Eating gluten free is never easy, EVER. Being gluten free during the holiday season is even more difficult. Sitting around the table watching those around you dig into foods you are unable to eat can definitely ruin your Thanksgiving. However, I have some tips for those fellow celiacs who need some advice on surviving this Thanksgiving.

1. Keeping it cheap

Gluten free foods are almost never cheap, which can be overly frustrating. However, most people assume that you have to go to some supermarket that only sells overly priced vegan/organic foods. This is absolutely not true! All local supermarkets have at least one gluten free aisle and during the holiday season, they are crammed with ingredients you will need to complete your Thanksgiving meal! Supermarkets like Shoprite, Acme, Walmart and even Weggman’s have tons of options. If you prefer gourmet stores, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s might be more for you but beware they are much more expensive.

2. Replacing Traditional Foods

When it comes to the actual food, Thanksgiving is not that difficult to make gluten free. Out of the traditional dishes, turkey, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce are already. Stuffing, gravy and desserts are another story. However, this can also be extremely simple! For stuffing, you

can go about making it normally, just use gluten free bread. When it comes to gravy, corn starch will be your best friend. Corn starch is the perfect replacement for wheat flour. Instead of using regular flour in your gravy to thicken it, replace it with corn starch and you are good to go! Supermarkets also sell gluten free gravy during the holiday season, but personally I believe corn starch is the easier and more efficient method.

3. Desserts

Desserts are always a struggle for those who need to eat gluten free. Normal pies, cakes and other traditional desserts always contain gluten. Whether it be the pie crust, or wheat flour, it’s baked right into it. My tip for you is to choose recipes you find online and try them all! You can always replace wheat flour with all-purpose gluten free flour in your average cake and replace pie crust with a gluten free one. There are so many gluten free recipes online for all types of desserts, so try some new ones! Thanksgiving is for feasting, don’t let the opportunity slip!

4. Do not feel like a burden

Remember this holiday season, your needs are important. I have struggled with this for a while now but you must remember its your holiday too! You should be able to eat the food you want. Don’t feel bad for asking for it! Cook up whatever your heart desires and don’t feel bad having to replace certain ingredients/foods. Your family wants you to enjoy your holiday and would do anything to make you happy. Do not feel bad for making them take an extra step, they are happy to do it!

5. No jealousy!

This can be the most difficult tip to follow, especially if you have a large dinner with tons of food because most likely, there will be things you can’t eat. Whether someone brings an entree or a dessert you can’t eat, do not let yourself be upset! It can be hard but it is not worthy enough to ruin your holiday. Bring as much food as you want to make your Thanksgiving a great one and don’t let those around you get in the way of that.

Having Celiac or a gluten allergy can make this holiday a little tricky, but it is definitely doable. Thanksgiving is a holiday to spend with family, friends and great food. A food restriction should never change that.