Navigating Christmas with food sensitivities...

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” —Virginia Woolf

Food is such an integral part of Christmas and it also makes up our memories, recipes handed down through generations are treasured by all and of course putting that carrot out for the reindeer along with mince pies and milk for Santa (or Santa's favourite tipple!) is part of those traditions too. 

But... what if we suddenly have a different diet and we are having to navigate food and even worse food at someone else's house when we have food allergies and sensitivities? If sensitivities are mild and they don't really cause many symptoms then a day of throwing caution to the wind is really not going to matter but if you know that eating certain foods is going to be disastrous and you're going to invite an IBS attack or severe migraine or indeed a flare of any chronic condition  then you will be eager to maintain some control over what you eat. We are all different and we have to decide what's right for us in these situations or what we are willing to tolerate. For myself and other members of my family it isn't a choice. My husband is coeliac and my response to gluten is worse than his so we don't go anywhere near it. In some ways this makes it easier as the decision is made and you just get used to living life this way and become quite skilled at knowing how and where to eat. So, I'm going to share some tips focussed around the  Christmas dinner and seasonal favourites, where to shop as well as well as tips on managing social situations. I will also make the focus on gluten and dairy free to make it easier. 

1. I love cooking so for me taking over, even when I am visiting family makes life easier as I know what we can and can't have and I make a sumptuous feast for all. Regarding Christmas dinner, most of it is GF anyway. There is no gluten in meat or veggies. The issue comes in gravies, stuffing and sausages which are easily adapted. Gravy can be made with cornflour or a GF gravy mix. Sausages can easily be switched to GF from most butchers and supermarkets  nowadays and M&S have the widest range of GF sausages, sausage meat, stuffing and ready made gravies so you really can enjoy your usual seasonal favourites hassle free. There is a recipe for GF stuffing here. 
2. Christmas puddings can be bought GF anywhere now along with mince pies. If you haven't bought yours yet there is still time to have a go with this recipe we've used for years. If you have a look in the free from section you will find options for custard and cream. There are recipes for dairy free custard online and my tip would be to reduce the sugar in any recipe you choose as they are usually super sweet. Oatly is a brand that do a variety of dairy free creams, including pouring cream and creme fraiche along with custard. My favourite brand Coconut collaborative do double cream, creme fraiche and custard. 
3. If you are catering for a buffet, you will need to check crisps and other savoury snacks. You can buy various GF savouries such as sausage rolls or make your own. GF pastry can be tricky and from experience I would go for recipes that include an egg. Easy foods that will suit a mixture of preferences  are cold meats, poached salmon, dips such as hummus, guacamole or salsa with a large tray of crudites or how about a lovely big homemade coleslaw with cabbage, onion and carrot and a simple mayo with some added olive oil and a dash of apple cider vinegar to cut through the richness of the mayo. There are also a range of dairy free cheeses including cream cheeses from Sainsbury's and Tesco as well as brand such as Violife and cathedral cheddar. You can even buy a dairy free camembert these days! 
4. If you are going to someone else's buffet and you don't know what they are offering, why not offer to contribute a couple of things you like. They don't even need to know it's GF or DF as at the end of the day food is food! Nobody will know the difference. If you are not able to contribute my biggest tip is eat before you go! That's what we always do and then we know if all we can have is a few crisps and dips with veg sticks and cold meats we won't starve. You could also easily take with you a pack of GF oatcakes (easily handbag or pocket size)  as these make a lovely accompaniment for anything. Olives make a great snack too and will help keep your blood sugar stable. Fruits and nuts also often adorn the Christmas buffet table so you can always snack on these. 
5. And finally the subject of alcohol.  Cider, wine, sherry, spirits, port and liqueurs are gluten free. You will find a range of GF beers and lagers in bars and supermarkets now. But if you are avoiding alcohol altogether and wondering how to tackle this one in social situations especially if your friendship group or family pressure you to have a drink then you need to come up with a plan which works for you. People avoid alcohol for many reasons and it would be so much easier if others accepted this. Ok, so what you can do is firstly just tell the truth and say you have given it up or are taking a break. You are not obliged to give your reasons unless you want to. If you prefer to not tell the truth you could try saying you've had a funny tummy or have a headache or your hot flushes won't handle it well!  If you are the host you can ensure that alcohol free punch, warmed alcohol free mulled wine with lots of spices and fruits to make attractive, or try some mocktails in pretty festive glasses.  If you have family members who really aren't nice to be with when they've had a few drinks, why not mix up the proceedings with some cups of tea or coffee. Offer up your non alcoholic  drinks just calling them 'punch' etc and if you find they like something keep dishing it out to avoid the other stuff. 
6. Not all farms add gluten to their sausages and burgers etc so have a look at Organic farm Gazegill for ideas. 
7. Last but not least, ask for help. If you're not sure about something ask. Ask us. Ask the shop assistants when you're out and about. Never assume something isn't available just because you have never had it before and haven't seen it. Always ask the staff and if they can't find it they should be happy to do a search for you and find something suitable.  Also tap into local health stores who will always have a range of allergen free foods and can easily check their suppliers for something you are looking for. 

Well that's just a few easy tips to help get you through the festivities without too much stress. When it comes to food, the most important thing for all of us is to enter into a meal stress free and with a sprit of thankfulness. Food is a blessing and is meant to be enjoyed. 

Have a wonderful Christmas wherever you are reading this and all the best for the new year!

​Bon appetit!! xx