Holiday Resources to Keep Feeling Your Best 2021
Whether you have health concerns that benefit from a modified diet or you just want to incorporate some whole food, nutrient dense options into your traditional holiday gathering, this resource has something for you. I personally know it can feel isolating to come to the holiday table knowing how seemingly innocuous ingredients in the foods offered may impact the time you have with your loved ones. For some they can trigger autoimmune symptoms, headaches, pain, or digestive discomfort. But, taking care of your health does not mean having to sacrifice flavor, pleasure, and connection. What you’ll find here will allow you to contribute delicious foods to the table, without sacrificing your own well-being.
Let’s start off with a couple of cookbooks:
Celebrations by Danielle Walker is my go-to for holidays and celebrations all year long.
I’ll never forget when I was planning to host Thanksgiving for the first time ever and my mom was dubious about the menu. I showed her recipes from the book that I planned to make and she said, “I could make that,” to everything I showed her. A couple of days later, I bought a copy of the book and went to deliver it her. She told me, “I already bought it for myself.” This from my mom who claims that anything gluten-free is “not quite the same.” I actually tear up thinking about it, because to me it was a loving gesture and Danielle made it possible.
I personally have not cooked out of this book, but I have purchased for and gifted it to a client who had seen profound reduction in her autoimmune symptoms from a modified diet, but still wanted to enjoy traditional Hanukkah. It’s beautifully made and CHOCK FULL of delicious and gorgeous recipes.
While we are on Simone Miller and Jennifer Robins, let me tell you about some other offerings that will make your holidays and every day even more delicious.
Their alter egos, Esther and Loretta will be having a Hanukkah Party cooking class on 11/28. You can sign up here.
On Simone’s webite, you’ll find recipes, cooking classes (including a Thanksgiving Prep Party on 11/21 (which you can find here), and sign up to receive her Holiday Guide.
On her website, Cristina Curp of Castaway Kitchen has a catalog of gluten-free, dairy-free, nightshade-free, and flavorFULL recipes, many of which are AIP modifiable. She’s got you covered from turkey brine to pumpkin pie. She’s also conducting a free AIP Holiday Food Webinar on Thursday, Nov 11 which you can register for here.
Jennifer Robin’s recipes nourish me on a regular basis, but what I want to tell you about today is her company Legit Bread Company. Here you will find allergen-friendly bread, cookie, and pie crust mixes that will make your holiday baking easier than ever, and your guests will never know what’s missing (gluten and other allergens). They also make great holiday gifts!
If you are looking for ready made baked goodness, Bread Srsly has you covered. They make a variety of gluten-free sourdough breads. So, whether you are looking for rolls, loaves of bread for making stuffing or croutons, or cinnamon raisin bread for French toast, they will satisfy your desire for GOOD gluten-free bread.
For my fellow Latinx folks and others who appreciate traditional Mexican foods, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Siete Foods’ buñuelos, cookies, and tortillas…all of which have passed the test of being served to my own mother, tios, and tias.
Remember, I’m not offering these to say you have “no excuses” for not sticking to any particular dietary protocol. I just wish to offer hope that lightening the load on your body can and, I would argue, should be pleasure rich. If you can handle potatoes and a little dairy, but other nightshades negatively impact how you feel, enjoy Mom’s magical mashed potatoes and know you that you have alternative spices to use for your other dishes. What works best for you during the holidays is 100% for you to decide.
Wishing you and yours a joyful holiday season!
XO Maida