This is for the people who have to be careful with what they eat.
If someone has an allergy- be mindful, be respectful, and please do not doubt them when they share their needs. I will say that I truly believe that if you have a sensitivity and not a true allergy most sensitivities can improve or fully heal over time, but it depends on where a person’s overall health is.
I used to strictly avoid multiple food groups, but now the only food I have to strictly avoid is gluten where even a trace amount of gluten can give me pretty significant symptoms and take weeks to months to stop feeling the effects from. But I can also eat foods that I used to avoid. I’ve heard people say “Well you don’t have celiac so won’t you just get a stomach ache?” No, I won’t just get a stomach ache. And even if I DID, it is still 100% reasonable to NOT want a stomach ache.
There are many other sensitivities that people may have that will affect them for a few hours after eating, or maybe a few days, and then resolve. Either way, be respectful of those who are choosing their health. For some people, that “one meal” has longer-standing consequences than the average person.
Allow people to choose for themselves what they will eat or avoid. I find that we are quick to judge those who avoid certain foods because we assume they are just “obsessed” with their health and label them as “orthorexic”. After all, it’s easier to put that label on someone than to choose empathy and try to understand how foods impact that person’s health. Just because a person avoids a food group doesn’t mean they are being too strict.
Please just be kind to everyone this Thanksgiving around food, whether you agree, disagree, understand, or don't understand. Respect everyone's needs and how each person chooses health for how they see fit.
Here are my top 6 tips for navigating the holidays with food allergies and sensitivities:
1. Be upfront with your needs
I used to not want to share all of my dietary restrictions because I didn't want to be a bother. But now I know it's something I need to do in order to keep myself well, so I am upfront with others about what my needs are.
2. Consider bringing your own meals
If you have to be careful with cross-contamination, sometimes it is easier to just bring your meals. It can be difficult for others to remember your allergies and sensitivities, and sometimes cross-contamination of foods can cause autoimmune flare-ups (and allergic reactions for allergies). I find that I should bring my meal in Tupperware that I know was made in a safe kitchen and is free from contamination! It can be difficult for others to truly understand the consequences of cross-contamination, but we also shouldn't expect people to remember every detail of our dietary needs if they aren't the person who regularly prepares our food. If they insist that they make food for you, kindly explain that you need to bring your own but you appreciate the gesture.
3. Have a backup plan
My backup plan usually looks like having extra easy snacks in my bag. This way, if something goes wrong with my meal, I don't go hungry since it's already unlikely I can eat the food at the event.
4. Keep your boundaries
Remind yourself that you aren't a burden, selfish, or "high maintenance" for having unique dietary needs.
5. Bring your own dish to share
Although I bring my meals due to my needs, I also bring one or two dishes that meet my dietary restrictions that I can share with others. Unfortunately, since it's being shared, there is a big likelihood that these will get cross-contaminated, so I make sure to kindly let everyone know that I need to be the first person to make my plate before there's a chance for it to get cross-contaminated.
5. Everyone's needs are different
Not all allergies and sensitivities are the same. Some people can't be in the same room as their allergy. Allergies and sensitivities are different, but some sensitivities have to be treated as allergies. Just because a sensitivity isn't life or deather upon exposure doesn't mean the person should be exposed and it doesnnt mean that it won't cause long-term damage.
6. Watch for cross-contamination
For people with celiac diseas and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, eating even a crumb (even one that's invisiable to the eye) is enough to cause severe pain and damage. Glutenn damages celiacs and those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity but the way that it causes damage is a bit different. For both groups, eating gluten can cause symptoms like severe inflammation, extremely painful bloating, constipation, diarrhea, muscle and joint pain, brain fog, anxiety, nerve damage, and more. It can take the intenstines months to heal.
This season, let's prioritize understanding and respect, creating a joyful experience for everyone.
Here's how Functional Flow Wellness can help:
Personalized Coaching: Work with our certified coaches to craft a customized plan for managing your sensitivities and thriving throughout the holidays.
Stress Management Techniques: Learn to navigate challenging situations with confidence and maintain your well-being during social gatherings.
Recipe Development: Discover delicious, nourishing dishes that satisfy your taste buds while adhering to your dietary needs.
Community Support: Join a supportive network of individuals facing similar challenges, fostering empathy and sharing valuable experiences.
Together, let's make this holiday season one of inclusion and understanding. Work with us at Functional Flow Wellness today and unlock a more joyful, and less stressful holiday experience when it comes to food!
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