Want to know some of my favorite tips for navigating the holiday celebrations while eating gluten free? I know that’s a mouthful in itself! Pun intended! Seriously, though, holiday events and celebrations are challenging when you have to watch every bite you put in your mouth! Here are some ways I’ve found that help.
10 tips for the holidays when eating gluten free:
1. Find alternatives that you will enjoy.
There are many gluten free products available now in grocery stores. Go down almost any aisle and keep your eyes peeled. Crackers, cookies, and pizza, oh my! Also, there are now lots of ready made meals and bread. Plus, you always have produce and meats. Just read the labels. Truly, look and you’ll likely find something that becomes a favorite of yours.
2. Fix some great gluten free treats that you can have on hand.
Rice cereal treats are a fav around our house. Or, we bake a square loaf of chocolate chip banana bread or blueberry crumb cake for breakfast and enjoy it for a snack the next day… or later the same day! Cookies are another option that are easy to pack up for a get together. Because many baked goods freeze beautifully, we usually keep something frozen in small portions for an easy grab as you are going out the door. Muffins are one of our go tos and they hit the spot on a sweet tooth day.
3. Always carry something with you that is tasty so you don’t get hangry.
I usually have 2-3 snack items with me at all times. More, if my family is with me. Keep a snack box in your car and refill it weekly. Tuck 2-3 things in your purse so you have something immediately available if you need it. This will help keep you from eating something that might cause distress later on simply because you were hungry and had a hard time finding something in your eating plan.
4. Offer to bring something to a holiday event.
Gluten free charcuterie boards are my go to – whether I’m having people over or going somewhere. I can pack them full of fruit, veggies, meats, cheeses, crackers, nuts, and other items that I fully enjoy. You can create them to be a full meal in itself. For an event focused on snacks or goodies, consider a dessert charcuterie with fruit, cheese, nuts, and gluten free cookies. And for a delicious gingerbread recipe that will be gobbled up in a snap, click here!
5. Let your host/hostess know of your dietary situation.
Most people want to do their best to make sure you can enjoy your time together and participate. Be honest. If you are concerned about cross contamination or cross contact, kindly explain that to your host. Usually, there are ways that you can connect with others and eat safely without feeling left out.
6. Offer to host and fix all gluten free food.
Being the host, you control the menu. Offer to fix all the food. Outside your budget? We have been part of several events with those who wanted to contribute giving money or grocery store gift cards to use when purchasing the meal. If you are having a potluck, let others know of your situation and send out specific items they can bring that will work for you. Going back to an earlier point, there are many ready made gluten free options in stores. Asking people to bring a specific brand/item makes it easier on them to know what to bring and relieves your mind since you know it’s safe for you.
6. Let the focus of your event be on something other than food.
Play board games, do art or crafts, go see the lights together. Not all celebrations have to revolve around a meal. Taking off the pressure of food for an event or two can really help in navigating the holiday celebrations.
7. Find gluten free bakeries or restaurants in your area.
More and more gluten free businesses are opening. Some are exclusively gluten free. Once you know what is available that you can eat, pamper yourself. Bring home some goodies as a treat. You are worth it, my friend! Not only does it feel amazing not having to make it yourself, it also supports businesses who have your health in mind.
8. Focus on all the good things you can eat instead of your restrictions.
Write down foods that you can eat, and look at your list. Give yourself a food show kind of challenge, and see what recipes and options you can create with all that yumminess. Have an attitude of gratitude for all you can eat and it will shift your focus to all the blessings you do have.
9. Recognize you are not what you eat.
Food doesn’t define you. You, my friend, are much more than what you put in your mouth. You are a beautiful human being designed for great things with a God-given call on your life. You have gifts and talents. Other people need you and what you have to offer. And you are stronger than you realize.
10. You are not alone.
There are many people who have dietary challenges. They may be similar to yours or completely different. It may seem especially tough since it the opportunities to cheat on your diet are heightened while navigating holiday celebrations. Find resources online and in person to help you navigate what you are going through. Look for a great community you can be part of. For instance, you can take gluten free cooking classes to help you along the way.
I am here for you, friend. Reach out to me. Let me know what you need. I’m always looking for content and ways to help you where you are right now. Click here to set up a free 15 minute call about your gluten-free journey and how we can help. Or, comment below and let us know your biggest challenge navigating the holiday celebrations on a gluten-free diet.
Take care of yourself. You are important. People need what you have to offer. People need you.
Happy holiday celebrations!