I Just Don’t Want to Cook

I love to cook, I really do.  Which is a good thing since as a food allergy mom I do it ALL. OF. THE. TIME.  But, this past week was a rough one.  I got sick.   When mama goes down it is never good, but when a food allergy mama goes down there is a lot left to be done in the kitchen. 

There were two days in particular that I laid on the couch cuddled up with my girls while they basked in the never ending glow of the TV.  I think they were quite pleased.  I was in and out of sleep all afternoon but when the clock hit 5:00 I knew I had to start thinking about dinner. 

I shop every week with a meal plan in mind so I had a fridge full of the ingredients to make things like pork chops with loaded baked potatoes and chicken rice bowls with homemade salsa, but just the thought of standing up and cooking was overwhelmingly exhausting.  I just couldn’t pull it together.  Instead of hearty home cooked meals, I surveyed my pantry for safe, quick, and somewhat nourishing foods I could feed my kids so I could get back to my happy place on the couch under the blanket.

Coming up with quick convenience meals can be challenging when you have food allergies, as many processed foods contain allergens.  But, I was able to pair together some of my pantry staples and keep my family eating even though I couldn’t pull off my nightly display of food-allergy-mom-cooking-awesomeness.

As the week rolled on and I cuddled under my covers, willing my health to return, I got to thinking about easy convenience meals and the foods to have on hand for quick meals.  Because let’s face it, whether you are sick, or not, there are just some nights you don’t have it in you to pull off amazing culinary feats.  And so, this edition of Thrive On 3: Three easy meals for nights when you just don’t want to cook.

Meal One: Soup, Salad or Fruit and Bread

One pantry staple we always have is soup.  This may not be the healthiest option, but you can heat up a bowl of soup in minutes.  Add some bagged salad or fruit and you aren’t doing too badly.  Depending on your allergens, you may not be able to eat canned soup.  So, make up batches of homemade soup and freeze them in individual serving sizes. You can defrost as needed for a safe and healthy bowl of soup.  Amy’s brand soups are also a good and healthy choice for some.  For example, Amy’s Chunky Tomato Bisque is gluten, dairy, corn and soy free.

We pair our soup with what my girls have coined in our house as “cheesy bread”.  It is essentially any form of bread that I can find in my pantry with any kind of cheese I can find in my fridge toasted under the broiler for a few minutes.  We don’t have a dairy allergy so cheese is a staple in our house, but if you do have a dairy allergy you could make garlic toasts.  Toast slices of bread, pita, etc. sprinkled with a little olive oil, salt and garlic powder.  Or, sprinkle bread with olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a savory toast bite.

Meal Two: Breakfast-for-Dinner

This is another go-to quick meal for me, and one that I made this week.  I was able to drag myself off the couch long enough to scramble some eggs, toast some bread and cut up some fruit.  My girls love breakfast for dinner and so it was a win all around.  If you can eat eggs, this is a great quick meal and you can throw veggies into your scramble to up the health factor. 

If you can’t eat eggs, another great breakfast-for-dinner option is frozen waffles and fruit.  Van’s offers a variety of tasty waffles that are gluten free and Ian’s Natural Foods has a number of frozen breakfast items including French Toast Sticks that are free of egg, milk, nuts, soy and gluten.

If you aren’t comfortable eating pre-packaged waffles be sure to make a double batch of your safe recipe the next time you make them for breakfast and freeze some for a breakfast-for-dinner night.

Meal Three: Chicken Patties, Frozen Veggies and Fruit

If I cooked this meal every night my girls would probably call me the best cook, and mom, in America.  I don’t do it often, but on nights when I need a quick meal it is a good option.  We use Applegate chicken patties.  Another good allergy friendly option is Ian’s.  They have chicken patties, nuggets and other frozen entrées free of many of the major allergens.

I keep lots of frozen veggie options in my freezer and while those chicken patties are baking away I make a helping of frozen veggies and cut up some fruit (if not open a can of fruit) and in less than 20 minutes dinner is ready and I am done.

 Here are some other tips for nights when you just don’t want to cook:

•    Buy safe pantry staples in multiples so that you always have extras on hand.

•    If you are not comfortable, or able, to buy a lot of pre-packaged goods make bulk batches of things like soup, waffles and homemade chicken strips and freeze in individual portions for easy meals.

•    Freeze a loaf of your safe bread so that you always have some on hand.

•    Let yourself have a night or two off and use easy meals when you need them.  I often feel guilty if I am not cooking a hearty and well-balanced meal, but some nights you just need a break!

I am feeling better now and have already started thinking about my meal plan for next week.  The girls might actually be more disappointed when I am back to my normal love-to-cook self and don’t put chicken patties on the menu.  But, I will be restocking those, as I know there will be another night, in the not too distant future, when I just don’t want to cook.

Thrive On and stay healthy!

Product Disclaimer:
Thrive On Consulting does not sponsor or endorse the products listed.  Nor has Thrive On Consulting been paid to include these products.  Products mentioned here are provided as ideas and suggestions to help you Thrive On with food allergies.

If you find this post helpful learn more about Tami and her company, Thrive On Consulting, which helps families and individuals dealing with food allergies, and follow her on Facebook and Twitter

Tips for a Safe and Reaction-Free Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is just around the corner- are you prepared to celebrate safely?  I am excited this week to have a blog post in partnership with my fellow AllerCoaches on staying safe this Valentine's Day.  I completed the AllerCoach certification course in 2015 and now work with a wonderful group of smart, talented and food allergy savvy coaches. Our joint post shares great ways to stay safe and have fun on Valentine's Day.

I love the helpful tips provided to make your Valentine's Day a safe and sweet one.  Be sure to share this post with others who have food allergies, or those who need ideas about how to keep it safe for people with food allergies on Valentine's Day.  You can also stay connected to me on Facebook and Twitter for more great stay-safe tips and information on Thriving On with Food Allergies!

When you have food allergies, holidays are a particularly important time to be aware, vigilant and prepared. Valentine’s Day is no exception. This holiday is filled with love, but it is also filled with treats.  To get you ready for the holiday, the experienced food allergy coaches from AllerCoach want to offer you some stay-safe tips and ideas for Valentines to ensure that everyone has a sweet and reaction-free holiday.

AllerCoaches are located across the United States and not only have personal experience managing food allergies, but have also completed an intense course in all aspects of food allergy management. If you are in need of support, resources, or guidance in your food allergy journey, reach out to an AllerCoach today!

Valentine Safety Tips from the AllerCoaches

Tami Pyles is the owner of Thrive On Consulting in Louisville, KY.  

Tami’s Stay-Safe Tip: Label reading is always important when you have food allergies, but it is especially important on the holidays.  Often times, candies and other holiday themed items can be produced in different facilities from the normal product.  Or, special holiday flavors may use different ingredients than the safe version you are normally able to eat without issue. As a result, some holiday products will have a new label or “may contain” statement.  Avoid consuming unsafe candy or food by always checking the package labeling, even if it is a food you have safely consumed in the past.  A good motto to follow is “when in doubt, throw it out!”.  If you are not able to read the label or a food is not individually labeled, do not take a chance.

Tami’s Non-Food Valentine Idea: If you are looking for an inexpensive and cute idea for classmates, here is one that rules. Head to the dollar store or search online (Oriental Trading is a great spot for bulk items) for multi-packs of rulers.  Print a simple card that says “Valentine You Rule”.  You can affix the paper to the ruler or if the ruler is short enough, stuff both the ruler and the card into an envelope. You can decorate the card or envelope for a personal touch.  We made these last year for my daughter’s class.  We found cute jungle themed rulers online and she had fun decorating the cards for each of her classmates. Happy Valentine’s Day and Thrive On!

Tiffany Brunetti Monroe is the owner of Ingredients for You in Columbus, OH.

Tiffany’s Stay-Safe Tip:  Valentine’s Day is a time to show someone you care.  Working around their allergies and restrictions to create a surprise is a thoughtful way to share your love.  It is important to understand that everyone’s allergies are different.  “Safe” products are not always safe for every individual.  Some may have allergies beyond the “Top 8”, or may be manufactured in facilities with other allergens, causing potential for cross-reaction.  Personally, my daughter and I have received some very thoughtful valentines, including speciality chocolate from Amanda’s Own Confections, corn-free and dye-free jelly beans from the Natural Candy Store, and multiple-allergen free baked goods from Soodles Bake Shop, and other specialty providers. I’ve also received some lovely and special non-treats with sentimental value.  Further, treats and projects/crafts made at home to avoid allergens are especially thoughtful and can include treats customized around your loved ones’ allergies.  This special effort is a big win, even if the final product turns out to be a fail (you pinterest users know what I’m talking about).  It’s always the thought that counts, especially when creating custom Ingredients for You (or your loved one).

Tiffany’s Non-Food Valentine Idea:  If you are like me, you may be limited on time and need to avoid the black hole of internet ideas, supplies, glue, and packaging of a homemade creation.  As such, I have researched several cute valentines that are ready to go, but are a step above the traditional cards (although these are totally fine, but more and more come with candy and treats which aren’t suitable for an entire class).  I have included these non-food valentines in my Amazon store for your convenience.  This year, my daughter selected paper airplane valentines, and we are very excited to make some ourselves!

Jillian Dalton is the owner of Food For Thought | Food Allergy Solutions in New Milford, CT.  

Jillian’s Stay-Safe Tip: Just like any Valentine’s gift or loving gesture, going out for a romantic dinner for two will take some extra planning and thoughtful consideration when someone has food allergies.  This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a weekend.  Because it can be a busy night for restaurants and other event venues, it may be more challenging for staff to accommodate special requests and pay close attention to the important details.  Be sure to plan ahead by selecting restaurants that are not only accommodating, but also are not heavily focused on the particular foods that should be avoided.  For example, if you or your date have a peanut allergy, you might want to avoid that new Thai place that everyone is raving about.  Many restaurant menus can be found online.  Calling ahead to discuss the allergy with the manager is a great idea, and ask about the date that you plan on going.  Sometimes restaurants offer a fixed or holiday menu, or different dinner hours.  If the menu will be special, it might be a good idea to review it in advance.  Going during an off-peak time will hopefully allow the staff to be more attentive to your needs.  It is wise to notify the host(ess), server, and manager on staff about the allergy at your arrival.  No one should feel embarrassed to make the staff aware, because most likely everyone wants you to enjoy your evening and feel comfortable.  If you have a chef card detailing your allergies, ask the server to share it with the kitchen staff.  If you feel more comfortable speaking with the chef directly, go ahead and ask.  When the food arrives, confirm again with the server how it was prepared and what has been excluded.  While dim lighting can be romantic and set the mood, it’s always smart to take advantage of your other senses to inspect your food before digging in.  As always, make sure to bring all medications (especially epinephrine) and your allergist’s phone number.

Jillian’s Non-Food Valentine Idea:  Who doesn’t love to be pampered?  Although people often associate food with love, a thoughtful gesture will often go further and last longer than a sweet treat!  Any mother, father, or hard-working adult would love a massage.  But what about just doing something simple to make that person’s day easier?  Doing their chores for a day or taking care of the kids while they enjoy some time to themselves not only shows that person how much you love them, but also communicates that you value all that they do.

Jenn DiMercurio is the owner of Compassion LED Food Allergy Consulting in Red Lion, PA.

Jenn’s Stay-Safe Tip: On Valentine’s Day or any holiday, I have found role play helpful in preparing my children for an event. Whether a school party, a drop in group (i.e. library class) or a trip to the store (with the possibility of a food giveaway); preparing your child (or children) will help them navigate the world of food we live in. Having an age appropriate conversation and role play has helped my allergy and non-allergy child many times. It builds confidence, teaches them compassion, patience and most importantly how to stay safe. You may not be able to avoid or plan for every scenario, but giving them an idea of what to expect is helpful. It may also alleviate stress and help them when faced with unaccommodating circumstances. As a parent, it can also help you to know how aware they are of their allergens (or their sibling’s allergens) and give you an opportunity to share about it as a family. I learned the hard way during a preschool holiday party for my daughter without allergies (her brother was a guest). A parent surprised us all with homemade cookies and I had to take them away. It was a disaster. I had two children in tears, a horrified preschool mom (she didn’t know my son was coming) and no safe backup treats. Having a plan, talking to your child (children) and planning ahead can be key to having a fun, safe holiday.

Jenn’s Non-Food Valentine Idea: Every Valentine’s Day I enjoy making a homemade card for my children. I like to share the specific things I love about each of them. Once they were old enough to make their own, they began to make one for each other. It’s a great time to express our creativity and love for one another. The kids also began to create cards to send or share with other special people in their lives. Who doesn’t love a personal Valentine’s Day card? They are fun to make and the smiles of the recipient are priceless!

Meg Nohe is the owner of Food Allergy Partners in Leawood, KS. 

Meg’s Stay-Safe Tip: I’ve found that holidays with food allergies aren’t just about planning and preparing for ourselves/our children, they’re about planning WITH those around us to ensure our gatherings and celebrations are safe and inclusive. This means talking with teachers, co-workers, family and friends (whatever the celebration may be)! to ensure we pre-plan TOGETHER for a safe holiday. In the classroom scenario, this could mean working with the teacher to come up with a fun activity that doesn’t involve food, and planning safe snacks that accommodate every child’s special dietary need. In the workplace, this could mean becoming part of the team that plans the celebration to ensure it will work with your needs (and you can likely be a good voice for others at your office that may have special dietary needs)! I’ve found that family and friends want to be accommodating so everyone can participate. If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and pitch in on the planning, everyone can partake in the festivities.  

Meg’s Non-Food Valentine Idea: I love putting together holiday celebration baskets (Valentines Day included)! These don’t have to be fancy or expensive to put together, but a thoughtful way to celebrate and indulge those you care about. The baskets can involve the holiday as a theme, or simply include some of that person’s favorite things. This idea works for children and adults alike. We put these together for our children for holidays like Valentines, Easter and Halloween. They look forward to them every year! 

Wishing you a sweet and safe Valentine's Day!  Thrive On!

Tami