Turkey, but Hold the Anxiety: How to Handle Holiday Meals With Celiac Disease and Type 1 Diabetes

Living With Food Restrictions From Childhood

When I was seven, I was diagnosed as a Type 1 Diabetic. There was a steep learning curve, but I had been sick for a long time with no answers, and there was a relief that came with my new disease. My parents removed all sugary items from the house and began carefully measuring my meals to determine the exact carbohydrates to match my insulin needs. My mom also stocked up on sugar-free treats, but anyone who has too many sugar-free gummy bears can tell you, they can have scary GI ramifications.

A Second Diagnosis That Changed Everything

Fast forward to Christmas Eve 2018, when I received an email from my doctor that read: Your test results show that you have Celiac Disease. You need to stop eating gluten. We will talk at your appointment in a couple of days.

I was in disbelief. Another food disease? I quickly learned that Celiac came with an entirely different level of restrictions. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “A gluten-free diet is the only treatment if you’ve been diagnosed with Celiac disease. You’ll have to avoid gluten for the rest of your life. Even the slightest amount will trigger an immune system reaction that can damage your small intestine. Eating a gluten-free diet requires a new approach to food.”

Learn more about navigating life with an invisible chronic illness.

Navigating Well-Meaning Friends and Family

I have amazing friends and family who offer to tweak meals for me, but the number of things that go into creating celiac-safe, gluten-free food is numerous. I began telling people straight out, “Please do not make anything for me; I will bring my own food.” This eliminated any burden on them and any guilt I might have for declining food that was prepared with me in mind, but might still make me sick.

Turns out, it’s pretty hard to create a mobile Thanksgiving feast for one. So, for the last several years, I’ve hosted Thanksgiving. This way, I can protect myself and make a meal that everyone can enjoy. I am so thankful for the abundance of resources and ingredients that are available to me in Portland. I am not joking when I tell you people actually vacation here to enjoy our gluten-free offerings!

My health has taken me on a unique journey, but I believe the lessons I’ve learned can apply to many.

What Chronic Food Illness Has Taught Me

• Set clear expectations
  I let people know my eating plan: I’m bringing my own, I will not be eating sugar tonight, because I had a treat earlier, etc.
• Create options for yourself that don’t leave you feeling deprived/left out
  I create safe versions of what others are eating, or I only have a manageable amount of sugar.
• Offer alternatives that suit your needs
  I host events or suggest venues that can accommodate my dietary needs.

I am not going to sugarcoat it (pun intended), advocating for yourself is scary. But only you can set the standard for how you should be treated. If you prioritize your needs, it will be easier for those around you to do so, too.

About the author:

LeAnn Gentry is a guest blogger discussing her struggles managing autoimmune food limitations, especially during the holidays.