Like most holidays my wife Sue and I are returning home to visit our families in the UK. While it is great to catch up with everybody it can be a tricky navigating the trip while remaining true to your dietary restrictions. With this in mind here are some tips you might find useful this coming holiday:
1. Hold Gluten-Free Holiday Celebrations at Home
This may not always be possible but having full control over food preparation is the sure fire way you won't get any gluten fall out after holiday meals. Wish me like while I eat our meal at my mother-in-laws who insists our food sensitivities are just a fad!
2. Don't Focus So Much on the Food
After most holidays we often end feeling like we have eaten far too much. This is usually because there is far too much emphasis put on the food. The Holidays should really be about reconnecting with family and friends so try and organise plenty of activities outside of the home where you can enjoy quality to time together.
3. Remember to Feel Joyful for Good Health
Having a restrictive diet can for some seem a huge inconvenience and unfair. Rather than feeling sorry for yourself try to be thankful for your new found good health. There is more to life than eating. Like you should really work to live, you should also be eating so that you are able to live to the fullest.
4. Whatever You Do, Don't Cheat on the Diet!
There is no such thing as being a little bit pregnant. The same goes when you are gluten sensitive. Once your body decides that it does not like it then one little slip can, according to some studies, set you back 6 months! Think about that when you pick up that mince pie!
5. Be Assertive
When eating out, whether it be at a restaurant or with friends, be sure to make it abundantly clear that you will and must not consume anything with gluten. I often hear from my clients that they do not want to offend people. Personally I think if people really genuinely care about you they should respect your decisions. Think about it another way, is it worse to hurt someones feelings or to suffer the consequences of being glutened.
6. Don't Feel Guilty
If in the end that Christmas pudding looks too delicious to miss then make sure you eat and enjoy it without any guilt. Having negative thoughts while eating anything can have a detrimental effect. If it has a negative effect then at least you know why. None of us are perfect, including myself!
Finally
I just like to wish you and your family the happiest of holidays and a healthy New Year!
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