If you’re anything like me, your enthusiasm for the holidays is followed by that feeling in the pit of your stomach when you think about all the temptations that lie ahead.  It seems from the moment Halloween rolls around, it is nothing but sweets, treats, and grain-filled EVERYTHING until after the new year strikes!

When I first started eating gluten free, I still found plenty of ways to cheat myself.  Gluten free candy and baked goods were so easily obtained and grain free eating is similar in some ways.  It’s easy to grab a piece of candy here and there or even say “just this once” several times throughout the holiday season.  If you are genuinely committed to cleaner eating, it can be quite a disappointment when you look back at all the exceptions you made.

So I wanted to write up this post for 5 Tips to Surviving the Holidays Grain, Dairy, + Refined Sugar Free, so that not only can you see that it’s possible, but also that you can make it work, despite the temptations lurking around you.

1.  Don’t BUY it!

If those baked goods, treats, or grain filled goodies are able to make it into your shopping cart, through the checkout, and into your home, they WILL be eaten! It is much easier to avoid temptations at their source than at their final destination.  Just say no and instead buy WHOLE FOOD ingredients to make your own version of whatever you are craving!

2.  Have a QUICK FIX available at home!

If you know that you will be around your grandmother’s pie and there is no way to tell her not to bring it into your home, have an alternative available like real dark chocolate, free of dairy and refined sugars.  Or bake your favorite healthy treat ahead of time if you know it will be too difficult to forego your family favorite.

3. Don’t FEED the GUILT!

If you plan to be around family and friends who make you feel guilty for skipping out on stuffing and their homemade dinner rolls, let them know why but keep it brief.  Because I HAVE to eat this way in order to avoid major illness, I simply let those around me that for health reasons I must avoid grain, dairy, and refined sugar or I could become gravely ill again.  Whether or not they choose to respect that is up to them, but your body needs you to honor it!

4. You BRING it, you EAT it!

It’s hard to know when attending a party if there will be anything that is safe to eat.  Especially during the holiday season, you can guarantee the off-limits foods will be decking the halls (and tables).  By bringing YOUR favorite paleo dip or dessert, you can not only share with the guests how tasty real food can be, but you can also be guaranteed to have a snack that satisfies without making you feel regretful the next day!

5. HOST your own PARTY!!

I recently had my neighbors over for a gathering and I made recipes straight from this blog.  They were shocked at how delicious party food can be, even if mini-frozen quiche are left off the menu! If you feel like being around mainstream indulgences is just too dang hard, throw your own party where you can oversee everything that goes on the table. Encourage your guests to bring a bottle of wine or their favorite cider instead of an appetizer and share with your invitees just how good healthy feels!