You know it as well as I do… Dinners out, holiday parties, gift boxes of food in the office, schools … and sometimes you just don’t guess that the food contains gluten… And truthfully… It’s no fun to be wrong! Every holiday, and unfortunately it seems that this one is no exception, I make a mistake and get to spend some quality time with my porcelain goddess… “Worshipping”. She seems indifferent to me.. But I despise her and the bloated, painful, refluxy gluten belly that I then own for at least a week. Been there? It doesn’t have to be this way! If you stick to some simple guidelines you can make it through party season unscathed!
This December, I started out with a weight of 136-37… But after 2 holiday parties in which I did not follow my recommendations, and a chocolate covered potato chip misadventure (they were almost worth it), I’m 132 and eating yogurt 2 of my 3 meals a day.
So… How can we avoid (and for those of us with celiac or gluten intolerant kids… Help them avoid)
1. Don’t go hungry
Busy day.. Party at school lunch so kids don’t bring lunch.. Don’t get to the party hungry.. As the event drags on, maybe you have a drink or two… You become increasingly hungry and less likely to avoid questionable food. Bring a snack or try to eat beforehand. No one has good judgement on an empty stomach!
2. Avoid dark lighting!
If you are going to eat at the party, make sure you can see the food well! Is there salad dressing? A sauce on the meat? A glaze (almost always soy!!!) on the salmon??
If you can’t see it, don’t eat it!
3. Don’t be afraid to ask!
If there is wait staff at the event, ask if they are aware of the ingredients, or if it’s the class party, ask the preparer! All you have to do is say “wow! That looks sooooo good! How did you make it?”
4. Don’t believe what they say!
Ok it’s true… You ask “is the salad gluten free?” And the waiter says “I can leave out the cheese… Just for you”…
Take out my cheese and you are risking your life, buddy. Watch the response… Any glimmer of doubt… Don’t do it!
5. Bring a dish to share!
Office party, class party, dinner at a friends house? Bring a dish to share! That way you will be sure to have something to eat!
6. Avoid frozen mixed cocktails and mocktails!
Do you know how many people add a beer to margarita mix for fizz, flavor and a little extra kick? Mixes for Daiquiris can also contain gluten. Stick to straightforward juice, water, soda, simple mixed drinks or wine. And come on, everyone… Call an uber!
7. Don’t forage!
The nurses stations at the hospital and the kitchens in offices across the nation are riddled with candies, cakes, cookies and treats. Don’t do it!! I was saved by a nurse handing me a sweetened, labeled gluten free rice cake while foraging through the chocolates reading all the labels and convincing myself that “processed in a facility that also processes wheat” has a pretty good chance of being safe. The amazing thing is that this was just a couple days after I ate the very delicious and severe abdominal pain inducing ho chocolate covered potato chips with that same warning… Some of us never learn…
8. Search for gluten free restaurants!
Open table even has a gluten free search and there are apps as well. Our office had our holiday party at a Brazilian steakhouse… The bread was pao de queijo (gluten free) and while I don’t eat meat.. The salad bar was amazing and they had flan and Creme brûlée as gluten free dessert choices! yum!!
9. Bake, create, & enjoy!
There are so many gluten free recipes and products now that you can have wonderful, delicious, satisfying meals, snacks, drinks & desserts!
Happy Holidays!!!?
by 