Help we are going to Grandma and Grandpa's house this season and we are new to the GF/CF/SF diet and need easy substitutions!!

Reminding you all again that I am not an editor, nor am I good with commas, spelling or all of the above. I just write from the heart and hope it helps at least one of you out there....

Okay, so you are going to Grandma and Grandpa's house and the whole family is getting together and you are freaked out because you don't know what to feed your kiddo because you are new to the diet... I remember those days and really in the beginning it can be a bit confusing and overwhelming. Try not to stress too hard.

Typical meal you may see at Grandma and Grandpa's:

Turkey (sometimes chicken-if it is my house)

Mashed Potatoes and butter

Fruit Salad

Rolls and butter

Salad

Chips and Dip (if it is my house)

Carrots, celery sticks and olives and dip (if it my house)

Pumpkin Pie

Cookies

Stuffing

Cranberry Sauce

Yams with marshmallows

Corn on the Cob

Green Beans

Your version if it is GF/CF/SF (many of these suggestions are also SCD)

If your child is the only one in the family that is on a special diet you can simply bring them their own substitutes and it won't look much different, otherwise everyone could eat this below... I personally like few ingredients and simple as I am no Rachael Ray or Martha Stewart...I want to get in and out and start eating as soon as I can....

*Turkey (you can absolutely go to the butcher at your local health food store and ask for GF/CF/SF turkey- there are many good companies to choose from- I would ask your butcher for recommendations)

*Mashed Potatoes is easy to do yourself (if your child can not tolerate potatoes than I would opt for cauliflower. Simply steam your cauliflower and mash, add some Himalayan Pink Salt, and to sweeten it simply add some pearsauce or applesauce).

*Rolls (today you can find many versions of GF/CF/SF in the health food stores) instead of butter I would use honey, applesauce or pearsauce

*Fruit Salad (cut up any of the fruits your child can tolerate in a bowl, then mash some bananas-you may want to blend them with some pears and honey to make them more creamy, then mix into your mixed fruit) you can add some cinnamon too....

*Salad- this is easy... shave some carrots, zucchini and cut up cucumbers then mix into your lettuce. Use olive oil and vinegar and squeeze some lemon and orange slices for additional flavor

* Chips- I would opt for making my own potato chips (I like baking my potato for 30 min then I slice very thin slices and place on parchment paper on a cookie sheet, use olive oil and lightly salt using Himalayan Pink Salt and bake for about 10-15 min at 375 degrees depending on your oven) You can also do this with Sweet Potatoes or Butternut Squash)

*Dip- make your own salsa if tolerated (tomatoes, onions, garlic, cilantro, mango and Himalayan Pink Salt-just use a food chopper)

*Carrots, Celery and olives -can still be eaten if tolerated

*Pumpkin Pie- I would find a bakery who specializes in GF/CF/SF pies. However, if you feel like being Martha Stewart than there are loads of recipes online.

*Cookies- Save yourself some trouble- either buy some frozen ones from NuLife foods, or go to your local health food store- the GF/CF aisle is filled w many yummy choices. I happened to like Enjoy Life.

*Stuffing- What kid likes that anyway- opt out or find a recipe online

*Cranberry Sauce- check to make sure you are getting a can that is just pure cranberry

*Yams- use honey, applesauce or pearsauce instead of marshmallows- sprinkle some cinnamon and you are good to go

*Corn on the cob- if you eat corn-make it fresh and just add Himalayan Pink Salt- if it is dry add a little olive oil and salt.

* Green Beans- I like the frozen organic french cut from the health food store...

So- see if you were already planning on cooking, there is really not that much difference and if you were planning on going to family- many of the substitutions are easy switches....

Lastly, don't forget your digestive enzymes!!! This is especially important for everyone during these upcoming seasons!! I recommend Digest Spectrum from Enzymedica (disclaimer: I work for them however, I am extremely proud of our products). This is the A to Z enzyme that covers multiple sensitivity issues such as: gluten, casein, carbs, phenols, fruits, veggies and general digestion issues. Take with first bite of food. If your child can't swallow capsules yet then just simply twist open and put in a little juice, water or first bite of food (make sure you don't put it in anything hot because at 118 degrees you will kill the enzyme activity). Remember an enzyme can't replace diet, however it will help digest your foods and absorb your vitamins and nutrients. Many of us are enzyme deficient and some signs of that are: bloating, gas, acid reflux, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea and particles of food in our stool. I recommend the entire family taking enzymes as many of us have some issues...

Note: always try to buy organic if possible and when buying canned or package food for the first time read labels to make sure they are GF/CF/SF and call the manufacture when in doubt.

Hope this helps!!!!

Enjoy the seasons and remember food can still taste good!!!

Much love,

Kristin Selby Gonzalez AKA: Jaxson's Mom