Ok so, I apparently have a gluten sensitivity, and this is hard to relatives and other people to understand. I wasn't tested and officially diagnosed by a doctor, but I do notice that when I eat wheat products, my symptoms are worse. When I avoid them, I'm 10-20% better, and that's enough for me. I always feel uncomfortable eating at other people's homes. They just look at me like I'm from another planet. It's even worse being in an Italian family where everything is about the bread and pasta. So my question is, for those with food allergies, how do you handle eating at other people's homes? I am thinking about bringing my own rice pasta for Christmas Eve for the big celebration....plenty enough to share, for those who want to try. Maybe even some Gluten Free bread.
Food allergies and eating at other people's homes...
11/22/2012
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I don't have allergies, but I don't eat meat. I've gone so long not eating meat that my body no longer produces the proper enzymes to break it down, so I'll get really ill if I eat it. Not the same as an allergy, but I'm careful about where I eat.
We have Thanksgiving at my mom's and she buys me a Field Roast (fake meat) for my main dish. Then she makes the stuffing veggie friendly and other veggie friendly sides for me.
When I go to people's houses I honestly usually eat before. 90% of the time there won't be anything I can eat and I don't like to starve out. It's especially difficult because I don't eat anything with chicken broth, cooked with meat, or if it's been on the same plate as meat. People look at me like I'm from another planet too, especially living in the south.
So I just eat before and if there happens to be food for me to eat there then I'll nibble a bit. I usually just say "oh, I'm a vegetarian. I'll pass, but thank you!" which seems to go over okay. My family is Italian too, so I usually get things offered, like, ten times before they take a "no," but eventually stops. lol
I've tried bringing vegetarian/vegan options, but 9 times out of 10 the only person that will try it is my mom. Everyone else goes "oh thanks!" and then eats everything but the veggie stuff. You can try it if you want, but it's not gone over well in my experience.
We have Thanksgiving at my mom's and she buys me a Field Roast (fake meat) for my main dish. Then she makes the stuffing veggie friendly and other veggie friendly sides for me.
When I go to people's houses I honestly usually eat before. 90% of the time there won't be anything I can eat and I don't like to starve out. It's especially difficult because I don't eat anything with chicken broth, cooked with meat, or if it's been on the same plate as meat. People look at me like I'm from another planet too, especially living in the south.
So I just eat before and if there happens to be food for me to eat there then I'll nibble a bit. I usually just say "oh, I'm a vegetarian. I'll pass, but thank you!" which seems to go over okay. My family is Italian too, so I usually get things offered, like, ten times before they take a "no," but eventually stops. lol
I've tried bringing vegetarian/vegan options, but 9 times out of 10 the only person that will try it is my mom. Everyone else goes "oh thanks!" and then eats everything but the veggie stuff. You can try it if you want, but it's not gone over well in my experience.
11/22/2012
I am allergic to mushrooms--seriously, my stomach bloats out to the size of a 9 months pregnant woman within 30 minutes and I get very ill. I have explained to others but they look at the situation as if I just do not like them and there is no health issue. A lot of time, unless it is something they can see--people will often disregard or ignore your warnings out of ignorance not maliciousness.
You could try bringing a dish or two and see how it goes over--at least you know you will have 'safe' food to eat.
You could try bringing a dish or two and see how it goes over--at least you know you will have 'safe' food to eat.
11/23/2012
I'm lactose sensitive and I can't properly digest sugar alcohols. They're not as common or hard to avoid as meat or gluten, so I generally don't have too much of a problem eating at other people's homes. I can tolerate some dairy so unless they serve me a glass of milk or ice cream, I'll eat a small amount of it. Sugar alcohols are often only in processed sugar-free foods so it's not something I'd be served at a friends house.
11/23/2012
I have several issues with food, so we don't often accept invitations to dinner at other peoples' houses any more. Instead, we try to be the hosts whenever possible. When it's impossible to bow out politely from an invite though, I always eat just a little something before we go. Then if there's something I can have at the dinner, I'm not entirely full and can go ahead and eat. If not then at least I've had something to tide me over until I can get home.
~M
~M
11/23/2012
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Unique posters: 5