Parties and get-togethers are part of living in community. When we have a (or several) food allergies or sensitivities, life can quickly feel isolating. I know for us, parties are a scary. Brielle is still just 1 years old and will eat whatever anyone gives her or she find on the ground. Her reaction to gluten is violent and painful.

I have clients who are willing to be in pain for 3-5 days because they don’t want to feel left out, weren’t prepared and/or were starving. It always breaks my heart because it doesn’t have to be this way.

Whether we are gluten free, dairy free, corn free, soy free, a combination of or have some other food allergy or sensitivity, we can still party without contaminating ourselves. I have 6 tips to help you party without deprivation and pain.

1. Approach The Host. If you feel comfortable approaching them before the party, let them know that you can’t have xyz. They do not have to accommodate you, but you just want to know what types of food and drinks will be there. This will let you know what to expect and how to prepare. Those of us with food sensitivities have to always be prepared.
2. Bring Your Own Dish (or Two). It is essential that you have food you know is safe. It is also a great idea to show others that gluten free (or other food sensitivities/eating lifestyles) are not boring, lacking or depriving. The host will hopefully appreciate the help in feeding everyone as well. Win-win.
3. Bring small containers of your dishes for you. It is pretty much guaranteed that cross contamination is going to happen. Someone will use a spoon that was in another dish, or their own utensil that touched something containing gluten. It truly is better to be safe than sorry. At the same time you are still eating some of the same things as everyone else, so there’s less separation. You might want to take it a step farther and bring a few paper plates and plastic utensils just in case they don’t have any.
4. Digestive Enzymes. It is a good idea to take digestive enzymes before going. If you do get contaminated, then at least there are enzymes there to help break it down faster. Therefore, you suffer for a shorter duration.
5. BYOB– If there is going to be alcohol, bring bottles of stuff you know are safe for you.
6. Birthday Parties- I always have gluten free cupcakes in the freezer so that when we go to the oh so many birthday parties kids have, Brielle and I never are left out. I also bring my own crackers, lunch meat and fruit as well. Just in case there isn’t any safe food to munch on.

With planning ahead and having safe foods on hand, parties can stay fun. That’s exactly how they should be!

To learn how to go 100% gluten free and still live the life you want, take my 12 day Thrive Gluten Free online course! Learn more about this amazing course here. 

Pictures from:

http://cassandjohansing.com/safety-makes-your-summer-party-memorable%E2%80%94in-right-way
http://skatedenham.com/party-packages/
http://www.easywineclub.co.uk/wine-parties/
http://luckygirlgifts.blogspot.com/2009_04_01_archive.html