How to Holiday on a Special Diet
Navigating the holidays with dietary restrictions or while on a therapeutic diet can seem daunting and an impossible task.
“I’ll just wait until January 1st to start.” Nope, not around here.
It can be tricky to implement dietary changes during the holidays, but in all honesty it isn’t really that different from everyday life. Whatever season you are in, there will always be hurdles to overcome. These holiday specific survival tips can be used in any situation if need be!
Ask the host if your needs can be accommodated on main items. For example, no gluten on the turkey…remember some spice packs contain gluten additives, so it could be as simple as checking the ingredients list.
Eat before you go to holiday parties. This prevents the hanger from setting in and eating inflammatory ingredients out of desperation. It doesn’t have to be a big meal, a smoothie on the road works just fine!
Send a quick email to the host beforehand with your preferences. Here is a script you can use/adjust as needed:
“I have struggled with gluten and found great benefits for my body when I don’t indulge in gluten. I just wanted you to know this before I came because I will be bringing some bread that I can have and won’t be able to enjoy your Christmas cookies like I used to.”
“I appreciate your support in this change for me and I am excited to see you all! No need to cater to me outside of your preparations, I will bring a few foods I can have and others may enjoy, too.”
“I would love to partake in anything you know is gluten free.”
There are often some gluten free go-tos, such as meat and cheese, veggies, and fruit. If you are worried if a dish contains gluten, then skip it to be safe or ask the host or hostess how it was prepared.
If you feel overwhelmed or are stressed about attending holiday parties, you can always say no! Set boundaries for yourself and release the pressure of trying to please everyone.
Offer to host the gathering. Invite your friends and family to you so you can create the menu and control what is on the table and therefore your plate.
Avoid skipping meals with the intention of eating a lot later. This is a big no-no for blood sugar regulation. All skipping a meal will do is create stress and cravings and put your blood sugar (and mood!) in a spiral.
Offer to bring a dish or dishes. If you don’t feel comfortable asking the host to accommodate your preferences, then you can always bring some items you know will be safe for you to enjoy.
Eat the rainbow. Just as would on any normal day, make sure you add some variety to your plate. To eyeball proper macro ratios, stick to this rule: half your plate is veggies, a quarter is protein, and another quarter is starches.
Remember the holidays aren’t just about food! Enjoy the company you are with. If you find it too tempting to stand around the table/kitchen and mindlessly munch on snacks, take your conversations to another area.
Looking for ideas of dishes you can bring or a menu that works for you? Check out my Christmas recipe round-up for some of my recipes and go-to recipe swaps!
You can also download my Ultimate Gluten free/Dairy free snack guide here.
Lastly, if you feel like you have already gone off the holiday deep end we are hosting another round of our Purification Program in the new year. To check out the details and sign up - click here!
