Being a Gluten-Free House Guest

​It's never easy to stay in someone else's home. You're in unfamiliar surroundings, you feel you need to honor their routines and rhythms even if they're different from your own. It all creates that slight bit of tension and awkwardness.

But being a gluten-free house guest adds an entirely new set of fears and worries into the mix. How will you avoid the potential cross-contamination mine field and navigate a kitchen that is not your own? Here are some easy tips to plan ahead and make your visit easy-peasy (at least regarding your gluten-free concerns).

1. Speak with your host AHEAD of time about your gluten-free needs- Go through the meal plan with them before you arrive and offer naturally gluten-free substitutions or tweaks. Offer to help with the cooking to ensure safe preparation.
2. Pack gluten-free bread and toaster bags- These easy bags protect your gluten-free bread from any hidden gluten in a shared toaster. Just toast and enjoy a safe gluten-free breakfast!
3. Bring your own sponge or cloth for dish washing- Try a bright color so people can tell it apart. These Swedish dish cloths are lightweight and easy to pack.
4. Bring your own gluten-free snacks- Even if you have an accommodating host who tries to ensure all your gluten-free needs for meals- snacks often fall through the cracks. And yet, you know there will be those inevitable mid-morning or late afternoon hunger cravings where you'd usually rummage through the pantry at home. Having your own stash prepared ensures you'll have something to nibble on.
5. Pack a few easy single serving items that can save the day for a meal that is not gluten-free. Single serving cups will also help prevent waste by you opening an item you can't finish before you leave. Some easy ones you can stash in your bag-
   1. Annie's Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese cups   
   2. Single serving Cheerios cups for breakfast
   3. Seeds of Change packs like these- (LOVE THESE!!)

i.​​​​Quinoa and Brown Beans
ii.Brown and Red Rice with Chia and Kale
iii.Spanish Rice and Red Beans
 
Also remember to label and designate a special storage spot for anything you bring so there is no potential cross-contamination or people eating by accident. Happy Holidays everyone!

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