If you’re one of the millions of Americans managing a gluten sensitivity, you may wonder how you’re going to savor the flavors and food delights of the holiday season.
Maintaining a gluten-free diet requires a disciplined routine of food ingredients. As you become more social during the holiday season, sticking to a a gluten-free diet becomes more difficult. Dishes of delicious foods, appetizers, desserts and more full of wheat ingredients stand in your way of full enjoyment of the festivities. You may take heart in knowing that that you’re not alone.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) and University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center estimates that between 5 and 10 percent of all people suffer from a gluten sensitivity of some form. Furthermore, research showed that 1 out of 3 Americans have celiac disease, the most severe type of gluten intolerance. That’s about 3 million people, a low number given that the NIH estimates another 97 percent of Americans are still undiagnosed with celiac.
Not sure if you have gluten intolerance? Diagnosis can be a simple blood test away. If you’ve been feeling sluggish or extra tired lately, it might not just be holiday stress. Be sure to check for other common conditions as well, such as glucose intolerance, an indicator for diabetes. Order a blood glucose meter at an online medical supply outlet like Mountainside Medical Supplies and take control of your health.
How can you enjoy this special time of year when you can’t eat your favorite things? Have less fear, it’s entirely possible! Just because you eat gluten-free foods, doesn’t mean you can’t have traditional holiday fare. Here’s how to keep your December days chock full of the food you love, with just a few gluten-free twists. Enjoy the season!
Appetizers
Festive Tomatoes & Mozzarella: Take 20 halved grape tomatoes, 20 fresh basil leaves, and 20 fresh mozzarella balls. Put one each on a toothpick, layering each item so they look like mini trees. Pour 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Not only is this dish healthy and gluten-free, it looks like Christmas!
Marinated Greek Feta: Take a block of feta cheese, cut it into one-inch cubes and place them in a shallow dish. Combine 1 1/2 cups of olive oil, 1/4 cup of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano and one bay leaf in a separate container, and pour over the feta. Refrigerate overnight. For your holiday appetizer platter, add kalamata olives, Italian meats (check the seasonings and fillers first) and serve with gluten-free crackers.
Read More: Debbie Anderson, hivehealthmedia.com
