Don’t blink.

I did and now we’re less than two weeks away from Thanksgiving.

The next thing you know, you’ll be pulling out your Holiday attire & toasting to the new year. This gives me anxiety.  Breathe.

With the holiday’s just around the corner, a few people have asked me to share some tips for eating out on a gluten-free diet. This has been my life for over a year now and thankfully there are great resources such as Triumph Dining who offers various guides [restaurant, grocery, etc.] to help make gluten-free easy and accessible. Want one?? Keep reading!

Here are a few tips, which I live by that will help get you through the Holiday parties & events. . .

Call ahead. Let the host/hostess know what your allergies are.  Be prepared to give them suggestions on what you can and cannot eat. You can always offer too bring something. A bottle of wine, flowers of something like THIS are always nice hostess [thank you for having me] gift.

Offer to bring something [that you can eat]. Veggie plate or these quinoa stuffed cucumbers, soup,  side dish, etc. – something you’re comfortable making [or picking up].

If it’s pizza night, you can bring gluten-free pizza crust & prepare it there [if it's that kind of pizza party] or just pick up a frozen pizza & *bake there.  We keep both options in the freezer as back up.

*careful with cross contamination

Avoid showing up on an empty stomach. Eat an apple or something light before you leave. If you didn’t do the first two bullet points and you’re not certain there will be anything for you to eat, then eat more beforehand and pack something light, just in case.

Back up plan. Keep a few bars, trail mix, packet of peanut butter,  fruit, juice, etc. either in your handbag or the car.

Drink water. It’s important you’re drinking a lot of water throughout the day and evening. If you’re hunger pains start to kick in at the event and there isn’t anything to eat, keep drinking water.  If you’re not a big water drinker, adds lemon &/or cucumber. Trust me, it’s delicious. I call it “spa water” since that’s where it’s usually offered.  This is also a great option when entertaining at home.

In addition to all that, Kelley’s recent question [via 30 Day Challenge] was looking for advice when ordering off the dinner menu while trying to lose or maintain  an ideal weight

Good news, you can STILL eat out while you’re on a weight loss plan.

1. Don’t arrive on an empty stomach. That doesn’t mean you should eat an entire meal, just something small to hold you over.
2. Drink lots of water!
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want &/or if you have allergies, SPEAK UP!
4. Avoid meals that say, “fried”, “breaded”, “served in cream sauce”, etc. and LOOK FOR steamed or broiled.
5. Family Style.  Dish small portions on your plate  try and stay away from the “avoided” foods listed above.
6. Start with soup or salad. Look for options loaded with veggie [soups - avoid cream base, cheese, & if possible, no bread].  Ask for dressing & the cheese on the side.
7. Substitute vegetables or baked potatoes for french fried.
8. If you want the chocolate chip cookie, then skip the carb/starches at dinner.
9. Eat slow, savor each bite, and taste all the flavors.
10. It’s OKAY to not to make the clean plate club like you did when you were a kid!

If you have any tips/advice for eating out, please share!

GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED

The lovely folks over at Triumph Dining sent me an extra Gluten-free Grocery Guide which I’m giving away to one lucky winner!

All you have to do is leave a comment telling me what your favorite gluten-free product OR meal is. Yep, that’s it!

Bonus is you. .  .

1. Follow With Style and Grace on Twitter & Facebook and leave a second comment.

2. Follow Triumph Dining on Twitter & Facebook and leave a third comment.

Giveaway ends Sunday, Nov.13

Eligible to US residents only

WINNER #13. . .

Click here for more information or to sign up!

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