Does this ever happen to you?
You’re at the home of a friend, or well meaning relative, and as you sit down to enjoy a cup of tea – you’re presented with some cookies, or other savory treats – that have been purchased especially for you.
(I love it when people are so thoughtful!)
Unfortunately, when you’re on a special diet, such thoughtfulness can turn into a stressful situation you’re not prepared for.
Because, suddenly, you’re having to read through a list of ingredients to see if the product is actually safe for you to eat, while at the same time not appearing impolite.
And this is when you might notice that:
- The product is not gluten-free, OR
- While it’s gluten-free, there may be one or two other ingredients that are not in compliance with your special diet.
This is one of those tricky moments when you want to honor yourself and how you choose to nourish your body – yet, at the same time, you don’t want to offend anyone.
Well, here’s the deal.
Regardless of our individual food allergies, dietary preferences or concerns – we are always going to come up against this sort of thing.
It’s simply part of life and can’t be avoided.
Still, there are always choices, right?
So, in these situations, my rule of thumb is this:
If you’ve been medically diagnosed, and have been instructed by your doctor not to eat gluten – then please don’t.
It’s really important that you honor that, regardless of the circumstances.
(Otherwise, you’re shooting yourself in the foot.)
If you’ve chosen to be gluten-free for non-medical reasons, that’s a different situation entirely – because you have the freedom to choose on a case by case basis.
Those of us with Celiac Disease – or Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) – don’t have it so easy.
Another suggestion is to think of how crappy you’re likely to feel afterwards, if you succumb.
Is it really worth it?
In the end, only you can decide.
Want to know more?
My FREE HOLIDAY GIFT – “38 Ways to be Gloriously Gluten-Free, Through the Holidays and Beyond” – is back by popular demand!
But hurry!
We’re almost into the second week of December and there are only 18 days remaining!
One more thing – many of you asked if I could please share the recipe for those yummy-looking gluten-free, dairy-free Chocolate Truffles I featured in last week’s newsletter.
And here it is.
CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES Adapted from The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook
2 cups raw Walnuts
1 Tbsp ground Cinnamon
3/4 cup medjool Dates, pitted
¼ cup dried Cranberries
4 -6 Tbsp cocoa powder
¼ tsp pure Vanilla extract
Shredded organic Coconut
Place the walnuts & cinnamon in a food processor and pulse until the nuts are finely ground.
Add the dates, cranberries, cocoa powder & vanilla, & continue to process until well combined.
Shape into small balls & roll in the shredded coconut, making sure each one is evenly coated.
These keep well in the fridge for a couple of weeks, but are best when eaten sooner.
Makes approximately 18.
Enjoy!
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Karen,
This is a good one! what suggestions do you have on what to say to graciously decline? I wish I didn’t have to always go into a song and dance about how it affects me (because there are always follow-up questions), how I found out etc. Thanks!
Great question! I would keep it as simple as possible & say something like “That is so sweet/thoughtful of you” – and then ask to see the label. (If it’s store-bought; if home-made ask for a quick run-down of ingredients). At that point – they’ll know you’re looking for something more, even though the label said gluten-free. Which usually invites a conversation. At that point, if you see anything on the label that you need to avoid – you can politely let them know that as much as you’d like to, you risk getting sick if you eat it. This is a good approach if it’s someone you know well. If you’re out in public, dealing with strangers – I’d be a lot more direct.