How to Have a Healthy Gluten Free Christmas While Staying Gluten Free! Food Online Australia

04 Dec ,2024

How to Have a Healthy Gluten Free Christmas While Staying Gluten Free!

The holiday season can be challenging but also delicious for gluten-free eaters! Here are some tips to maintain healthy gluten-free eating while enjoying Christmas festivities:

1. Plan Ahead

Host with Confidence: Stock Up on Gluten-Free Staples for Your Next Gathering.
If you are a guest, let your host know about your dietary requirements ahead of time - preparation is key!

2. Avoid Cross-Contamination

Shop Separately for Utensils and Cookware - Enhance Your Gluten-Free Cooking Experience!
Label 'gluten free' serving utensils in order to distinguish them from regular ones.
Ask your host how food is prepared. Does it share the same equipment as regular food?

3. Emphasize Whole Foods

Healthy Carbohydrates: Use gluten-free whole grains like brown rice, buckwheat, quinoa, quinoa to make healthy, hearty and nutritious sides like stuffings, salads and toppings.

Fresh Ingredients: Incorporate fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts, legumes and lean proteins; all of which are naturally gluten free (unless otherwise specified on packaging)

Minimise consumption of packaged and processed snack foods like biscuits, cakes, pastries and confectionary, as these are low in fibre and protein, and high in salt, sugar, saturated fats and energy.

4. Indulge Consciously

Portion Control: Choose indulgent items in moderation to balance your overall dietary intake.
Gluten-Free Sweets & Desserts: Enjoy treats like gluten free flour-based cakes or flourless chocolate cake, baked fruit like compote and pavlova. Research some pre-made gluten-free baking mixes for pies or cakes if time is tight.
Have gluten free baking mixes up your sleeve! - If time is tight, choose gluten free baking mixes for rest-assurance. Scroll down to the end of this blog, or tap HERE for some excellent options!

5. Stay Hydrated

Non-Alcoholic Beverages Options: Consume diet carbonated drinks in place of full-sugar alternatives. Try infusing water with fruits like lemon, lime or herbs like mint, for festive, healthy hydration.
Festive Beverages: Many alcoholic drinks, like wine and gluten-free beers, are Coeliac safe. Be weary of malted drinks or beer-based cocktails.

6. Maintain Balance

Practice Mindful Eating: Eat slowly and enjoy your food to avoid overindulgence and over-filling, which can cause a series of undesirable gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, belching and pain.
Snack Wisely: Keep gluten-free nuts, fruit and crackers handy for when hunger strikes at gatherings.

Gluten Free Recipe Suggestions:

Christmas Cookies: Gingerbread mix, Almond or coconut flour make great bases for cookies.
Gluten-Free Stuffing: Use wild rice, croutons or gluten-free bread.
Grain Bowls: Combine roasted vegetables like red capsicum, sweet potato, eggplant, red onions with quinoa, feta and pomegranate seeds for a festive and colorful dish.

By planning ahead and incorporating these tips, you can enjoy a delicious, nutritious and healthy, anxiety-free Christmas enjoyed spent with friends and family - as it should be!