With the approach of the holidays, you may be nervous about navigating family and workplace gatherings—especially if you are newly diagnosed with celiac disease. How do you explain your dietary restrictions and keep yourself safe, eating well without getting ‘glutened’?
Today the Gluten Free RN shares her best advice around managing the holidays with celiac disease. She offers ten key tenants to help you enjoy the holiday season and mitigate stress, without feeling like you’re missing out. She shares some things you need to avoid, including unsafe situations, people who make you miserable, and cheating on your gluten-free diet! But she also discusses strategies you can implement to make the season bright, such as creating new traditions, getting creative in the kitchen, and finding your tribe—the people who will support you in your gluten-free journey.
Nadine also gives tips around where to go for gluten-free ingredients and holiday recipes, and how to develop a backup plan so you won’t go hungry if the food you encounter is questionable. You are likely to encounter well-intentioned friends and family members who have no idea how to feed you safely at holiday parties. Listen in and learn how to be clear about your dietary needs and take control of your health without isolating yourself from loved ones during this most wonderful time of the year!
What’s Discussed:
#1 Don’t eat anything contaminated with wheat
- Cannot eat center of pie, any part of turkey with bread stuffing
#2 Beware of good-intentioned people
- Don’t eat anything questionable
- Bring a snack with you just in case
#3 Be prepared to establish new traditions
- Get creative in kitchen
#4 Don’t isolate yourself
- Find support group, create your own
#5 Gather recipes early
- Reference Paleo Magazine, gluten-free cookbooks
- Follow Sara Ballantyne
#6 Order ingredients in advance
- Consider organic, free range turkey
#7 Don’t invite people who make you miserable
- Set clear boundaries (no complaints, ridicule)
#8 Eat before you go or take your own plate
- ‘Desperate people make desperate decisions’
- Take a dish to share, take your portion first
#9 Don’t be a victim
- Be clear about your needs
#10 Find your people
- Those who truly love you don’t want you to be sick
Resources:
Paleo Principles: The Science Behind the Paleo Template, Step-by-Step Guides, Meal Plans, and 200+ Healthy & Delicious Recipes for Real Life by Sarah Ballantyne
Connect with Nadine:
‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube
Books by Nadine:
Dough Nation: A Nurse’s Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Health Activism
