Surviving a FODMAP Friendly Thanksgiving or any other dinner engagement. A guide to making better choices.

Surviving a FODMAP Friendly Thanksgiving or any other dinner engagement. A guide to making better choices.

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This year I am thankful for my great medical professionals team and the FODMAP friendly diet. Remember it is always important to check with your doctor and dietitian if you are ever unsure.

So what can I eat I asked myself? It is not my turn to make Thanksgiving. I find that if I am eating at someone else’s house I try to make something that I can eat. Usually, the host is very pleased that you even brought something. (If you are going to a host that cooks mostly from scratch I say make a gluten free FODMAP friendly dessert or an appetizer.) It is kind of like bringing a bottle of wine to a dinner party only you are bringing FODMAP friendly food. Think of it this way. This diet is so new the majority of the people you speak with have not heard of it. For an overview of what FODMAP means check out my blog post here called “First Off, what ta heck is FODMAP?”

Don’t be afraid to tell your host you are on a special diet for health reasons. Why? #1 they may try to accommodate you, although mostly I find their efforts do not matter how good their intentions are don’t quit work out. #2 they realize you have a dietary restriction and will understand when you don’t eat their food. Generally, speaking that is.

So generally speaking this is what you can eat? If you are unsure check to see how it is made. Hint: eat a snack before you go so you won’t be as hungry.

Turkey Gravy only if made with Gluten Free Flour (easy recipe link attached to this blog)

Stuffing is a no, no because of the bread and onions.

Mashed Potato – use lactose free milk/cream or take at lactose pill.

Sweet Potatoes or Yams depending on how they are made.

Carrots

Squash

Peas

Green Beans – not the casserole

Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread

Homemade cranberry sauce using a FODMAP friendly sweetener

Most Jello Molds - exclude the onions

So as you can see your options are not as limited as long as it is a homemade traditional Thanksgiving dinner. You will survive even if you don't eat much for one day you can enjoy some good company. Honesty and being upfront are your best weapons on surviving dinner. 

Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I will report back and let everyone know how my Thanksgiving went. 

For an easy homemade gluten free FODMAP friendly gravy visit this site. http://glutenfreegirl.com/ Instead of using the turkey or chicken broth make sure you use the juices from the pan of the cooked turkey. Most turkeys now have an added solution added to them so check the ingredients carefully. Try to get an all-natural turkey. Another hint to be prepared is to cook and boil up a turkey/chicken ahead of time and freeze the broth in 2 cup portions so you are already to go.