People who suffer from celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity are often thrown out of their comfort zones on Thanksgiving because their plates are placed in the hands of relatives and friends with good intentions. While never on purpose, this can occasionally result in unintentional gluten exposure and unpleasant symptoms that can last for up to a week.
Thanksgiving may be the first time trying to avoid gluten at someone else’s home for people who haven’t maintained a gluten-free meal plan for a long time. Gluten contamination is more likely in foods with complex recipes and cross-contamination. Here are five tips you can use to keep in mind to stay safe and gluten-free this Thanksgiving so you may enjoy the holiday without concern.
Keep an Eye Out for the Stuffed Turkey
Turkey that has been stuffed with bread containing gluten may provide a problem. Even if you try to eat meat from the outside of the turkey, the liquids circulate throughout the bird and can transport gluten proteins. Unfortunately, if the turkey has been cooked with bread stuffing, you may have to forego it totally. If your host intends to cook the filling with the turkey, inquire ahead of time and you may want to bring an alternate. If you’re okay with it, you can also ask if the stuffing can be baked separately. You should also keep in mind that unless the dish has been significantly changed to be gluten-free, gravy may also include gluten. In gravies, flour is typically added as a thickening.
Avoid Desserts Made with Wheat
Similarly, steer clear of pie with a crust prepared from wheat pastry flour (or any flour derived from grains that contain gluten). Furthermore, even if you do not consume the crust directly, it is best if you do not eat the inside of the pie because it is cross-contaminated. Instead, look for a crustless pie or one that has gluten-free graham cracker crust. Thank goodness, the ice cream and whipped cream typically served with pie are gluten-free. However, before you begin, double-check the ingredient list. Consider topping fresh fruit with ice cream or whipped cream.
When in Doubt, Ask Questions
If you’re skeptical about a particular dish, inquire about its preparation. Instead of simply asking if it’s gluten-free, inquire about the components used. Many people are unaware of every possible source of gluten, especially if they do not follow a gluten-free diet. Before ordering your meal at a restaurant or buffet, inform your waitress of your dietary limitations. Because gluten-free eating is becoming more popular, you should have no difficulty finding someone to provide you with answers and point you in the proper direction. Of course, you can always phone the restaurant ahead of time or look over the menu to ensure you’re prepared.
Select Naturally Gluten-Free Alternatives
There are many wonderful gluten-free foods available. Rather than focusing on what you can’t have, think about how you can have a gluten-free Thanksgiving. Gluten is unlikely to be present in roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, deviled eggs, cranberry sauce, charcuterie board, salad, and a variety of other Thanksgiving foods. While it’s always a good idea to be cautious about cross-contamination, don’t assume there won’t be any feasible options for you at the dinner.
Take Action
Many persons who are extremely sensitive to trace gluten find that they simply cannot eat items prepared in a common kitchen without reacting. If this describes you, it’s not too late to prepare some gluten-free cuisine to bring to the host’s place. You can also bring a shared dish or two and focus on those items during the dinner. One definite approach to prevent getting sick after Thanksgiving is to host the holiday feast yourself and prepare a traditional gluten-free Thanksgiving dinner. While not everyone is able to prepare a meal for others, if you are, you should think about it. If the idea of hosting makes you nervous, consider limiting your group or sticking to a simple Thanksgiving meal.
Kim’s Final Thoughts…
When trying to stick to a gluten-free meal plan for holidays like Thanksgiving, it can be challenging to navigate the menu. However, informing your friends and family about your dietary requirements ahead of time and participating in the celebration by bringing some safe meals to share will help set you up for an enjoyable day with loved ones.
