Surviving the Holidays with IBD
Arriving:
Say hello and put your mind at ease and locate the bathroom right away. In this case, if there is an emergency or you just need to go, you know exactly where the safe-haven is.
Time to Eat:
Know your trigger foods. This is different for each individual but don't overindulge in mashed potatoes if that causes a trigger for you. Stick to foods you know you are safe with and small amounts of the others that may potentially be triggers.
Bring a dish that you know is a safe food. Even if you end up not being able to eat much on the table, you'll have your dish you can dive into.
Pay attention to portions. Two small meals is better than one massive one. The toilet and your body will be thanking you later.
Ask Ask Ask! Never be afraid to ask what is in a dish if you don’t know. Better to be safe than sorry.
Chose an alcoholic-free beverage. The holidays are especially a time to crack open that bottle and enjoy yourself surrounded by family and friends, but it is not worth upsetting your system and triggering it while with family and friends for the holidays. Give your body a break after all the food it is about to consume and go with something to ease the system with an alcoholic-free beverage.
-It doesn't always have to be water either- a cup of herbal tea is perfect!
Focus on activities that don't involve food, such as a nice walk around the neighborhood. Maybe a pick-up backyard football game? Family games are a great way to come together at the holidays while also keeping your mind distracted.