Holidays can be a challenging time for those on a gluten-free diet, especially when it comes to family gatherings. From Easter eggs to Christmas cookie swaps, it can be tough to stick to your diet while also participating in holiday traditions.
Here are some tips for surviving gluten-free holidays with your family:
Communicate with your host:
If you're attending a family gathering at someone else's house, be sure to let your host know about your dietary needs in advance if they don't already know. This will give them the chance to prepare safe options for you, or to make adjustments to dishes that can accommodate your needs.
Bring your own food:
If you're unsure about the food options that will be available at a family gathering, consider bringing your own dishes to share. This will ensure that you have something safe and tasty to eat, and it also gives you the opportunity to share your favorite gluten-free recipes with your family.
Offer to help with the cooking:
If you're comfortable in the kitchen, consider offering to help with the cooking for the holiday gathering. This will give you the chance to prepare safe options for yourself, and it can also be a great way to contribute to the celebration.
Don't be afraid to speak up:
If you're offered food that you can't eat, don't be afraid to politely decline. It's important to remember that your health and well-being come first, and it's okay to say no to food that isn't safe for you.
Plan ahead:
If you're traveling for the holidays, it's a good idea to plan ahead to ensure that you have safe food options available. This might mean packing your own snacks, or doing research ahead of time to find gluten-free restaurants in your destination.
Be proactive:
If you're hosting a holiday gathering, be proactive about offering safe options for your gluten-free guests. Consider preparing a range of dishes that are naturally gluten-free, or that can easily be made gluten-free with a few simple substitutions.
Don't stress:
It's important to remember that holidays are about spending time with loved ones, not about the food (or maybe partly). Don't get too stressed out about sticking to your diet, and try to focus on the joy and connection that comes from being with your family.
Holidays can be a challenging time for those on a gluten-free diet, but with a little bit of planning and communication, you can survive family gatherings with ease. Don't be afraid to speak up about your needs, and remember to focus on the joy and connection that comes from spending time with your loved ones.
