Gluten-Free Living and the Holidays

Let’s face it, no one wants to feel “left out” during the holiday meal. 

When you have celiac, dietary restrictions can be inconvenient and sometimes draw unwanted attention from well meaning friends and relatives.

One might even feel a bit self-conscious.

It’s not always easy when there’s a lot of food around ….and eating… and more food.. and eating. 

Oh, did I mention the crumbs? Even the cleanest kitchens and dining rooms will have them. They’re like the glitter that ends up in the oddest places.

If those crumbs contain gluten, there could be some accidental exposure. 

How to avoid gluten exposure during the holidays.

Here are some useful tips to avoid gluten exposure.

1. If the kitchen you’re visiting isn’t a designated (GF) gluten-free one, there is a good chance of accidental gluten contamination and ingestion. So take care and keep that in mind. Wash hands as often as needed.
2. Packaged foods not officially designated as gluten-free may trigger a reaction. Some products labeled as GF will contain minute amounts and list that gluten content in parts per million (ppm) which may be tolerated by those less sensitive. For more about ppm’s, click here.
3. If it doesn’t say gluten-free on the packaging, it most likely isn’t. 
4. Be careful of products claiming to be gluten-free but made in a facility that also processes gluten. They may contain trace amounts of gluten.
5. If food is offered, and you’re unsure about its gluten status, politely decline. It’s perfectly acceptable to look after your health, and no reasonable host/hostess will take it personally or be offended.
6. Gastric discomfort can dampen a festive mood. If you drink alcohol beware of gluten containing additives to mixed drinks and non-GF beers and beverages.
7. If you bring GF dishes to share, position them a distance from the other foods to avoid accidental cross contamination and serve yourself first if possible.
8. Be careful of others kissing you after eating or drinking gluten containing foods or beverages or if using gluten containing lip or facial care products. Traces of gluten may be in the saliva, on the skin, and in the facial hair.
9. Check holiday candy. Some miniature versions of a candy usually gluten-free won’t be. They may not have been processed on a GF line. The gluten free status may not be noted on the individual wrapper but it should be indicated on the bag.
10. If there are crumbs around your seating area, place a clean placement down, use a fresh napkin, and rinse cutlery if needed. Kitchen drawers often contain renegade crumbs. 

For more detailed information on how to avoid accidental gluten exposure, click on this link. 

How to have your cake and eat it too, the gluten- free way.

There are ways to have your cake (GF of course) and eat it too! It just takes a little planning to enjoy a meal safely in a glutenous environment. 

If you absolutely know that the host/hostess has the knowledge and ability to prepare a separate GF meal for you with the proper precautions, then you are indeed blessed and have less planning to do!

Here’s what I do for holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions.

Several days before the special dinner, I prepare a gluten-free dinner with all the fixings and reheat it in my own cookware in the host’s kitchen. Sometimes I freeze an additional meal to have on hand just in case.

While at the table, I check my place setting for renegade crumbs from gluten containing bread, cookies, cakes, rolls etc. This practice helps me avoid accidental gluten ingestion and cross contamination. 

I also bring my own dessert or one to share and double check anything being offered politely declining as needed.

I hope this information was helpful. Please share, link, and pass the word to others. If you have questions suggestions, or comments, please reach out. I would love to hear from you.

Wishing you continued wellness.

Kimberly I

Updated 11/2023 By Kimberly Iacoponi

The information provided is for educational and reference purposes only. It is not approved or intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease or illness, suggest a specific treatment, or to be used as the replacement for or substitution of treatment by a qualified medical professional.