Journals - Going self catering

IBS Travel Journal


Mum and I both have IBS, to make things even more complicated we both have different types of IBS and foods that we need to avoid.  We decided it would be easier to go Self Catering on our holiday to Costa Teguise in Lanzarote. 

I usually go All inclusive, Iv only ever gone Self catering before on Caravan holidays in Britain.  Going Self catering abroad is another thing entirely.....

I searched the Internet and found information on the 2 main Supermarkets/Supermercados retailers in Lanzarote and there locations in Costa Teguise.  There are several Eurospar and Hiperdino's in the resort along with independent shops. 


- Euro Spar locations

- Hiperdino Express locations


Both have a good selection of Gluten free
 ( Sin Gluten) products.  Even if your not wheat intolerant, check these out as I found many were also Dairy and egg free.

The Eurospar on the Ave de las Islas Canarias has a better selection of dairy free milk and dessert products than the Hiperdino's. 

Unlike Britain these aren't any fresh dairy free products in the chill cabinets. I had a bit of a panic on our first shopping trip thinking I'd find nothing to eat.  The dairy free milk and desserts are found in the food intolerance/allergy Isle of the supermarket.  I also couldn't find any dairy free spread. 

If your not lactose intolerant - Leche Desnatada = skimmed milk

Both shops have a great range of fresh fruit and vegetables, along with fresh made breads.  They make beautiful fresh breads, I'm yeast intolerant so couldn't have any this trip.  I bought tortilla wraps instead, as I couldn't find any Soda Bread for sale.    I had originally planned to make my own, but our apartment oven didn't look up to the task. 

Top tips: for self catering abroad.

- Use an on line translator and write down a translation of food you can eat and can't eat

  E.g. Spanish translation
  Sin Gluten = Gluten free
  Leche de soja = Soya milk
  Yeast free = Levadura libre

- Check the ingredient labels, the local products are a lot cheaper than imports.  Having a translation list makes it easier to spot the foods you need to avoid. 

We picked up imported Cravendale milk for my mum, only to be charged double the cost of the fresh local skimmed milk.

- If your going to the Canary Islands always buy the bottled water.  The normal tap water is desalinated sea water and needs to be boiled before use.  A large bottle of water ( 5 Litres ) only cost's approx 1.50 Euros
This will save you from the dreaded dodgy holiday tum.....


Going self catering is a great way of cooking great tasty meals using fresh local ingredients.  You also don't have to worry about setting off your food allergy/intolerance and ruining your holiday xxxx









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