SANS GLUTEN NOVEMBER Gluten Free Thanksgiving Tips

By: Christina McGairk

Another one of my favorite holidays is Thanksgiving. I love it when we get together with family and give thanks for all our many blessings. This joyous holiday also centers around food; the golden-brown turkey, the fluffy dressing, delicious casseroles, and yummy desserts. But for those who have gluten sensitivity, it can be a stressful time and their options may be limited. Yet, it doesn’t have to be.

Here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way in my daughter TiTi’s gluten-free journey.

2) It’s All Gravy...or is It? Where there is gravy, there is a thickener in the mix. To assure it’s gluten-free, make sure you or the host uses corn starch, which is naturally gluten-free. Also, beware of premade gravies. If you look closely at the label more than likely you’ll see wheat or barley as one of the ingredients. This can be quite troublesome to those who have a gluten allergy.

3) Push the Gluten to The Side Sweet potato and green bean casserole are among the most popular side dishes on the Thanksgiving table. But as with everything else, check the label on items like fried onions and cream of mushroom soup. There are actually gluten-free cream-based soups on the market. Stay clear of the gluten by checking them out in your local grocery store. There are also other side options such as cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and salads that are less likely to be filled with gluten.

4) Not All Crusts are Created Equal Decadent pies such as apple, pumpkin, or pecan are usually the showstoppers of the Thanksgiving Day feast. The pie filling is gluten-free for the most part. Just be sure to double-check the label. The crusts, on the other hand, are usually made from wheat flour or a derivative of it. It’s best to either find gluten-free graham cracker crusts

(YES, they do exist!) or choose a crustless dessert instead.

5) Above All Else, ASK QUESTIONS! I can’t stress this point enough. There have been many times that I scoped out a restaurant’s gluten-free options online or called them directly before making a final dining choice for my daughter and me. 1.) How is the food prepared? 2.) What ingredients were used? 3.) Was the food prepared in a dedicated gluten-free area? Those are the kinds of questions to ask if you’re eating out for Thanksgiving dinner or going to a family member’s house. Even better, bring a turkey day gluten-free dish that everyone can enjoy.

As you can see, there’s no need to fret or feel left out while eating gluten-free during the holidays. Just some extra preparation, label reading, and questioning are all that’s needed. HAPPY EATING!

***Disclaimer: I’m not a nutritionist or a doctor. I’m just a loving Mama supporting her daughter and others through their gluten-free journey. If you have questions about the gluten-free diet or celiac disease, please contact your medical professional. Thank you.***

If you would like to share gluten-free tips, tricks, info, etc. in an upcoming issue of Special Needs Living, email us at SpecialNeedsLivingIndy@n2pub.com.

November 2021 • Special Needs Living 43