Food Allergies and Summer Fun- Tips and Tools to Keep you Thriving this Summer

Summer is here- at least for most according to the school calendar.  It’s time to start thinking summer activities, days at the pool, fun outings and play dates- all things that make summer so fun.  Having a food allergy can complicate even simple outings so my Thrive On Three this time are some of my favorite stay safe strategies and tools to keep summer cool and safe!

Three ways to Thrive On this summer:

Medicine Must Dos

First and foremost, no matter what you do this summer always be sure your emergency medications are with you.  If you haven’t already, find a carrier that will allow you to easily carry your medication with you no matter where your summer adventures take you.  Check out AllerMates and AllergyApparel for some great carrier options. 

Remember to also keep your medicine temperature controlled.  Summer heat can take a toll on your medicines, so be sure you keep them within the appropriate temperature range. For the EpiPen®, that means between 68° - 77° F.  Frio offers a great option for a carrying case that will keep your pens within the right range. 

Gear Up for Fun

We have navigated quite a few summers with food allergies and have found some very helpful items when eating on the go.

We eat on the road a lot, either on the way to activities or picnicking at the zoo or parks.  One item we use all of the time is our backpack cooler.  We can load up a day’s worth of food and can easily carry other needed supplies all while staying hands free for summer activities. 

Another item we love, our fold-up picnic blanket.  We keep it in our car and have it on hand for picnics and impromptu meals on the go.  It folds up with handles so we can easily carry it with us to parks. It also has a water proof barrier on the bottom so even if the grass is damp we stay dry.  We tend to avoid picnic tables since we never know what was just eaten on that surface so our picnic blanket is a great option.  A great hack for park picnic tables if you need to dine on one- head to the dollar store and grab a few plastic party table clothes and keep them in your car for a need-to-cover-a-table  moment. 

Food Fundamentals

Summer fun usually involves food so be sure you are prepared.  Be sure to talk to friends and party hosts in advance of events to decide on your stay-safe plan- you may decided to take safe dishes to share, eat before the event, or bring a safe meal just for you or your child that you know will be free of your allergens.

Keep your car stocked with non-perishable snacks.  Summer can mean opportunities for spontaneous fun, but when you have food allergies spontaneity can be problematic.  Ensure you have some food options at the ready so if summer fun calls you can stay out.  Stocking safe snacks can give you enough food to get you through until you return home for a safe meal.  We keep a bin in our van filled with Enjoy Life snacks and some of our other safe favorites in case we need a snack while on the go.

Wishing you a safe and fun-filled summer!  Thrive On!


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 managing food allergies, and follow her on Facebook and Twitter