The Never-Ending Discussion
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Jul 6 2012

The Never-Ending Discussion

It seems that every time I turn around someone else in the media spotlight is sounding off on what do to when guests have special dietary restrictions.  The latest is Hota and Kathie Lee on their blog.  I have to admit that I was a little offended when I read the post.  They mentioned only peanut allergies as a reason for caution, and not the myriad of other medical conditions that may require a restricted diet.

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The special dietary restriction chat is starting at the 6:00 minute mark or so.

From the point of view of the host or hostess, I realize that it may be impossible to accommodate the dietary needs for everyone that is attending the event.  That being said, if I were said hostess, I would want to know about the restriction, and then I would do my best to accommodate my guest.  At the very least, I would make sure that he had some food to eat and something to drink other than water.

From the guest’s point of view, I realize that it may be difficult to serve me gluten-free when the menu may be full of gluten-containing foods.  However, celiac disease, food allergies and intolerances aren’t afflictions that afford the guest the option to push food around on a plate and just drink some wine.  So as a gluten-free guest, I prefer to bring my own food when I attend an event where I am not sure if the food options are safe for me.  In fact, I have gotten to the point where I don’t expect to be offered gluten-free options.  One exception to that expectation is close family members who are hosting.  That is a bit of a different story, as they are more familiar with a safe gluten-free menu.

How do you feel about this?  Weigh in below in our poll and feel free to discuss in the comments.

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Article Written by:

Kimberly Bouldin is a gluten-free wife, runner & blogger with two children in Columbus, Ohio. After her celiac diagnosis in 2006, she has made it her mission to embrace an entirely new approach to nutrition in a gluten-free world, exploring options that run the gamut from "made from scratch" homemade bread to sampling and reviewing the gluten-free prepared foods that are continuously being introduced to the market. While navigating the waters of becoming gluten-free, Kim shares her experiences and passes along valuable product reviews in addition to helping other moms of celiac kids develop healthy menus that are kid-friendly and palatable. Kimberly is a valuable resource for those who are newly diagnosed, as well as for the more seasoned gluten-free veterans. Follow @KBouldin on Twitter

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  • Joan

    I really dislike the lumping together people like myself who have celiac or a serious intolerance or allergy with those following a gluten free diet fad. Their fluffy presentation was particularly annoning.

    • http://glutenfreeislife.com/ Kimberly Bouldin

      Joan,

      That is a good way to put it “fluffy presentation”.

      Kim

  • Kimberly Kirby

    I actually watched this segment on the show when it aired. They wound it up saying if it were something that could be life threatening or could cause a real problem, the host/hostess should know about it. To me, this includes celiac disease. However, if it’s a dinner party, I don’t go expecting someone to fix something specifically for me. I plan ahead and eat beforehand or take something so I’m safe. I don’t expect others to make major changes just for me. I take Hoda/Kathy with a grain of salt anyway, they (to me more Kathy than Hoda) area always making fun or making light of things on their segments… Just my opinion…

    • http://glutenfreeislife.com/ Kimberly Bouldin

      Kimberly,

      Thanks for weighing in!

      Kim