Holiday Tips & Suggestions

As we move into the holiday season, there will be plenty of temptations lurking around every corner.

At every holiday gathering you’ll be faced with the same dilemma. How does one determine what is safe to eat, especially when dining away from home?

Well, there’s no reason to complicate things.

I tend to take that approach in general, meaning I don’t like a lot of fuss and bother. (Even my design style is minimalist).

Let’s review some of the likely scenarios you will encounter in the weeks ahead, along with some simple solutions for how to deal with them.

 

Friends & Family

As you make your way around the holiday circuit, be prepared for well-meaning friends and family who insist that “one little bite” can’t possible hurt.

Or who treat your new diet as more of an inconvenience to them, rather than consider the health benefits to you.

When Aunt Mabel offers you a generous slice of her famous holiday cheesecake, please do not to give in.

Instead, why not contribute to the meal yourself?

You could offer to bring a dish that everyone can enjoy. That way you will know for sure there is at least one item on the table that is safe for you to eat.

Or, if you’re feeling really ambitious, bake your own gluten-free cheesecake and bring it along to the party.

By the way, there is absolutely no harm to other family members if they eat gluten-free products. I’ve heard people express this concern, but there’s no truth to it whatsoever.

On the contrary, it’s more likely that as your own health steadily improves, other family members will also benefit.

 

Dining Out

These days, it’s so much easier to dine at a restaurant, even when you’re on a restricted diet.

Even so, I still find restaurants to be one of my biggest challenges. (That and travel). Of course, a good server will be more than willing to help, and if you’re really lucky the restaurant will even have a gluten-free menu just for you!

Although it’s very rare to be in a situation where the wait staff is unfamiliar with Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance – there’s still always that little bit of doubt.

Did the wait person actually relay to the chef my special diet? Or did that important bit of information fall by the wayside?

I’m never quite sure.

When dining out, it’s always a good idea to double-check with the server that your meal was properly prepared. Often they will tell you: “Yes, I told the chef” – but that is still not a guarantee.

 

The Holiday Buffet

We’ve all been to parties, holiday or otherwise, where a large buffet table laden with a tempting array of foods is beckoning us to grab a plate and dig in.

Not so fast.

Whether you’re dining at a family gathering, or a restaurant, it’s helpful to know which foods to avoid at first glance:

 

• Sauces & Gravies
• Soy Sauce
• Marinades
• Imitation Seafood & Processed Meats
• Anything with Mayonnaise

 

As always, offer to bring a dish, especially if the gathering is a potluck!

Finally, when in doubt – go without!

 

Your Best Weapon

In every situation, learning to advocate for yourself is probably your best weapon.

Sometimes this is easier said than done, I know, since the tendency is to not want to make a fuss, or draw attention to yourself and your ‘special needs’.

Yet the reality is, you cannot afford NOT to advocate for yourself.

So please do not give up! And if you’re having a hard time staying on track, consider reaching out for help.