Your #BeAllergySmart Back to School Food Allergy Checklist
We love back to school!! Routines, friends, activities, playdates and school trips!! All so fun and exciting for your kids and super stressful for parents when your child has food allergies. Back to school is an exciting time but precautions do need to be taken to ensure a safe environment for everyone.
Tips and reminders to #BeAllergySmart when planning for back to school.
#BeAllergySmart For Parents
#BeAllergySmart for Children
Any tips to add as you send off your kids to school this September?
]]>When is cookie not a cookie? When its a fun dessert made with cookies!
Allergy Smart Cookies are super yummy all by themselves and crazy good when dunked in oat milk or tea or coffee, but did you know they also make some pretty great desserts when mixed with a few other ingredients?
]]>When is cookie not a cookie? When its a fun dessert made with cookies!
Allergy Smart Cookies are super yummy all by themselves and crazy good when dunked in oat milk or tea or coffee, but did you know they also make some pretty great desserts when mixed with a few other ingredients? Finding desserts that are free of the top 10 allergens can be challenging, but when you start with Allergy Smart, you know it will be safe and delicious.
Combine 11/2 cups of crushed Allergy Smart Double Chocolate cookies OR Snickerdoodle cookies with 5-6 tbsp of melted coconut oil, press into a pie dish and bake for 10 minutes at 350°F. Use this crust for your favorite pie or cheesecake recipe.
In a food processor, blend 2 cups Allergy Smart Chocolate Chip cookies until they are fine crumbs. Add 1/2 cup of softened vegan cream cheese, mix well, and roll into balls. Dip in melted dairy-free chocolate and refrigerate until firm.
Blend 2 cups of non dairy vanilla ice cream, 1/2 cup non dairy milk, and 1 cup of Allergy Smart Birthday Cake cookies in a blender until smooth. Pour into a glass and serve with a cookie & sprinkles on top.
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of gluten-free oats, 1/2 cup melted coconut oil, 1/2 cup maple syrup, and 2 cups of crushed Allergy Smart Oatmeal Raisin cookies. Mix well, spread onto a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes at 325°F, stirring occasionally. Allow to cool and serve as a snack or on top of non dairy yogurt or ice cream.
In a bowl, layer non dairy vanilla ice cream, Allergy Smart Double Chocolate cookie crumbles, fresh strawberries and non dairy whipped cream. Repeat layers until the bowl is full. Top with a cherry and enjoy!
In a tall glass, layer non dairy yogurt, Oatmeal Cookie Granola (above) and fresh blueberries - repeating layers until glass is full. Enjoy.
Transform your favorite apple crisp by making a cinnamon-y Snickerdoodle cookie topping! In place of the 3/4c of oats required in a typical "Crisp" topping, use 3/4 cups of crumbled Allergy Smart Snickerdoodle cookies and behold your new favorite 'streusel'.
It is the easiest one yet! Take 2 Allergy Smart Chocolate Chip cookies and a scoop of non diary ice cream in the middle. Squish together and roll in non dairy chocolate chips or allergy safe sprinkles & freeze. Enjoy anytime!
Try one or try them all and let us know your favorite way to use Allergy Smart cookies in fun dessert recipes!!
]]>Have you ever wondered if moving towards more of an allergy friendly food plan could help improve your health? That bloated tummy and bout of diarrhea might be trying to tell you something!
An allergy-friendly diet is one that eliminates or reduces exposure to foods that trigger allergic reactions. For those with food allergies or intolerances, avoiding certain foods can be essential for their health and well-being. But an allergy-friendly food plan can also benefit individuals without allergies, as it often involves consuming nutrient-dense, whole foods and could reduce symptoms you didn't even realize were related to a sensitivity to food allergens.
A food allergy is your body’s’ immune system recognizing something you have eaten is harmful and creating a defense – or antibodies - to combat it. A food sensitivity or food intolerance is when your body’s digestive system responds negatively to something you have eaten. It is more of an irritation as your digestive system cannot properly break down or digest the food. Common food sensitivities or food intolerance are to lactose, casein and gluten with upset stomach or bloating often the only reaction.
One of the main benefits of an allergy-friendly diet is that it can reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can contribute to a range of health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. Certain foods, such as processed and fried foods, sugar, and refined grains, can trigger inflammation in the body. An allergy-friendly diet, which focuses on whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and snacks such as Allergy Smart cookies made with organic real ingredients, can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.
An allergy-friendly diet can also promote gut health, which is important for overall health and immunity. The gut is home to trillions of bacteria, known as the gut microbiome, that play a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and mood regulation. Certain foods, such as those containing artificial preservatives, can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut and contribute to gut inflammation. An allergy-friendly food plan, which emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods, can help promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria and reduce gut inflammation.
Another benefit of an allergy-friendly diet is that it can help individuals identify and address food sensitivities or intolerances. Some people may have a sensitivity or intolerance to common foods that can cause symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. By eliminating common allergens and intolerances, such as gluten, dairy, eggs and soy, individuals can identify which foods may be causing symptoms and address them accordingly.
Using Allergy Smart cookies as snack options can be a convenient and delicious way to adhere to an allergy-friendly food plan. Our cookies are free of the top 10 allergens, making them a safe and convenient option for those with food allergies or sensitivities but their yummy taste makes them a healthy option for those without food allergies. They are made with organic ingredients making them a healthier alternative to traditional processed snacks.
An allergy-friendly food plan can provide a range of health benefits, from reducing inflammation to promoting gut health and identifying food sensitivities. By incorporating whole, unprocessed foods and eliminating common allergens and intolerances, you can support your overall health and well-being. Using allergy-friendly snacks, such as Allergy Smart cookies, can also make adhering to an allergy-friendly food plan easier and more enjoyable.
]]>May 14-20th is Food Allergy Awareness Week, an initiative created by FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) to raise awareness of different food allergies and improve public understanding of what can sometimes be a life-threatening condition. FARE wants you to take action and make an impact in your community to educate others on the realities of living with food allergies. How Can You Promote Allergy Awareness?
]]>May 14-20th is Food Allergy Awareness Week, an initiative created by FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) to raise awareness of different food allergies and improve public understanding of what can sometimes be a life-threatening condition. FARE wants you to take action and make an impact in your community to educate others on the realities of living with food allergies.
Promoting awareness and understanding of food allergies is an important part of creating a safe and inclusive community for all, but what can you do to help? Simple things like telling your story by reaching out to local schools and businesses, organizing community events and fundraisers, and promoting empathy and understanding among neighbors and friends. You can get involved in supporting research and advocacy organizations who are working to improve the lives of individuals with food allergies.
One of the most effective ways to promote food allergy awareness in the community is to tell your story and reach out to local schools and businesses. This can involve sharing information about food allergies, providing resources for staff and employees, and advocating for policies and procedures that support individuals with food allergies. Parents and community members can also work with school and business leaders to organize allergy-friendly events and activities.
Organizing community events and fundraisers is a great way to promote food allergy awareness. This can involve hosting food allergy walks, runs, or other events that raise awareness and support for individuals with food allergies. You may be surprised to find many others in your own community that have a family member with food allergies. Families can work together to organize food allergy-friendly events and potlucks that help promote understanding and inclusivity among neighbors and friends.
Promoting empathy and understanding among community members is also an important part of creating a safe and inclusive community for individuals with food allergies. If food allergies don't affect you directly, it is easy to not understand what living with multiple allergies is like. Empathy and understanding can be gained by sharing personal stories and experiences, educating others about the challenges of living with food allergies, and encouraging community members to ask questions and learn more about the topic. Parents can also work with schools and community organizations to promote food allergy education and awareness.
There is an increasing number or organizations and individuals that are involved in research and advocacy to help improve the lives and safety of those with food allergies. You can get involved by making donations, participating in fundraising events, or advocating for policies and regulations that support individuals with food allergies. By working together, communities can help promote food allergy awareness and create a safer, more inclusive environment for all.
Promoting food allergy awareness and education is an important part of creating a safe and inclusive community for individuals with food allergies. By sharing your story, reaching out to local schools and businesses, organizing community events and fundraisers, promoting empathy and understanding, and supporting research and advocacy organizations, individuals and families can help raise awareness and improve the lives of those with food allergies.
Share your story of food allergies and awareness, we'd love to hear from you.
Food allergies can impact not only a child's physical health but also their ability to attend friends events and be a part of teams. Birthday parties, playdates, team sports and other social events can be sources of anxiety and exclusion for children with food allergies. Parents of children with food allergies can help their child navigate these situations by communicating with other parents, teaching their children how to educate others and by bringing safe snacks and treats. Promoting education, inclusivity and understanding among peers is key to helping kids with food allergies navigate parties and playdates.
One of the most important steps parents can take to help their child navigate social situations with food allergies is to communicate with other parents. This can involve letting the host of a party or playdate know about your child's allergies and asking about the food that will be served. It is also helpful to provide suggestions for safe snacks or treats that can be included. In addition, parents should make sure their child always has their epinephrine auto-injector with them, and that the host and other parents know how to use it in case of an emergency.
Another strategy parents can use to help their child navigate social situations with food allergies is to bring their own safe snacks (like Allergy Smart cookies!) and treats. This can help ensure that their child has something to eat that is free from allergens. Parents can also work with their child to teach them about safe foods and help them to identify potential allergens in snacks or treats that they may encounter at social events.
It is just as important to educate your childs peers on food allergies as it is promote inclusivity and understanding of the different reaction severities. Parents can work with their child to help them understand their allergies and how to communicate their needs to others. Educating peers about food allergies and the importance of avoiding allergens can also help create a more inclusive and understanding environment. Parents can also encourage their child to find common interests and activities with their peers that do not involve food, such as playing games or doing crafts.
Navigating social situations with food allergies can be challenging, but by communicating with other parents, bringing safe snacks and treats, and promoting education, inclusivity and understanding, parents can help their child navigate these situations with confidence and ease. It is important to remember that food allergies do not define a child and that there are many ways for children to have fun and build relationships with their peers that do not involve food. By working together, parents, educators, and peers can create a more inclusive and understanding environment for all children.
]]>Finding Easter basket ideas for kids with multiple food allergies can be challenging, but there are still plenty of fun and creative options. Allergy safe packaged treats like Allergy Smart cookies are top 10 allergen free and come in individual 2 cookie packs which make them a perfect addition to any Easter basket, but there are lots more great ideas! We've put together some Easter basket ideas for kids allergic to dairy, eggs, gluten, tree nuts, peanuts, and soy.
Outdoor Fun & Games:
Remember to always read labels and be aware of potential cross-contamination when choosing Easter basket items for kids with food allergies. By getting creative and thinking outside the box (or just outside!!), you can create a fun and safe Easter basket for your kids that they will love.
Check out our other Easter posts - How to Enjoy Easter Gatherings with Food Allergies and Easter Dinner Recipe Ideas for Families with Food Allergies.If you or someone in your family has food allergies, Easter dinner can be a daunting task. However, there are plenty of delicious and allergy-safe recipes that you can enjoy. This is a sample of one of our favourites.
Here is what we plan to enjoy this Easter dinner (including our favorite recipes):
By incorporating these allergy-safe recipes into your Easter dinner, you can enjoy a delicious and safe meal with your family and loved ones. Happy Easter!
We share our favorite ideas here for Easter Basket Ideas to Avoid Top 10 Food Allergens and How to Enjoy Easter Gatherings with Food Allergies.
]]>Easter is a time of celebration and joy for many families, but it can also be a challenging time for those who have food allergies. With so many traditional Easter foods containing common allergens like dairy, eggs, and wheat, you might need to make some considerations at your next Easter gathering. Here are some tips for keeping your family safe at Easter if someone has food allergies.
By taking a few extra steps, you can help ensure a safe and happy Easter for everyone. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can enjoy all of the traditional Easter foods and activities while avoiding contact with food allergies.
Want some great allergy friendly recipe ideas for Easter dinner? Or allergy safe additions to your Easter baskets? Check out Easter Dinner Recipe Ideas for Families with Food Allergies and Easter Basket Ideas to Avoid top 10 Food Allergens.
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Playdates are the best part about being a kid! Getting to explore someone else's toys, great new hiding spots and their families favorite snacks! For a food allergy family, sending your child to a playdate brings with it a whole new level of anxiety. For the host family that doesn't have any experience with food allergies, this can seem too daunting.
Playdates can be fun if a few precautions are taken by both the food allergy family and the host family to ensure all allergen dangers are not invited!
If a friend with food allergies is coming over for a playdate, it's important to take certain precautions to keep them safe, but it doesn't have to ruin the fun!
Just take a few precautions ahead of time:
By taking these precautions, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable playdate for everyone.
What are your favorite allergy safe snacks to have on hand for play dates?
School lunches can be a chore to make, made even more challenging when there is a food allergy in the family. If you, or anyone in your family, has any of the top 10 food allergies, this post if for you.
We want to make making school lunches easier for you! First, start with the best part . . . Cookies!! Allergy Smart has individually wrapped 2 cookie packs that are perfect for on the go and the bright wrapping is sure to make lunch time fun! Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, Snickerdoodle, Double Chocolate and NEW Birthday Cake! Order the Sampler Pack here and try them all before picking your favorite.
Now for the lunch ideas . . .
Remember to always read labels carefully and double-check ingredients to avoid any potential cross-contamination. It's also a good idea to pack your cold lunch in an insulated lunchbox with an ice pack to keep it fresh and safe to eat and take hot lunches in a thermos.
Get creative - any meal your school age children enjoy and is safe to eat makes a great lunch idea. And don't forget the yummy cookies !!!
A serious food allergy diagnosis means you need to be prepared with an emergency response plan should there be a severe allergic reaction. Quick action and having all family members and close friends educated on what steps to take in the event of an anaphylactic reaction is key.
Despite your best efforts to keep your child safe from allergic reactions, being prepared in case one occurs is a priority.
Have an emergency response checklist prepared and accessible by everyone in your child’s life. Here are our best tips when setting up your allergy emergency plan of action. Is there more we should add?
Review your allergy plan with your doctor and allergist. They will help you determine the proper medication, steps in priority order and course of action. Once armed with this information, write it out - include your childs name, health card information, known allergens, phone numbers of doctors, hospitals, family members, and medications - then tape it to the fridge, e mail it to friends and family, put a copy in your childs backpack and your car.
If you have been prescribed epinephrine auto injectors for emergencies, make sure two of them are always with the child or with an adult that is caring for your child. Having two on hand will ensure a back up is available if one is not working. Ensure neither have expired. If your child is at day care, school, dance or hockey rinks regularly, find out if there are stored mediations that that may be available to your child. Ensure all care givers know where the epi pens are at all times.
Also have any other medications on hand as directed by your doctor and allergist in case of mild reactions.
Know the signs of anaphylactic reaction - are they having trouble breathing, rash, swelling, vomiting, wheezing - and be ready to put your plan in place. Know how to use the epinephrine auto injector - ask for a demonstration at the doctors office, visit the manufacturers website, become an expert, know where to inject and teach others how to use it. Be familiar with all prescribed medications and when they should be used. As your child gets older, they can be taught how to self diagnose and even self inject.
If your child has a serious allergic reaction use the auto injector immediately, have someone call 911 and get your child to the closest emergency room. Have a second auto injector with you as a second does may be required if there is a second wave of symptoms.
Prevention is always the best defence when it comes to food allergies but emergencies do happen. Be prepared by talking to your doctor and asking all the questions, be confident and share your emergency plan with family, friends and care givers.
]]>Ah travel. Time to relax, re charge and let loose . . . . .unless you have a food allergy. Don’t let that stop you! With proper planning and a few extra of your favorite allergen free snacks packed in your carry-on, you will be able to relax and recharge when you travel, allergy and all.
The harsh reality is that travel to any destination away from home can be a potential allergy risk. All inclusive resorts that produce mass amounts of food, international travel that has menus in new languages and remote countries that don’t understand the severity of allergies or have resources to treat an allergic reaction can all cause added stress on travellers with food allergies.
Knowing the questions to ask, starting to plan early, talking to your doctor and allergist canal help you get ready to take on the world!
Plan ahead – as far ahead as possible.
Plan for both the travel part of the trip and the destination.
Notify the airline, rental car company, destination hotel, resort, organizer of any activities you will participate in of your food allergies.
Pack all the snacks - take into account travel time by road, by air; assuming delays and limited access to allergy safe food along the way.
Pack all medication and epinephrine auto-injectors in your carry-on.
Ask your allergist for recommendation of allergy friendly restaurants, hotels.
Ask your doctor for extra prescriptions that you can carry with you.
Get any paperwork required from your doctor for airline, resorts to verify your allergies and medications.
Learn brand names of medication in your destination country.
Learn how to translate your food allergens into the language of the country you are visiting.
Call air lines and destination hotel/resort in advance to inquire about allergy policies.
Talk to flight attendants about your food allergy.
Find out if there are any local allergist and closest pharmacies to refill medications at destination or along the way if travelling by car.
Booking rooms or hotels with kitchenettes to give you more flexibility to prepare your own meals.
Research restaurants in the area and their menus. Call ahead to confirm.
Pack enough snacks for the length of your trip to supplement meals and and day travel away from hotel/resort.
Bring non perishable foods that can be prepared – pastas, rice, snack bars.
Bring sanitizing wipes and wipe down airline seats, tables, arm rests, rental car steer wheels, doors, hotel door handles, chairs, bathroom surfaces, restaurant tables, chairs, beach loungers.
Consider buying travellers health insurance if your current policy doesn’t cover out of country.
Find out how far your destination is from the nearest hospital, is there 911 service in the area
There is so much information available now online to help you plan for your travel – especially if it is to a new country. The International Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Alliance (IFAAA) is a tremendous resource for all your travel needs.
Download the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan.
Fill out and carry with you multiple copies of the IFAAA Travel Plan Document
Review Allergic Livings Airline and Allergy Policies Guide for 16 major Airlines. https://www.allergicliving.com/2018/05/15/allergic-livings-airlines-and-allergies-policies-directory/
Carry a chef card that outlines the food to avoid in the language of the country you are in. https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/food-allergy-chef-cards
Download and print out a tip sheet for the country you are visiting https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/tips-international-travel
Don’t let travel plans overwhelm you. There are so many resources at hand and once you plan the first trip you’ll know what to ask, what to look for, what to plan for and you’ll get more confident with each trip.
If it is your child that has the food allergy, let them help you with the planning. Involve them in the pre planning and looking up new destination, allergy policies and languages.
Take control of your food allergy when you travel so it doesn’t control your fun!
Resources
Foodallergy Canada www.foodallergycanada.ca
Food allergy & anaphylaxis Alliance www.foodallergy.org
Allergic Living Magazine www.allergicliving.com
]]>Your child has been diagnosed with food allergies. Now what?
Learning to navigate food when you have a child diagnosed with a food allergy can be scary, and when that diagnosis is for multiple food allergies it is hard to know where to even begin.
First allow yourself some time to come to terms with what this means for you and your family. Food allergies have a huge impact on all areas of family life it is true, but know that there are many resources to help you and you can do this. The amount of excellent allergen free food brands, allergen free content creators and allergen free chefs means more choices - and more safety - than ever before. It can be more challenging feeding a family when a family member is seemingly allergic to everything, but it can be managed.
Confirm with doctors what your child’s allergy tolerances are. Some foods may have a more severe reaction, some may be a contact allergen vs an ingested allergen. Always be prepared with Epi pens and teach all family members and close family friends how to use them. Talk to your child about their food allergies and consider their age and maturity level when you involve them in food choices and menu planning. Talk to everyone in your child’s life about their food allergies - often - to ensure everyone is up to date and prepared with allergy safe eating environment as well as allergy safe foods.
Once you have become accustomed to the new reality, you will have some learning to do. Learning how to read labels like an investigator, how to grocery shop for allergen free foods like a spy, how to ask the right questions at restaurants and how to find reliable resources to help you navigate it all.
After a diagnosis of multiple food allergies it can seem like your child is allergic to everything so an important first step is to make a running ‘Go-To’ lists of foods they can eat. Start with fruits and vegetables, that are naturally allergy free and list your childs favorite snacks and foods that are already free of any allergens.
From this list you can start a menu of meals and snacks based on the allergy safe food items. For example – fruit purees, smoothies made with water, hummus from chick peas to dip vegetables, rice and veggie casseroles, quinoa chili etc. Continue to add to this list as you find more recipe ideas and eventually you will have enough to create weekly meal plans using our menu planning tips for food allergy families.
Pantry items can be the most overwhelming as so many ingredients go into our packaged and processed foods. Having a list of pantry necessities and the brands you find that meet your allergy safe requirements is key. Keep this list taped to the inside of your pantry door so it is within reach when you run out of a staple item or if someone else is doing the shopping.
The hardest part of food allergies for kids can be the fun snacks that they miss out on due to allergens in the ingredient list. Finding treats and snacks that are top 8 or even top 10 allergen free that your child will enjoy and taste great can be a challenge. Getting ideas from other allergy moms, signing up for allergen safe subscription/gift boxes like big8 crate and following brands you trust on social media can all help introduce you to more allergen free snack and treat ideas.
Brown bagging it has never been cooler! Make all items at home and send to school in re useable containers that can double as an eating surface to avoid cross contamination. Buying snacks that come in their own 2 packs like Allergy Smart cookies is another way to avoid contamination from others lunches. Get creative with non allergen foods as snacks – dry cereal with blueberries, veggies cut in sticks with mini dips, cucumbers as mini sandwiches. Batch bake allergen free muffins, cookies and granola bars so there is yummy snacks to look forward to.
Research any restaurant before dining there with your food allergy child. Understand the menu, find items that are naturally allergen free, phone ahead to talk to the manager, talk to the servers, ensure the kitchen understands all the food allergies are serious and not just an intolerance or dietary restriction. Go in ahead of time when it is not busy and you can have the full attention of the staff. Always have Epi Pens on hand. Confirm again when food arrives at the table that it is free of all food allergens. Ask the restaurant if you can bring some food items from home if they cannot guarantee cross contamination. Being prepared and cautious is going to be the new norm.
Use as many resources as you can and find trusted websites and other allergy moms to see what allergy safe foods they have found, what tips they have for school lunches, restaurants, great brands you can depend on.
I have listed a few resources here but there are many. Become your families allergy advocate and do your research. Information is your best defence and offence when it comes to navigating food allergies and keeping all your family members healthy.
]]>“Mooooooooom, what’s for dinner?"
I bet you didn't realize that when you had a family you’d have to feed that family dinner. Every. Single. Day. . . Forever!
Do you know how many dinners that is?
It’s a lot.
Add food allergies to that and dinner time can quickly become the trickiest part of your day.
Meal planning takes the deciding out of the decision. By planning ahead and making a schedule of meals you can rotate, you have the answer to 'what’s for dinner' right there on the fridge calendar!
Create a list of family favorite allergen free meals and with that, a list of ingredients needed for each meal. Sort them into categories focusing on protein -chicken, beef, vegan - and rice/pasta and vegetable will go with each. Keep it simple. The idea here is to take the guess work out of dinner, not become a sous chef or gourmet meal maker.
Set up 'routine meal nights' that everyone can look forward too – Taco Tuesdays, Wacky Pizza Wednesday, Meatless Mondays. Or plant your protein on certain nights - chicken on Mondays, beans on Tuesdays, pasta on Wednesdays etc. Variety keeps it interesting and routine makes it easy!
Print out 3 blank monthly calendars (or find an app for that if you are tech savvy!) and number the weeks 1 through 12. This will give you 3 months of allergen free meals that you can then rotate. Once you finish week 12, start back at week 1.
Place your families favorite allergen friendly meals throughout the meal planning calendars, leaving spaces for new recipes, leftover nights and eating out if you anticipate doing that.
Get help. Use great resources like this one https://www.allergicliving.com/advanced-search/ that allows you to choose the allergens you need to avoid and recipes are generated free of those allergens. This recipe search allows for multiple food allergens to be chosen, making it a great resource for families with multiple food allergies and giving you lots of ideas for new recipes.
Shop smart – create 2 shopping lists. One is a weekly list of essential items you know you’ll need each week for school lunches, after school snacks and core meal items such as fruits, vegetable, gluten free pastas, rice, non dairy milk, contaminant free allergen safe snacks. The second list is the items you need for that weeks meals on your calendar.
Prep Day. Set aside a prepping day each week and batch prep your meals. Cooked or uncooked. Beef stew can be assembled in containers uncooked – dice raw carrots, potatoes, onions and store in one container, beef in another; assemble and cook on meal day. Other meals can be cooked ahead so they only require re heating during the week when you have less time.
Cook creatively. Take those same allergen free meals and change way you cook. The chicken can be baked in a marinara sauce instead of broiled, veggies can be roasted instead of boiled. Same meal 2 ways and you have two separate dinners!
Cook once eat four times! When you make your meals, make double or triple and store extra meals in ziplock freezer bags, labelled and dated. These freezer meals can be used on leftover days or eat out days if you don’t feel like eating out.
Post the Menu Plans on the fridge so everyone can see it and there will be no more cries through the house of “Moooooom, what’s for dinner??”
All the work is in the set up, but once you have your meal planning basics done you will find it so much easier during the week when it’s time to shop for and make dinners.
And lastly, teach everyone in your family how to help with meal prep, meal shopping, meal planning and meal cooking! Many hands make light work.
]]>Grocery stores can be overwhelming and time consuming when you have food allergies. Grocery shopping for allergen free food requires investigative like abilities and super sleuthing moves to make sure the food you buy is safe.
Finding new allergen free breakfast ideas or allergen free snacks for school once in the grocery store can be challenging but there are a few tricks to help make shopping a bit easier.
A huge factor to making allergen friendly grocery shopping easier is meal planning. Tips on how to make that job easier is a whole other post, but just planning out your meals for the week means you know what foods you are looking for. You can even do some online searching before you get to the grocery store to know what brands are best. Most will have the ingredient list and Nutrition facts panel posted in an image. Of course, double check the ingredient list on the package when you get to the store, but planning ahead can save a lot of time.
Knowing where to find allergen free foods in the grocery store is the first step. The perimeter of the store is generally where all the fresh fruit and vegetables are located. Frozen fruits and vegetables are also a great option, but read packaging to ensure no allergens were added in the freezing process.
Even if you have purchased a product a dozen times, read the label. Manufacturers frequently change ingredients and processing methods and any new ingredients or contaminates will be noted on the packaging. Don't rely on the "allergy free" or "nut free" claims on the front of packages, verify allergy free manufacturing and exactly what allergens the product is free of in the ingredient list.
The smells from the in store bakery can be so tempting but the baked goods can be so dangerous. Bakery items don’t always list every ingredient or allergen and in store bakeries are not as regulated as manufacturing plants. Cross contamination is also a big risk factor at the bakery, deli and cheese counters. Be aware if food is not prepared and packaged in a contamination free facility.
When you find a product that you and your family enjoy, that is allergen free and that you know you will consume often, buy a few so it is always on hand. Have a separate (i.e. out of sight out of mind) pantry or storage away from hungry eyes for any extra items so they will still be there next week. This is a great tip when buying Allergy Smart cookies - you’ll want to stock up on these super yummy, top 10 allergen free, individually packaged, on the go cookies (shameless plug!) but they will disappear quick if you leave them where everyone can see them!
Still a bit overwhelmed at the thought of grocery shopping for allergen free foods? Stay home and order your favorite allergen free products online from brands you trust. Convenience and safety is guaranteed!
]]>Calling all Moms . . . what are your kids favorite allergen free breakfast ideas? We need to list them all here and help a Mama out!
Some say breakfast is the most important meal of the day . . . .maybe they can help figure out what to feed kids with multiple food allergies every day for breakfast!
Breakfast can be a challenge on the best of mornings, toss in getting ready for school, finding library books, packing a lunch and getting shoes on before heading out the door. . .and, well, who has time to think about allergen free breakfast ideas?
Hopefully this list will come in handy and hopefully you have a few more ideas to add to it !
1 cup gluten free oats
¼ maple syrup
¼ creamy seed butter
¼ chocolate chips
Protein Powder - optional
Mix together, form into balls and then squish down into healthy breakfast cookies!
2 cups gluten free oats
¼ c maple syrup
1/4c pumpkin seeds
Bake 350 for 20 mins
Let cool
Add pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries or blueberries
Store in air tight container for up to 2 weeks.
1 gluten free wrap
Spread seed butter down the center
Add some homemade granola for crunch
Add a full banana OR some berries and roll up & enjoy.
Peel a banana
Spread seed butter on outside
Roll in your favorite crushed gluten free cereal.
3 tbsp chia seeds
1/2c non dairy milk
1/4c berries - fresh or frozen
1/2 scoop protein powder (optional)
Make this one the night before. Mix all ingredients in a small jar or bowl.
cover and refrigerate overnight. Enjoy.
Cinnamon Crumble Coffee Cake - @allergymomwithamission
Breakfast cookies
Overnight oats
Avocado toast
Smoothies
Smothie bowls
What other ideas can we add to our lists?
]]>Running out of ideas for easy allergy free snacks? We thought so! That’s why we created this list of easy allergen free snack ideas for school . . . or camp or play dates or car trips or vacation or movie night!
Have you ever added up the number of school lunches you’ll have to make between kindergarten and high school graduation? Don’t do it!
It’s going to be A LOT of school lunches.
That is a number better left unknown! Instead, stock your fridge and pantry with tons of healthy, fun, easy and allergen free snacks for school . . . and make lunch making a bit easier.
Morning fog, mommy brain and running late are all very real obstacles to getting everyone out the door on time with school lunch in hand. Having a child with food allergies just adds to the mix. To help ease the burden of all the thinking required when making school lunches, print out and tape this list to the inside of your pantry door. Now you can easily see the many options for allergen free snacks for school lunches.
There are many snacks that are safe for kids with food allergies and Allergy Smart is one of them! Who wouldn't love finding a bright red package of Chocolate Chip allergy free cookies in their lunch!!
Pack healthy and fun lunches with these top 10 allergens free ideas.
Apple slices, grapes, cantaloupe, pear, blueberries
Carrot sticks, celery, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes
Apple sauce
Fruit puree
Fruit kebobs
Raisons, Dried apricot, cranberries, apples
Homemade sweet potato, apples, kale chips
Popcorn
Gluten free Pretzels
Rice crackers
Rice cakes
Gluten free cereal mix
Allergy Smart Double Chocolate Cookies
Allergy Smart Snickerdoodle Cookies
Allergy Smart Oatmeal Raison Cookies
Allergy Smart Chocolate Chip Cookies
Homemade Protein Balls
Homemade Gluten Free Rice Krispie Squares
Homemade Gluten free granola bars
Get creative and mix allergy safe cereals with dried fruits, make kebobs instead of just fruit in a cup and look for ways to make your own bars and protein balls that makes kids school snacks seem fancy and fun! Watch our website for recipes coming soon for the best allergy free protein balls, granola bars and snickerdoodle rice krsipie squares!
Do you have any idea to add to the list?
]]>Food Allergies vs. Food Sensitivity
]]>Food allergies can cause a range of reactions from vomiting to anaphylaxis but what causes food allergies to develop?
Food Allergies vs. Food Sensitivity
Reactions caused by food allergies can be much more severe than a food intolerance or food sensitivity. Food allergies are the immune system treating a specific protein in a food as harmful and responding by producing IgE (Immunoglobulin E) antibodies that attack this protein. Food sensitivities and intolerances are your body not properly digesting a food and do not affect your immune system, resulting in stomach upset, diarrhea and vomiting.
Common food allergens include egg, milk, wheat, peanut, tree nut, shellfish, fish, soy, mustard and sulphite. Common food sensitivities can be gluten, dairy (lactose), caffeine and fructose.
When you come in contact with a food that threatens your immune system, the immune system reacts immediately by releasing histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream. Histamine causes blood vessels to expand and the skin to become inflamed or swollen. It also affects the nerves, hence the itchy rash and hives often experienced. The nose may produce more mucus resulting in itchy, runny nose and sneezing.
Food allergies can be hereditary. If close family members have any allergy related issue such as asthma, eczema, food or environmental allergies, you can have a higher risk of developing allergies also.
Having one allergy related issue – such as asthma – can lead to having food allergies develop.1
For decades doctors and researchers thought early exposure could actually create a higher risk of developing an allergy in children, but studies are now showing the opposite.
Maria Garcia-Lloret, MD, a professor of pediatric allergy and immunology and co-director of the UCLA food allergy clinic says "we now believe peanuts, which are not actually nuts but are legumes, should be given to babies as early as 4 months, when solids are first introduced. It should not be the very first food a parent gives...However -- and this is critical -- babies with eczema and other established food allergies are considered high-risk. For those kids, introduction to peanuts should be carefully monitored under the guidance of a pediatrician."2
There are some theories that the increase in the number of people with food allergies is due to our change in diet and environment t over the decades. Eating more or less meat that alters fat intake, eating less fruits and vegetables prevents getting enough benefits from antioxidants, less natural vitamin D due geographical location and longer winters and our hyper vigilance avoiding germs and increased use of antibacterial products.
Although there are not enough studies or long term effects to know what causes food allergies, one thing is constant, when a food allergy is recognized, early treatment and prevention of reoccurrence is key. Food elimination diets, reading every food label before consuming anything and having antihistamines and epinephrine on hand become life savers when food allergies are a part of your life.
Source
1. WebMD https://www.webmd.com/allergies/chronic-allergies-causes
2. WebMD - https://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/food-allergies-early-exposure
]]>Food allergies can be caused by almost any food, however there are 8 that hold the title of most common food allergies and we have ensured that our Allergy Smart Cookies are 100% free of any of these allergens.
The most common food allergies are milk, egg, peanuts, soy, wheat, tree nuts, fish, shellfish. Other food that causes allergic reactions but are less common include sesame seed allergy, celery allergy, mustard allergy, avocado allergy, garlic allergy, strawberry allergy and fruits such as peach, banana, kiwi and passion fruit.
For the most common food allergies the symptoms can differ, some are even outgrown, but the treatment is almost always the same, avoidance of these foods always. Food intolerance and food sensitivity is common for many of these food allergies, learning how to spot the difference is important.
A milk allergy is your body’s reaction to proteins in cow’s milk and foods that contain it such as butter, cheese, yogurt, ice cream. Milk allergies often affect children under the age of three and mean all milk and dairy products must be avoided. The good news is most children will outgrow their milk allergy. Common allergic reactions are stomach cramps, rashes, and swelling.
A milk allergy is not to be confused with lactose intolerance. Lactose – a sugar found in milk - intolerance is when your body can't break down or digest lactose. A digestive enzyme called lactase breaks down the lactose in food so your body can absorb it, if you have an intolerance, you do not have enough lactase.
Egg allergies are very common in children, but most of these allergies will be outgrown by the time the child is 16. While an anaphylaxis reaction is rare, an egg allergy can cause digestive issues, skin hives or rashes and respiratory problems if eaten. It is possible to be allergic to just the egg yolk or just the egg white since the proteins in each of these are different. It is also possible to enjoy baked items that contain egg since the heating of the egg causing the protein to change. Some studies suggest introducing baked goods early can shorten the duration of egg allergy, but always follow the advice of your doctor before reintroducing any allergen.
A tree nut allergy is different than a peanut allergy since tree nuts are not peanuts. Brazil nuts, Almonds, cashews, macadamia, pistachios, pine nuts and walnuts are all tree nuts and an allergy to one of these nuts means an increased risk to an allergy to all of these nuts. This type of allergy is life long and often requires carrying an epi-pen as tree nuts are often hidden in unsuspecting places and an allergic reaction can be severe.
Peanuts are actually not nuts but rather a legume and are the most fatal food allergy, causing anaphylaxis more often than any other allergen. Those with peanut allergies usually also are allergic to tree nuts. For some even a small contact can cause big reaction so heightened hygiene and peanut and tree nut avoidance is importance. Studies say 4-8% of children and 1-2% of children suffer from peanut allergy and up to 20 % of these allergies will be outgrown by the time the child is a teenager.
Shellfish allergies – which includes shrimp, prawns, lobsters, crayfish and oysters – is a lifelong condition that produces quick allergic reactions to even small amounts of shellfish. Digestive issues are the most common reaction to a shellfish allergy, but for some, even being around vapours from cooking shellfish can cause a reaction.
Wheat allergies are the body’s reaction to any of the hundreds of proteins that are contained in wheat. White blood cells treat wheat as an enemy and attack, causing nausea, abdominal pain, itching, shortness of breath, swelling of lip and tongue and can cause anaphylaxis.
Many will outgrow wheat allergies by age 10 but for some avoiding wheat and wheat containing products – including beauty and cosmetics - is a lifelong issue.
Not to be confused with celiac disease, which is a non-life-threatening autoimmune disorder, or a gluten sensitivity which can show similar digestive issues but is only a reaction to gluten and not all wheat.
Soy allergies are most common in children under the age of 3 and up to 70% of these children will outgrow a soy allergy. Symptoms are mild itchy rashes, hives appearing around the mouth and breathing difficulties, but very rarely does a soy allergy lead to anaphylaxis.
A soy allergy is triggered by the protein in soybeans and soy products like soy milk and soy sauce. Since soy is an ingredient in many products. label reading labels is very important with a soy allergy.
A fish allergy can cause a serious and potentially fatal allergic reaction and affects around 2% of adults. Unlike other allergies, fish allergies usually develop in adults and nit children. Most common reaction is vomiting, diarrhea and in some cases, anaphylaxis. The different proteins in shellfish and fish means that being allergic to one, does not automatically mean being allergic to the other but caution should be taken when trying different types of fish.
An allergic reaction is your body recognizing the proteins in certain foods as harmful and triggering an abnormal response by your immune system. Common reactions are swelling of the tongue, mouth or face, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, and itchy rash. A more severe reactions results in anaphylaxis that can be fatal. Always read labels, enquire about ingredients and always consult your health care professional at first signs of an allergic reaction.
]]>"Nearly 5 percent of children under the age of five years old have food allergies."1
Dealing with food allergies in children can be overwhelming for both parents and the child; having an open line of communication with your kids about food allergies is key. It can be daunting to send your child out in the world without your protective eye on food packaging or being able to inspect food that may be offered to them. It is important to educate your child about their food allergies to empower them to make smart food choices and understand what it means to have a food allergy.
For very young children, it is important to keep them safe and to help them understand certain foods may not be safe for them to eat. Communication will need to be simplified so they understand, but are not scared.
Start by explaining certain food may make their tummy hurt, may cause their skin to be it itchy, or make them just not feel well. Then identify which foods will do this – label foods as “unsafe foods” and “safe foods” while showing your child the food, photos of the food or food packaging. Knowing what the foods look like is the first step to avoiding potential risk.
Teach your child to only eat food given to them by parent, teachers, specific friends, or relatives – people you trust and know they understand your child’s food allergies. Your child should also know what to do in case they do start feeling unwell, or if they have an allergic reaction. Having an emergency plan in place with your child so they understand the importance of finding an adult to help them, to administer medicine or take them to the doctor.
Teach your child with food allergies how to read ingredient labels when they are old enough, take them grocery shopping with you to help choose “safe foods” and involve them in making meals or treats they can enjoy. Encourage open communication at home and with friends about food allergies so your child gets accustomed to telling others and openly shares about any food issues.
Give your child the tools to explain to others what their allergies are and what foods are safe for them to eat. Practice role playing and speaking to teachers, to friends, to other adults so they feel confident talking about their allergy. Help your child get comfortable answering questions, politely declining unsafe food that is offered and dealing with feeling left out if they can’t participate in something centered around an unsafe food.
As your kids get older, they can understand more details about food allergies and why they have an allergy when others may not. Understanding the health risk and how to prevent allergic reactions will help your child take ownership to managing their allergies rather than just following ‘rules.’
Teaching your child that their food allergies are their body’s immune system reacting to certain foods; the more severe the reaction, the more they are allergic. These “allergens” can cause sneezing, itching, hives, stomach cramps, vomiting, trouble breathing and swelling. Understanding that some people are born with a genetic tendency to have allergies while others may have none. Also knowing the difference between a food intolerance (digestive system) and food allergies (immune system) – explained best here – will help them understand and explain the risk level of their allergens.
Teach older children about medications that may help prevent or ease an allergic reaction and schedule an appointment with your paediatrician who can demonstrate the use of epinephrine if an epipen applies to your child.
Be proactive when it comes to education around your child’s food allergies. Make learning about food allergies fun using books, toys and interactive online games to engage them in the process. Take cooking and baking classes together to learn how to substitute ingredients.
Teaching your child about food allergies may be a serious topic but the learning process can be fun!
*Be sure to consult your family physician if you suspect any food allergies or food sensitivities, conduct allergy tests when you can to confirm allergens and monitor your reactions each time ones occurs.
Sources:
]]>Eating any food your heart desires is a privilege those with a food allergy or a food sensitivity do not get to enjoy. A bad reaction to a food can range anywhere from an upset stomach to hives to something much more dangerous. Before you casually dismiss a 'weird' reaction to food, know the signs and how to tell the difference between a food allergy vs food sensitivity.
A food allergy is your body’s’ immune system recognizing something you have eaten is harmful and creating a defense – or antibodies - to combat it. An allergic reaction is when these antibodies are fighting the food protein. Common food allergies include shellfish, nuts, fish, eggs, peanuts and milk. Food allergies affect about 1% of adults and 7% of children with some having multiple allergies.
A food sensitivity or food intolerance is when your body’s digestive system responds negatively to something you have eaten. It is more of an irritation as your digestive system cannot properly break down or digest the food. Common food sensitivities or food intolerance are to lactose, casein and gluten. Food sensitivities are very common and most people have reacted to something they have eaten at some point.
A main difference between and allergy and a sensitivity is a food allergy may be triggered every time you ingest even the smallest amount of an allergen whereas a food sensitivity may only occur if a large portion of that food is consumed. If you have a food allergy, you generally will need to avoid eating that food completely, but if you have only a sensitivity you may be able to enjoy small amounts without any digestive issues.
Itchy skin
Rash or Hives
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Stomach pains
Swelling of airway
Chest pains
The most important and concerning symptom of a food allergy is an Anaphylactic Shock. This is a potentially fatal allergic reaction that can lead to a drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness and system failure in the body.
Heartburn
Headaches
Nausea
Stomach pain
Vomiting
Gas, cramping
Diarrhea
These symptoms, although uncomfortable , are not known to be life threatening and will usually pass is a short amount of time.
Currently there is no cure for a food allergy or sensitivity but there are steps you can take to prevent the symptoms of a food allergy or sensitivity. Limiting or not consuming the food allergen at all will greatly reduce the reaction, reading food labels carefully and making sure restaurant servers, friends and family whose homes you may dine are aware of your food intolerances.
*Consult your family physician if you suspect any food allergies or food sensitivities, conduct allergy tests when you can to confirm allergens and monitor your reaction to new foods.
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