Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Invited To Boss's House For Holiday Meal

laura4669

By laura4669
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

laura4669 Apprentice
laura4669
Posted

My husband's boss invited us to his home this weekend for a holiday lunch. It is really nice of him and his wife to have us over, but I am not sure how to tell her that I want to bring my own food. We went to their house for the first time over the summer, and I had called her in advance to tell her that I had celiac and couldn't eat any bread, pasta, etc. She didn't know much about celiac, and I told her not to go to any trouble, but I just wanted to give her a heads up so that she was not insulted if I couldn't eat all of the food she prepared. Well, at lunch she seemed a bit upset when I told her I couldn't eat her orzo salad, and she said, "Oh, but I didn't put any gluten in it!" Maybe she didn't realize that orzo was pasta? I don't expect her to understand about the whole gluten-free thing, but I also will not eat any food that will make me sick.

Any suggestions on how I could firmly but tactfully tell her that I would like to bring some food, or maybe I should just eat before I go? I don't want to offend her. Thanks.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

I would eat before I went but I would also ask her if I could bring a dish like salad or a side dish cassrole that you would be able to eat safely. Stress that you really enjoy their company and want to come and that she shouldn't feel she has to try and accomodate your diet.

jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted

Firmly but politely tell her that you will be bringing your own food. I always do this regardless of where I'm going--I just say that cooking for me is tricky and I don't want to put anyone to the trouble of preparing my meal.

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

Firmly but politely tell her that you will be bringing your own food. I always do this regardless of where I'm going--I just say that cooking for me is tricky and I don't want to put anyone to the trouble of preparing my meal.

What she said.

We are going to a boss party this weekend but it's not a sit down meal. We are going to PF Changs first. Then we will avoid the food room (big house, lots of small rooms).

Also, even if her food appears to be gluten-free it might not be. Example: she makes a green salad. She cuts bread on the cutting board, brushes it off a little then decides she will put those last 2 tomatoes in the salad. Guess where she cuts them?

Jestgar Rising Star
Jestgar
Posted

Firmly but politely tell her that you will be bringing your own food. I always do this regardless of where I'm going--I just say that cooking for me is tricky and I don't want to put anyone to the trouble of preparing my meal.

Also what she said.

tarnalberry Community Regular
tarnalberry
Posted

I would simply, but firmly, state, "I have a number of food intolerances that make it very difficult to cook for me without getting me sick. I'd rather not put you through the trouble or take the chance of being ill for the holidays. I will bring my own small dish, so please don't worry about me being hungry. I look forward to getting to spend time talking and getting to know you."

K8ling Enthusiast
K8ling
Posted

I am headed to the Christmas party for the squadron tonight...I am eating before we go and my husband will be eating there. That way we both get food and we can have fun. I typically HATE these affairs though, since its almost always a sit down meal and I look quite odd nursing my glass of red wine :).

Good luck! I'll be thinking if you tonight while I am navigating dangerous food!! :) :)

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


jenngolightly Contributor
jenngolightly
Posted

I am headed to the Christmas party for the squadron tonight...I am eating before we go and my husband will be eating there. That way we both get food and we can have fun. I typically HATE these affairs though, since its almost always a sit down meal and I look quite odd nursing my glass of red wine :).

Good luck! I'll be thinking if you tonight while I am navigating dangerous food!! :) :)

What I do in these situations is bring my own food in a little soft sided cooler, ask for a clean plate from a server, discretely head to a corner and put my own food on the plate, rejoin the party and rarely does anyone notice what I've done (tuck the cooler under your chair). This way there aren't those imposing questions. No one feels uncomfortable eating in front of me (there are those awkward apologies from people). And I get to eat with everyone else like normal.

Try this, you'll feel normal again.

jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted

I am headed to the Christmas party for the squadron tonight...I am eating before we go and my husband will be eating there. That way we both get food and we can have fun. I typically HATE these affairs though, since its almost always a sit down meal and I look quite odd nursing my glass of red wine :).

Good luck! I'll be thinking if you tonight while I am navigating dangerous food!! :) :)

Last weekend we went to a sit down dinner for my husband's company holiday party. I brought my own dinner (homemade veggie risotto--very simple to reheat) that the restaurant was more than happy to reheat and plate it for me. Our waitress timed it so that I was served with everyone else and I didn't feel the least bit embarrassed or hungry.

I did call the restaurant ahead of time, and the manager agreed that for everyone's safety it was best that I bring my own food. At the end of the evening, my husband and I took the waitress aside, thanked her again, and gave her a nice tip.

laura4669 Apprentice
laura4669
Posted
  • Author

Thanks guys! I appreciate your feedback. This is a new job for my husband, and a new friendship with his boss and wife. I guess it is better to be firm about this from the start, and then in the future there won't be any confusion

:)

jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted

This is a new job for my husband, and a new friendship with his boss and wife. I guess it is better to be firm about this from the start, and then in the future there won't be any confusion

:)

You are absolutely right ;)

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. trents
      - trents replied to catnapt's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      9

      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      I might suggest you consider buckwheat groats. https://www.amazon.com/Anthonys-Organic-Hulled-Buckwheat-Groats/dp/B0D15QDVW7/ref=sr_1_4_pp?crid=GOFG11A8ZUMU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bk-hCrXgLpHqKS8QJnfKJLKbKzm2BS9tIFv3P9HjJ5swL1-02C3V819UZ845_kAwnxTUM8Qa69hKl0DfHAucO827k_rh7ZclIOPtAA9KjvEEYtaeUV06FJQyCoi5dwcfXRt8dx3cJ6ctEn2VIPaaFd0nOye2TkASgSRtdtKgvXEEXknFVYURBjXen...
    2. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to SilkieFairy's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      2

      IBS-D vs Celiac

      What you’re describing really does not read like typical IBS-D. The dramatic, rapid normalization of stool frequency and form after removing wheat, along with improved tolerance of legumes and plant foods, is a classic pattern seen in gluten-driven disease rather than functional IBS. IBS usually worsens with fiber and beans, not improves. The fact that y...
    3. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Amy Barnett's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      1

      Question

      Here are some results from a search: Top Liquid Multivitamin Picks for Celiac Needs MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin Essentials+ – Excellent daily choice with a broad vitamin/mineral profile, easy to absorb, gluten-free, vegan, and great overall value. MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin – Classic, well-reviewed gluten-free liquid mul...
    4. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams commented on Scott Adams's article in Multiple Sclerosis and Celiac Disease
      2

      Gluten-Free Diet Linked to Reduced Inflammation and Improved Outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis (+Video)

      Better to know late than never, and it is too bad they did not test you for it earlier!
    5. Scott Adams
      0

      Koikoi Trading Inc., Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat and Sesame in FU ZHOU FISH BALL

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,323
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Moooey
    Newest Member
    Moooey
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • trents
      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      By trents · Posted

      I might suggest you consider buckwheat groats. https://www.amazon.com/Anthonys-Organic-Hulled-Buckwheat-Groats/dp/B0D15QDVW7/ref=sr_1_4_pp?crid=GOFG11A8ZUMU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bk-hCrXgLpHqKS8QJnfKJLKbKzm2BS9tIFv3P9HjJ5swL1-02C3V819UZ845_kAwnxTUM8Qa69hKl0DfHAucO827k_rh7ZclIOPtAA9KjvEEYtaeUV06FJQyCoi5dwcfXRt8dx3cJ6ctEn2VIPaaFd0nOye2TkASgSRtdtKgvXEEXknFVYURBjXen1Nc7EtAlJyJbU8EhB89ElCGFPRavEQkTFHv9V2Zh1EMAPRno7UajBpLCQ-1JfC5jKUyzfgsf7jN5L6yfZSgjhnwEbg6KKwWrKeghga8W_CAhEEw9N0.eDBrhYWsjgEFud6ZE03iun0-AEaGfNS1q4ILLjZz7Fs&dib_tag=se&keywords=buckwheat%2Bgroats&qid=1769980587&s=grocery&sprefix=buchwheat%2Bgroats%2Cgrocery%2C249&sr=1-4&th=1 Takes about 10 minutes to cook. Incidentally, I don't like quinoa either. Reminds me and smells to me like wet grass seed. When its not washed before cooking it makes me ill because of saponins in the seed coat. Yes, it can be difficult to get much dietary calcium without dairy. But in many cases, it's not the amount of calcium in the diet that is the problem but the poor uptake of it. And too much calcium supplementation can interfere with the absorption of vitamins and minerals in general because it raises gut pH.
    • Scott Adams
      IBS-D vs Celiac

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      What you’re describing really does not read like typical IBS-D. The dramatic, rapid normalization of stool frequency and form after removing wheat, along with improved tolerance of legumes and plant foods, is a classic pattern seen in gluten-driven disease rather than functional IBS. IBS usually worsens with fiber and beans, not improves. The fact that you carry HLA-DQ2.2 means celiac disease is absolutely possible, even if it’s less common than DQ2.5, and many people with DQ2.2 present later and are under-diagnosed. Your hesitation to reintroduce gluten is completely understandable — quality of life matters — and many people in your position choose to remain strictly gluten-free and treat it as medically necessary even without formal biopsy confirmation. If and when you’re ready, a physician can help you weigh options like limited gluten challenge, serology history, or documentation as “probable celiac.” What’s clear is that this wasn’t just random IBS — you identified the trigger, and your body has been very consistent in its response.
    • Scott Adams
      Question

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Here are some results from a search: Top Liquid Multivitamin Picks for Celiac Needs MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin Essentials+ – Excellent daily choice with a broad vitamin/mineral profile, easy to absorb, gluten-free, vegan, and great overall value. MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin – Classic, well-reviewed gluten-free liquid multivitamin with essential nutrients in a readily absorbable form. MaryRuth's Morning Multivitamin w/ Hair Growth – Adds beauty-supporting ingredients (biotin, B vitamins), also gluten-free and easy to take. New Chapter Liquid Multivitamin and New Chapter Liquid Multivitamin Orange Mango – Fermented liquid form with extra nutrients and good tolerability if you prefer a whole-food-based formula. Nature's Plus Source Of Life Gold Liquid – Premium option with a broad spectrum of vitamins and plant-based nutrients. Floradix Epresat Adult Liquid Multivitamin – Highly rated gluten-free German-made liquid, good choice if taste and natural ingredients matter. NOW Foods Liquid Multi Tropical Orange – Budget-friendly liquid multivitamin with solid nutrient coverage.
    • catnapt
      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      By catnapt · Posted

      oh that's interesting... it's hard to say for sure but it has *seemed* like oats might be causing me some vague issues in the past few months. It's odd that I never really connect specific symptoms to foods, it's more of an all over feeling of unwellness after  eating them.  If it happens a few times after eating the same foods- I cut back or avoid them. for this reason I avoid dairy and eggs.  So far this has worked well for me.  oh, I have some of Bob's Red Mill Mighty Tasty Hot cereal and I love it! it's hard to find but I will be looking for more.  for the next few weeks I'm going to be concentrating on whole fresh fruits and veggies and beans and nuts and seeds. I'll have to find out if grains are truly necessary in our diet. I buy brown rice pasta but only eat that maybe once a month at most. Never liked quinoa. And all the other exotic sounding grains seem to be time consuming to prepare. Something to look at later. I love beans and to me they provide the heft and calories that make me feel full for a lot longer than a big bowl of broccoli or other veggies. I can't even tolerate the plant milks right now.  I have reached out to the endo for guidance regarding calcium intake - she wants me to consume 1000mgs from food daily and I'm not able to get to more than 600mgs right now.  not supposed to use a supplement until after my next round of testing for hyperparathyroidism.   thanks again- you seem to know quite a bit about celiac.  
    • trents
      IBS-D vs Celiac

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the celiac.com community, @SilkieFairy! You could also have NCGS (Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity) as opposed to celiac disease. They share many of the same symptoms, especially the GI ones. There is no test for NCGS. Celiac disease must first be ruled out.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.