Thanksgiving can be one of the most challenging times to follow a gluten-free diet, but there are plenty of ways to stay gluten-free without feeling left out. These tips will help you navigate the feast, whether you’re hosting or attending this Thanksgiving.
So, whether you’re visiting family or hosting them at your place for Thanksgiving, we’ve got a few tips to help you stay gluten-free on the holiday so you can focus on the company and fun!
Tips for a for navigating a gluten-free Thanksgiving Feast
If you are hosting
· Discuss what you’re making with your guest.
· Discuss the brands and ingredients that are safe for gluten-free eaters and those that are not.
· Do remember that even a small amount of gluten can cause a person to become ill. Your gluten-free visitor is not intentionally being finicky.
· They’re making an effort to remain healthy.
· Do first prepare gluten-free foods.
· Prepare dishes prepared with wheat once that preparation is finished.
· By doing this, the likelihood of cross-contact with wheat is reduced.
· Separate the gluten-containing and gluten-free food on the table or buffet.
· Use notecards to indicate which foods are gluten-free and which are not, if possible.
· Mix things up a bit. Maybe use a rice stuffing that is naturally gluten-free or use a gluten-free pie crust instead.
If you are a guest and are invited to a thanksgiving event:
- Before Thanksgiving, do call your host.
- Talk about your needs and how you intend to handle them.
- However, it’s the only way to guard against potential interaction with meals containing gluten.
- Bring gluten-free rolls yourself if your host is unable to accommodate a dish you adore as part of the meal.
- Enquire about the manufacturers and ingredients that will be used to make the Thanksgiving feast.
- Remind your host that there may be “hidden gluten” in prepared foods, soy sauce, cake pans, and other items.
- Plan well but be prepared for the worst.
- There are occasions when even the best planned fails
So in conclusion, with proper planning and a dash of creativity, you can enjoy a gluten-free thanksgiving feast as a guest or be a great host to a guest who has chosen a glueten-free lifestile.
