Emily T Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 My family is mostly supportive of my decision to eat grain and sugar free, but they are all very active and healthy people who think I am overdoing it, and don't hesitate to make comments sometimes. You all know the type. The week of Thanksgiving, I arrive in town at 6PM at night, where I'll be whisked off to Grandma's kitchen where everyone is sitting down for our traditional lasagna dinner. They'll have a big salad, and I can bring my own dressing, but I will need a quick and simple protein I can throw together when I can there (need to have just a few ingredients that I can ask someone to pick up beforehand). I don't want just plain chicken breast or something boring - I don't want my family looking at me with pity in their eyes saying, "Oh, just have a piece of lasagna, its not going to kill you, that looks gross, wow I am so glad I don't have to eat that." Etc etc. Its a pride thing I guess! I've got a shopping list and time to prepare delicious, healthy meals for the rest of the week, and I'm looking forward to proving to them that grain-free pies and stuffing can be delicious. I just need help on this one night! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinkse21 Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 Do you know what your grandma puts in her sauce for the lasagna? I know some sauces have added sugar to cut the acidity. If she makes the sauce herself and doesn't add sugar, ask if she can set some sauce aside "because you love her sauce but can't eat pasta and cheese right now" and make some Whole30/Paleo meatballs ahead of time that you can freeze and transport there. If she doesn't make the sauce and you are not sure if there is sugar, make your own sauce ahead of time or if you have access to Whole Foods, look for the sugar-free pasta sauce they have. This way you still have the Italian-style meal with the family without feeling totally out of place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kb0426 Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 If you have the Well Fed 2 cookbook, there is an amazing recipe for plantain nachos. I adore the "taco" meat that is part of this recipe. You could easily make ahead of time (if driving there) or make it quickly when you get there, and use it to top the salad. No dressing required, except some chopped avocados. No need to even make the plantains. I bet the family members would be jealous. Bring enough for everyone . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Andria Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 Filet mignon! Who wouldn't be jealous eating lasgna when they could have a filet!! ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emily T Posted November 14, 2013 Author Share Posted November 14, 2013 Thanks everyone for these ideas! I'm flying, not driving, and will be leaving from work for the airport. So whatever I bring needs to be packed up and ready by the night before, and its not going to be easy to bring cooked food. I have a ton of stuff in my suitcase (nuts, tuna, coconut milk, coconut oil, etc) but I decided to steer clear of pre-cooking food because I think that will be a hassle. At the same time, I need someone to shop for me ahead of time because they will not want to take me to the store after the airport. My family is just very much like, unwilling to be put out in any way. Hard to explain but I'm on my own here, unfortunately! They did offer to pick stuff up while shopping for their week though, so thats helpful. I'm having them buy lettuce and bacon and pecans, maybe I could just make a little autumn salad with that and throw some cranberries and apples or something. I'm bringing my own dressing so that could work. Sigh. The holidays. I love them, but eating this way at this time is just really kind of a headache. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emily T Posted November 14, 2013 Author Share Posted November 14, 2013 PS, Grandma DEF puts sugar in her sauce. Bummer!!! I love the filet idea but I'm on a shoestring budget. Gahhhh!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kb0426 Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 Okay, I would mix up the seasonings and put them in a baggie. Not sure TSA confiscates those or not . Then, all they would have to purchase would be ground beef, onions, garlic, tomato paste, chicken stock and apple cider vinegar. While the list sounds long, they probably already need lots of these items for Thanksgiving dinner prep! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emily T Posted November 15, 2013 Author Share Posted November 15, 2013 Momma to the rescue! I made my family some amazing chipotle chicken soup when I was home this weekend, and my mom loved it. She offered to make a pot of it so I'd have some during the week I am home. Gotta love moms. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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