Holiday parties can be a difficult time to navigate not getting glutened! Check out my helpful hints of how not to get glutened during the holidays!
That is the question of the hour right now! Holiday parties are happening all around and there are glutenous crackers waiting to dip into your safe dip and a crumb trying to fall into your bubbly!
It literally can feel like you are avoiding hazards all around you like surround sound.
So, do you stay home and fake a cold or claim to be busy all the while watching Elf again for the 100th time or do you brave the party?
Here are my top ways to Navigate holiday parties and NOT get GLUTENED!
Top Ways to not Get Glutened:
Since I like to cook, I always offer to bring my own food. I know your host might feel bad but depending on the situation sometimes I insist. If your host is really good about being cognoscente of your food issues then use your best judgment.
If I am not bringing my own food, I bring a dish to share that I know is safe for me to eat. Depending on the situation, I put a serving of said dish aside in a small container. Just to make sure not to get cross-contaminated.
Bring a snack in your bag. A protein bar or a beef stick can help tide you over until you can get to a safe food place. Holiday parties are known for flowing alcohol, so being on an empty stomach and drinking is awful so a quick snack is sometimes a lifesaver.
Communicate the food needs with your host. I know sometimes you might feel like a pain in the butt but it’s better than being sick for weeks. Usually, after talking to the host they agree to either number one or two above.
Walk the food area and get a sense of what is being served. Is it safe to eat the cheese right beside the Ritz crackers? Is the dip being dipped into with gluten crackers? What can I eat? If the answer is nothing, go to your emergency food.
I bring my Nima Sensor. IT saves my life all the time. It is not 100% and you still have to use common sense but it catches gluten in items that I would have no idea there was gluten.
Here are some ideas of what to take to a party:
Cranberry Maple Pecan Baked Brie
What do I do if I get Glutened?
This will be different for everyone because our bodies respond to gluten differently.
I usually carry enzymes with me in my purse that help my body get rid of gluten. These are not a way for me to purposely eat gluten but a way of protection just in case. Sometimes they help.
If I suspect I have ingested gluten I take one right away. I also take activated charcoal. It helps my body to rid the toxins from gluten.
Sometimes, I cry.
I start taking my Glutamine supplement as soon as I get to where it is. I carry it in my suitcase when I travel and always have it at home. It helps my gut heal. I take a powder so it is mixed with water and easy to digest.
I try to stick to bland foods and liquids for a while. Bone broth with collagen is also healing to the gut. Lots of bone broth.
Family and Friends are more important than food:
I know that the holidays are often centered around food and what we are preparing, but our family and friends are more important than any food. If you are at someone’s house and they forgot about your food issues and they don’t have anything for you to eat for dinner, remember the real reason you are there. To get together and celebrate life with your friends and family.
Hopefully, you have an emergency food item packed in your bag, but if you don’t it’s ok. Enjoy your time. Your tummy might growl but it’s ok. The time you spend talking, laughing, and being around loved ones is more important than Great Aunt Ann’s dried-out turkey.
Also, don’t forget the foods that most people will have on hand that are always gluten free: fruit and veggies. They can be a lifesaver!
I hope you have a Merry Christmas and Holiday Season:
From my family to yours I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and you get the opportunity to share your life with those around you. I hope you make memories and have joy-peace and love! Don’t let fear keep you from your holiday parties!
As Always,
Best Wishes for Gluten Free Dishes!
XO,
Michelle
