Chances are, people who are planning to entertain during the holiday season want everybody to have a good time and to be chewing on something tastier than just their fingernails.
If accommodations aren’t made for the dietary needs of people with celiac disease, that’s what could very well end up happening.
Laurie MacLeod-Stephen can help.
The Nanoose Bay resident has just published Simply Celiac, a book dedicated to gluten and wheat-free living.
A dietician and a celiac herself, MacLeod-Stephen said Christmas parties can be problematic for those suffering from an intolerance to wheat products.
“As a celiac, finding something to eat at Christmas parties can be a challenge,” she said. “For those putting on the party, whether its at the office or just kids and folks coming in for Christmas dinner, you just don’t know what to make for food.”
However, she said it doesn’t have to be a big source of stress.
“Things I would put out would be rice crackers with some cheeses and a fruit assortment,” she said. “I would buy some chips and make sure to look at the chip ingredients to make sure there is no wheat in them. Also, make sure there’s no malt in them, as that’s made from barley, which is also a problem.”
That’s the key, she said. Check the ingredients and then make sure anything that is gluten-free is labeled as such, so there is no chance of confusion.
Simply Celiac is available at the Medicine Centre in Qualicum Beach and Nanoose Bay as well as at the Parksville Pharmasave and the Silly Yak Bakery in Qualicum Beach.