How Long 'Til Bedtime? | Sleep and Parenting Podcast · Allison Egidi | Pediatric Sleep Coach

214. Traveling, Hosting & Dining Out Gluten-Free During the Holidays

November 18, 2025·13 min·1 clip

Allison Egidi shares her excitement for a mom gathering where she won't know any of the 20 women attending.

This episode offers practical advice for navigating social and travel situations while maintaining a gluten-free diet, especially during the holiday season. Host Jess, a parenting and sleep expert, shares her personal experiences and strategies. The focus is on reducing stress for individuals who are gluten-free or for those hosting them. Jess recounts her personal journey of discovering a gluten sensitivity after years of unexplained health issues. She describes the specific symptoms, like constant congestion and stomach pain, that led her to eliminate gluten. The episode covers the logistical challenges of holiday travel, including how to handle airplane food and snacks. Advice is given for communicating dietary needs when staying as a guest in someone else's home. Jess provides tips for dining out safely, such as specific questions to ask restaurant staff. The conversation extends to managing gluten-free children at events like birthday parties. Strategies for participating in traditions like cookie swaps without gluten are also discussed. A key insight is that many people may have undiagnosed non-celiac gluten sensitivity without realizing it. Jess emphasizes that cross-contamination, even from shared condiments like butter, is a major concern. She suggests bringing a dedicated "survival kit" of safe snacks when traveling. The host recommends framing dietary needs as a medical issue to encourage seriousness from others. One surprising tip is to use foil as a protective barrier when using shared kitchen appliances. Jess notes that many chain restaurants now have detailed allergen menus available online. The tone is conversational, practical, and empathetic, drawn from the host's own life. The style is educational, offering a step-by-step guide based on personal trial and error. This episode is ideal for listeners who are new to a gluten-free lifestyle or who are seeking stress-reducing strategies for the holidays. Individuals without any dietary restrictions or those seeking highly scientific nutritional information might find it less relevant.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from How Long 'Til Bedtime? | Sleep and Parenting Podcast