How To Survive The Holidays With Celiac Disease

The holidays are a beautiful time of year involving lots of  food, parties and fun.  A time to create memories and cherish
 each moment. 
There are highs and lows and it is a busy crazy time of year for most.  Everywhere you go there is food,  high gluten  that
someone with  Celiac can not eat.  Managing Celiac disease is exhausting enough without the added stress from the
 holidays and parties.
 So here are some holiday survival tips I hope you find useful. 

Eat before you arrive: Never walk into a party or any occasion hungry.  There are few worse mood killers then finding that
 carrots are the only gluten free  food for you to eat.

Bring your own dish: Speak with the host of the party and arrange for you to bring a dish for all to enjoy.  Great time to
show people how good gluten free food can taste.

Help with cooking: Many people will  accommodate you and make gluten free foods.  However their lack of knowledge
can lead to cross contamination.  You may offer to help to ensure the safety of the meal.

Be first to be served: This is pretty easy to suggest to avoid any cross contamination.  Just be first knowing the serving
utensils are clean and free of gluten.

Don't be afraid to say No: When in doubt say no.  Most people don't realize what gluten does to the Celiac person.
Be strong for you, if there is any doubt just say no.

Avoid over eating:  So it is the holidays, most think it is a great time to over eat.  Wrong answer especially a person with
Celiac.  Even gluten free foods are allowed 20 parts per million of gluten, so eating multiple deserts can add up and make
you feel sick.  Just be aware of those deserts. 

So go enjoy the holidays, relax and always be positive and be prepared.