Holidays are tough when you are Living with Celiacs During the Holidays! Unfortunately, they kind of revolve around food and drinks. Even when you are super careful, cross-contamination abounds. And honestly, people mean well when they tell you this dish is gluten free but be careful! If your friends don’t understand all the ingredients that include wheat and other grains, they could potentially be making you sick for three days or worse if you have anaphylactic symptoms.
If you are attending a party, always ask if you can bring something. At least that way, you know there will be something safe for you to eat. If they say no, simply explain you have dietary issues and you would like something plain. I hate this part of the holidays because we even have to be careful of the meat that is served. Turkey is injected with broth, ham has some weird stuff in it, chicken is breaded and fish is deep fried. It truly sucks! I usually resort to fresh veggies and fruit. Eat them plain because there are many types of wonderful dips that are laden with wheat products.
There is a wonderful website I go to often. celiac.org/live-gluten-free/glutenfreediet/food-options/. I will stand for hours in Safeway in their liquor aisle setting off their bells while I make sure I can have a certain type of vodka! Just kidding!! Speaking of alcohol, if you don’t know what the brand is, don’t drink it! Check the website and know the “safe” alcohol that you can have and stick with it.
Next week we will discuss baking at the holidays! Yes! I know secrets that you will love!
If you are needing help with creating your wellness plan Contact Karen G Clemenson of Wellness Works NW, located in Longview, Washington. Wellness Works NW serves Cowlitz County and the surrounding areas.
Ask Dear Jamie to Research a Topic
Barb Berg lives life to the fullest! She loves horses and people! Over the past few years Barb has had to make changes to her life after finding out that she has Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. In June 2016 Barb also lived though knee replacement surgery. These experiences have encouraged her to learn more about nutrition and exercise. Barb would like to encourage other people living with Celiac Disease to live and thrive on their path toward wellness. Barb resides in Cowlitz County with her husband and grown children and works with Cowlitz AmeriCorps. She is the author of Celiac Living.
