The holidays are a time of food and gatherings, but when you can’t enjoy certain foods it becomes extremely challenging. To make the holidays easier on you, family, and friends I’m sharing a few tricks you can use to make the holidays easier to digest. While these tips are mainly from my gluten-free perspective you can also apply these ideas to other food allergies as well.
Eat Before you Leave Home
Whether you’re headed out to tackle some holiday shopping or joining family for a holiday gathering eating a healthy meal before you go means you’re less likely to indulge and you won’t have to worry about finding gluten-free items on the go.
Bring a Dish
Whenever you’re invited to a gathering offer to bring a dish that’s allergy-friendly so you’re sure to have something to eat beyond the veggie tray. I always make sure to bring a dessert as well-everyone will love Udi’s muffins or cookies!
Keep Snacks in Your Bag and Car
I always keep a handful of healthy gluten-free bars and quick but healthy snacks with me wherever I go. Fresh fruit and sliced veggies are a great way to get your daily servings and keep you from over-indulging. You can find a list of my favorite packaged gluten-free snacks here.
Include Allergy-Free Items When you Entertain
If you’re the host it’s considerate to ask your guests if they have an food allergies. You can find all kinds of products on store shelves that are allergy-free and it’s not as hard as you’d think to adapt recipes. You can find dairy-free gelato for dessert or gluten-free diner rolls as a side to a holiday meal.
Find Recipes that Adapt Classics
The internet is an awesome place for finding blogs or websites dedicated to allergy-free meals and recipes! Here is a small sampling of ideas you can use this holiday season.
- Christmas morning is a great time to make a breakfast bake.
- For holiday dinners stuffing is a must. Use or adapt this recipe to make your own delicious gluten-free stuffing.
- For a complete menu you can use for brunch or dinner you can adapt these menu ideas.
- Strawberry muffins are a great way to start your morning, and you can use frozen strawberries in this recipe.
- Gluten-free apple cider pork loin is the perfect centerpiece for a holiday meal.
- For more gluten-free ideas you can visit Udi’s website.
Kelly
Disclosure: Udi’s occasionally sends me products to review.
Hi Kelly, thanks so much for the invite to link up to your party! Love your gluten-free tips for the holidays!! I’ll definitely be following you for more great ideas 🙂