Thanksgiving
meals are traditionally full of gluten as it can be in the turkey (oddly), the
stuffy, rolls, and dessert however there are so many resources available for an
amazing gluten-free (GF) experience that one should not feel deprived.
First, go to
the web. There are some great websites dedicated entirely to a GF meal. After a quick search, you will have thousands of recipes at your fingertips. Remember, even if you have not been diagnosed
with Celiac disease, the same foods apply therefore you could type ‘celiac’ into
the search engine and find what you are looking for. There are also several yummy cook books
available to meet everyone’s intolerant or allergy needs.
Second, talk
with your grocery store. So many stores
now-a-days have gluten free options and cater to those with food allergies and
food intolerances. My local New Seasons, Whole Foods
and Trader Joe’s showcase ingredients and recipes in order to meet everyone’s needs. Many companies have online websites allowing
you to purchase directly and have shipped to your doorstop the rolls, bread,
desserts, pie crust and more.
Third,
remember that you are definitely not going to starve. Unless a gluten containing ingredient is
added to the food, meat, most dairy products, vegetables, beans, lentils,
fruit, squash, potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, nuts and seeds are inherently
gluten-free. Substitution will be your
best friend and reading labels (as usual) will be key. Consider flours such as almond, coconut,
rice, millet, quinoa, buckwheat, and corn when making meals. There are several GF stuffing options available
plus (as stated above) the mashed potato and sweet potato/yam dishes are delicious. Don’t forget salads, cranberry and rice
dishes as well.
Fourth, talk
to your host or educate your guests.
Obviously not all family and friends understand intolerances or
allergies with many ignorantly rolling their eyes or questioning whether it’s a
‘fad.’ If you are hosting the party then
it will be much easier to know exactly what foods are GF. If you are joining a party, talk with the
host about your options and volunteer to bring a few side dishes and a dessert
you know for certain you will enjoy.
Fifth, be
prepared ‘just in case.’ How many times
has someone sworn the food was GF only to find out later…it was not. This can leave you with symptoms of
intestinal distress, fatigue, skin breakouts, headache, hormone changes,
insomnia, feeling sick and more. Remember
to be prepared just in case you come in contact with your allergen. Take probiotics (if you don’t already) as
they are the good gut bacteria that help improve the health of your intestines
and reduce inflammation. Consider
starting these the week before and continue them even after the meal. There are several digestive enzymes on the
market geared towards helping the body to break down gluten if accidental
ingestion occurs. These are not ‘magic’
pills but they may help lessen the symptoms if taken either during or just
after exposure.
As it is the
season for holiday dinners, gatherings and parties, these suggestions can be
used through the rest of the year when planning out your events. Remember that you are not alone – there are
so many great resources full of incredible free information in order to make
your season a healthy one.
Resources
(no affiliation – we know there are many other wonderful sites out there too,
this is a start.):
5.
Elizabeth Hasselbeck’s GF website. www.elizabethhasselbeck.com
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