Christmas is a time to eat, drink, and be merry. At least, if you’ve not got a Christmas sensitivity to worry about. If you fall into this unfortunate group, every Christmas gathering is a nightmare to negotiate. “Can I eat this or that?” you wonder.
Whether you’re sensitive to alcohol or have coeliac disease, avoiding Christmas sensitivities can feel like you need to prep all year long. That’s not true! Armed with some sensible tips and tracks, you can safely enjoy the festive period without any uncomfortable symptoms.
Know Your Triggers
You can’t prevent a sensitivity reaction if you don’t know your triggers. Maybe you’ve noticed that you feel bloating or uncomfortable about a big glass of eggnog. Or something over the Christmas period triggers a rash.
Whatever the problem is, you want to dig down into your diet to identify the issue. Some common Christmas sensitivities include nuts, gluten, dairy, eggs, or alcohol.
Conducting an elimination diet of all these foods might sound like a lot of effort. There is a simple solution to narrow down the culprits: a sensitivity test. The Individual Ultimate Test, for example, analyses a hair sample for 975 sensitivities. It provides a comprehensive evaluation to guide your elimination diet.
Read Labels Carefully
The devil is in the details. Read the ingredients list carefully to look for any hidden allergens or sensitivities.
Always review the ingredients for processed or pre-packaged holiday foods. You might find some surprising ingredients lurking in Christmas cake, eggnog, and more. Keep a naughty list of items you can’t eat or drink to save time in future. You don’t want to have to check every item every time you go to eat it.
Bring Your Own Safe Dishes
You can’t always trust your host to prepare a safe Christmas sensitivity dish. If in doubt, rely on yourself. Bring along a safe Christmas dish to any gathering. It’s the best way to guarantee there’s something available for you to enjoy.
Just be careful – if it’s too good, everyone’s going to want to try it. Be clear that it’s there because you can’t eat the other items. It’s fine to share. However, everyone else can eat everything else; they’re not navigating a Christmas sensitivity.
Plan for Alcohol Alternatives
Some people have trouble metabolising alcohol. It causes them to feel light-headed, nauseous, or seriously ill. Even small amounts of alcohol can have negative effects.
If alcohol is a trigger, bring or request non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the celebrations. It’s not that straightforward, however. You can find alcohol in chocolates, Christmas cakes, and even mince pies during the holiday period. Once again, always check the ingredients list – who knows what’s going to contain a dash of brandy?
Watch Out For Gluten
Gluten is often hidden in traditional Christmas dishes like stuffing, pies, sauces, and festive treats such as Christmas cake and mince pies. Even if you’re unsure, always read labels and ask the host about ingredients. Gluten can also be present in unexpected items like crackers or certain cheeses.
To be safe, bring your own gluten-free alternatives to parties or gatherings. There are plenty of delicious gluten-free options for holiday favourites like stuffing and cake that everyone can enjoy. With a little planning, you can celebrate without worrying about gluten sensitivities.
Communicate Your Christmas Sensitivities
It’s up to you to communicate your Christmas sensitivities – your host isn’t a mind reader. That’s easier if you’re going to a restaurant. They’re used to catering to different dietary requirements. However, friends and family might not understand how serious your sensitivity is. You need to be clear about the potential risks and what you can and can’t eat.
Consider giving them a list of trigger foods or some recommendations for things that are safe. It’s best to be proactive to help out your host.
Be Mindful of Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination occurs when safe food comes into contact with a trigger food. That could be sharing the same oven or utensils. What would otherwise be safe suddenly becomes a hazard.
Ask your host to use separate utensils and to clean any surfaces thoroughly before preparing your dish. That’s also the case with restaurants – don’t be afraid to ask about their cross-contamination procedures.
Opt for Fresh, Whole Foods
You can’t be fooled if you restrict your diet to whole foods, like vegetables, fruits, and meats. These ingredients are unlikely to contain any hidden additives or allergens. In short, they’re safe for people with a Christmas sensitivity.
If you’re a culinary whizz, you might make your own versions of Christmas classics. Gluten-free mince pies, anyone? Or you can stick to some simple favourites. It might sound like an extra hassle, but it will save you from having a reaction. You can never be too careful!
