Here's how I handle it!
With the holidays comes the joy of gathering, sharing food, and reconnecting. These days, though, many of us show up to the table with our own personal menu of dietary needs—gluten-free, vegan, sugar-free, keto, paleo, nut-avoidant, carb-careful, and of course the classic “I’m-fine-but-my-stomach-disagrees.” It’s become a natural part of modern life.
I'll share with you that I'm often asked how I select what to eat at holiday meals without feeling like becoming the star of the dinner show because of what I can or can’t eat?
Here's the reality. None of us want to be the person who innocently asks, “Oh, is this gluten-free?” and suddenly the entire table is staring at them.
Personally I try to keep it simple and gracious. My diet is relatively healthy and seldom have things like bread and food with processed sugar, but for the ceremonial aspect of Thanksgiving, I make room for most foods and enjoy them without commentary. Yes, I’m vegetarian, so I skip the turkey, but otherwise I focus on appreciating what is on my plate rather than highlighting what isn’t. After all, there’s nothing cool about being a wet blanket.
If you’re hosting, you may also be wondering how to support guests with special dietary needs. Good news: it doesn’t have to be complicated. Offering a couple of basic options or simply asking ahead of time goes a long way. You don’t need to prepare a five-course allergen-free tasting menu… unless you want to, in which case, bless your ambitious soul. And if you’re the one with many sensitivities, maybe avoid showing up hungry to a party hosted by in-laws.
If you end up enjoying foods you don’t usually eat, a few days of nourishing meals afterward, like antioxidant-rich fruits such as blueberries can help you feel back in balance. Your body will forgive you; Thanksgiving calories operate under their own unique laws.
So that’s my perspective. And now you know me a little better. I hope these reflections are helpful as you head into the holidays.
Wishing you a warm, meaningful Thanksgiving!
Billy