Navigating Christmas with food intolerances can feel like a never-ending worry-fest. Unlike the rest of the year, when the food options are more varied, Christmas comes with some pretty standard dishes. The problem? Most of these dishes contain at least one ingredient that’s unsuitable for people with food intolerances. Think gluten, nuts, dairy, and more.
What can you do?
Well, surviving Christmas with food intolerances doesn’t have to be such hard work. With some helpful tips and a dollop of common sense, you can get just as much food enjoyment out of the holiday as everyone else. Here’s how.
Get a Head Start
The earlier you plan your food intolerances during Christmas, the lower your risk of a reaction. If you leave it too late, you might find you’ve got nothing to eat. That could involve informing the host or restaurant (see below) or simply bringing your own dish.
Nobody understands your food intolerance better than you. If in doubt, prepare a suitable dish and bring it along. Some more accommodating hosts might even offer to make it for you – just provide them with the recipe.
Don’t Be Shy
Got a food intolerance? You can’t keep it to yourself. If you’re heading to a restaurant or Christmas gathering, you’ve got to tell the staff or your host about your food intolerance. Explain what happens if you eat the food to emphasize the risks.
Restaurants are legally obliged to inform you about the risks of certain dishes. Usually, they’ll recommend some alternative options. Hosts are more likely to take your intolerances less seriously. That’s why you need to push the importance of avoiding certain ingredients. Just try to be a little accommodating.
DIY Desserts
Desserts are a minefield for food intolerances. Everything from nuts and eggs to gluten and dairy is lurking in their Christmasy goodness. The solution? Make your own tasty, allergy-friendly desserts.
Search online, and you’ll find tons of allergy and intolerance-friendly recipes. These recipes cut out gluten, nuts, or any other ingredient. Remember, you’re not the only one surviving Christmas with food intolerances. Plenty of other people face the same challenges – use the solution they come up with.
Mind Hidden Ingredients
The biggest problem people face is the sneaky ingredients – especially when it comes to homemade dishes. Who knows which dish contains gluten? Or when you’re going to bite into a chocolate only to discover a hazelnut inside?
From mid-November onwards, be extra cautious about what you consume. Always ask to see the ingredients list or packaging. Some risky foods are chocolates, cakes, puddings, and other desserts. Basically, anything sweet and delicious!
Substitutes Are Your Friend
Okay. So, if your food intolerance is gluten or nuts, are all Christmas foods essentially off-limits? Nope! You can always substitute ingredients or even entire dishes. You can find gluten-free mince pies, nut-free Christmas cakes, and much more during the holiday season.
You might have to look a little harder for these items. Specialist sections in supermarkets or online stores should be your focus. Keep a stock of these allergen-free alternatives to see you through Christmas.
And don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen! Swap out ingredients in traditional recipes to make them work for you without compromising on flavor. Your holiday spread can still be festive and delicious.
Eat Before You Go
If your food intolerances cause a crippling reaction, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Fill up beforehand if you’re not sure about the spread. That could mean eating a normal meal or just a snack. You won’t be hungry (or disappointed) if you arrive only to find nothing for you to eat.
Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy socializing and having festive fun without worrying about your stomach later. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in keeping your Christmas stress-free!
Focus on the Fun
Look: Christmas with food intolerances is stressful and challenging. But don’t let it get you down. It’s not all about the food. Enjoy the festivities, put your food intolerances at the back of your mind, and revel in the bits you join in with.
While it’s frustrating that you can’t just tuck in, it’s a fact of your life. There are still plenty of bits of Christmas you can enjoy. Whether it’s admiring the decoration, filling up on mulled wine, or wearing your best Christmas jumper, take the holidays in your stride – no one likes a Scrooge!
Take an Intolerance Test
Christmas is the worst time to discover you’ve got an intolerance for walnuts. If you suspect you’ve got an intolerance but you’re unsure what it is, you need to get tested.
Our Intolerance Test analyzes a small sample of blood for IgG4 antibodies. These occur in individuals with a food intolerance. The test detects antibodies for 63 different intolerances, providing a reliable way to diagnose your issues.
You’ll receive detailed results explaining the findings. It’s perfect for navigating Christmas with food intolerances. Book your test today and enjoy a worry-free holiday season!
