Group gatherings and going out to eat can already be stressful when you’re gluten-free. Then, add in the holidays when you want to have the perfect, most delicious foods, don’t want to ask your MIL to make her pie gluten-free, stress about not having food to eat, and also stress about eating something that will make you feel terrible!
If there’s anything we don’t need more of around the holidays, it’s stress!
I used to have a lot of guilt and embarrassment getting together with friends and family for meals because my diet was different than most. I wasn’t sure how to explain it when someone asked. I wasn’t sure if I should even tell people. I wasn’t sure how they would respond or if they would believe me since I don’t have celiac disease (as if that’s the only reason people don’t eat gluten!).
It’s a part of me now and I’ve learned to navigate my gluten-free diet socially and during the holidays the best I can. I don’t apologize for it. I don’t make a big deal about it. I don’t shame anyone else for what they’re eating and I hope for the same in return. Is it always easy? No. But, it’s manageable!
This will be my 5th holiday season gluten-free so I’m sharing my tips and tricks and some of my favorite meal ideas with you to hopefully help you navigate this time with a little more ease.
My top 10 tips to navigate the holidays gluten-free:
First, I always recommend going into holiday gatherings with the mindset that I’m responsible for me. I don’t have the expectation that others will cater to my needs. If or when they do, that’s a bonus and I’m always very appreciative.
Ask ahead to get the menu or work on the menu with your family so you know what to expect. If you’re hosting, you have so much leeway here with your menu!
Ask questions if you aren’t sure about a dish. Hey Dad, do you mind telling me what’s in your broccoli casserole? Or, ask if they wouldn’t mind leaving the stuffing out of the turkey this year. The more you know!
If you want something, bring it. Our main dish is always a safe option but I typically like to bring a side dish and a dessert that I like and can eat. I will also add to the appetizer, depending on what we’re having. If it’s a charcuterie board, gluten-free crackers and goat cheese or just do the board myself with gluten-free options. And I always bring clean wine that I know doesn’t make me feel crummy.
Eat something before you go. This is ideal if you really aren’t sure what’s on the menu.
Bring and take a gluten digestive enzyme like Gluten-Dairy Digest by Pure Encapsulations. This isn’t so you can eat all the gluten things, it’s just in case you have something you didn’t know was there.
When it comes to avoiding cross-contamination, be sure everything has a separate serving spoon. With appetizer dips, put some on a plate for yourself before everyone dips their gluten crackers or bread in it.
Search Pinterest or your favorite gluten-free websites for recipe substitutions. Mine is www.therealfoodrds.com. There is a gluten-free recipe out there for pretty much anything you need. Items that typically contain gluten in a holiday meal are gravy, stuffing/dressing, stuffed meats, cream soups (green bean casserole), pies and other pastries.
Don’t be afraid to let someone know that you’re following a gluten-free diet, especially if it’s a new thing. Do you have to go into detail? Nope! But you might say that you’re hoping it will really help you feel better or improve your autoimmune disease or _____ insert reason here. Or, don’t give a reason. Or, mind your own business Aunt Sharon!
Take some deep breaths and be sure to include some extra stress relief practices around the holidays. Get outside for fresh air. Go for a walk. Journal in the mornings. You got this!
Meal Ideas
Appetizers
Bacon wrapped dates
Charcuterie board with gluten-free crackers (love Simple Mills almond flour crackers!)
Warm honey goat cheese dip w/ gluten-free crackers or bread
Pumpkin hummus with veggies
Side dishes
Roasted veggies with herbs
Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
Carrot fennel or butternut squash soup
Green beans sauteed with almonds and garlic
Fall green salad
Roasted brussels sprouts with bacon and apples
Butternut squash or mushroom risotto
Dessert
Apple crisp or crumble (or pear)
Gluten-free pumpkin pie
Crustless pumpkin pie
Pre-made dessert from a local gluten-free bakery
Cheesecake with a gluten-free crust
Remember, taking care of yourself and feeling well is high up, if not at the top of the list of importance! When you do that, you’re also taking care of others. A little thought and preparation will go a long way in making this a great holiday and I’m hoping these tips will come in handy as well.
Wishing you a happy holiday season with less stress and more joy. Please leave a comment if you have a question or a favorite tip or recipe to share.
Cheers!
Lindsay
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