Why You Should Attend the Gluten Free Food Allergy Fest in Columbus, OH

In just a few days an amazing event is coming to Columbus, OH-  The Gluten Free Food AllergyFest.  The GFFA Fest, which will be held on April 30^th and May 1^st, is a must do if you are managing food allergies or Celiac Disease.   

I attended the GFFA Fest, hosted by Gluten Free and More, for the first time in 2015.  I learned so much and found so many great products- all catered towards those with food allergies and Celiac- I knew I would be adding it to my list of events to attend each year. 

Here are three great reasons you should plan to attend this weekend:

Gluten Free and Allergy Friendly Products Galore!

As you walk into the GFFA Fest, you will see aisle after aisle of products, vendors and companies all focused on helping those with Celiac and food allergies.  Get ready to sample great foods, discover new products and talk with companies that get it.  Some companies sample their foods and products and some even sell things.  Be sure to grab your complimentary sample bag when you enter the GFFA Fest and be prepared to leave with more than came with!

Education Sessions and Cooking Demos Throughout the Day

In between sampling tasty foods and finding your new favorite gluten-free products you can attend one of the many lectures or cooking demos offered at the Fest.  All day long chefs are cooking up allergy-friendly and gluten free bites in the demo kitchen.  You can attend a live cooking demo and then head to the lecture area to hear from medical, Celiac and food allergy experts on how to manage and thrive with food restrictions.

This year, I am honored to be representing my company, Thrive On Consulting and speaking on Traveling with Food Allergies and Celiac Disease.  My session will be the first of the day on both Saturday and Sunday.  I will be sharing tips and advice for traveling safely with food restrictions.  Come join me for an informative session just in time for planning that summer vacation!  And, one lucky attendee at each of my presentations will win a prize bag with great accessories for traveling with food allergies or Celiac generously donated by my partners at AllerMates, Allergy Apparel and I.C.O.E. Bracelets.  You don’t want to miss the chance to win these great prizes!

Connections, Community and Advice

When you have food allergies and Celiac Disease often times you feel like the outsider at an event- making special meal requests, brining your own safe foods, feeling unsure sometimes if the situation will be safe.  This is one event where you will feel at home and be surrounded by others who also have the same concerns and take the same precautions.  You will talk to people throughout the day- company representatives, chefs, fellow attendees- that all get it.  You will be part of the gluten free and food allergy community, and you will fit right in. 

There will also be people there to provide advice and support.  There is an authors booth where you can meet and talk to leading authors – and buy some of their wonderful books and cookbooks.   After my talk, I will be in the author booth to discuss any questions you may have about managing food allergies.  My friend, and fellow AllerCoach, Tiffany Monroe, who owns Ingredients for You,will also be at the GFFA Fest to talk all things food allergy- you can find her at the booth with Soodles Bake Shop, an allergy-friendly and gluten free bakery who will be serving up some delicious and safe samples.

Cannot wait to connect with you the GFFA Fest!

Safety Note: As a food allergy coach, a little advice to help you Thrive On at the Fest- if you are managing food allergies do still bring your emergency medications.  No matter how safe or comfortable you may feel, you should never leave home without your emergency medications.  Be sure to read labels and inquire about ingredients before sampling products as your allergens may be present in some of the products.   

Tami owns Thrive On Consulting, which helps families and individuals managing food allergies.  You can follow her on Facebook and Twitter

Farm to Table- Fresh and Safe

The sun is shining and we are finally experiencing the first signs of a sustained Spring in Kentucky- no more dips back into freezing temperatures!  It also means that the Farmer’s Markets will be opening soon, offering up the best of the season- fresh and local.  Depending on where you live, your Farmer’s Markets may already be in full swing. 

One strategy we have implemented since beginning to manage our food allergies has been to cook simple meals with fresh ingredients.  Fresh fruits and veggies are a staple for us and the Farmer’s Market is a great place to get a variety of in-season fruits and veggies to add to our dinner table. 

With spring on my mind, the latest Thrive On 3 is three ways to make the most of your Farmer’s Market.  I consulted with Lisa Musician, a registered dietitian and owner of Food Allergy Dietitian, Inc. on what fruits and veggies are smart choices.  We all know that eating fruits and veggies is great for us, but did you also know that when you have food allergies there are certain fruits and veggies that can provide some the key nutrients you may be not getting due to your allergies.  Musician offers the following suggestions to stock up on at the Farmer’s Market as a great alternative source of nutrients for some of the top 8 allergens.

Allergy	Alternative	Good to Know Info
Milk	Collard Greens, Kale, Spinach and Broccoli	½ cup of cooked greens can offer anywhere from 45-120mg of calcium per serving
Wheat	Sweet Potatoes	Sweet potatoes are a great source of B vitamins, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium and are rich in fiber
Nuts, Fish	Avocado	Avocados are a great source of healthy fats
Soy	Variety of Fruits and Veggies	Soybeans provide a variety of nutrients so eating a wide range of fruits and veggies can ensure you also get that wide variety of nutrients

So how do you find all of these great fruits and veggies and more at your Farmer’s Market?  Check out these tips for making the most of your Farmer’s Market experience.

Come Prepared:

When going to the Farmer’s Market be sure to bring cash, many farmers and vendors are not set up to take credit card payments.  I made this mistake the first time I went to a market and had to forego a number of great items because I did not have cash. 

Another tip is to bring your own bags. These days reusable bags can be found everywhere.  Grab a few to use for your Farmer’s Market visits as some farmers do not provide bags.  Musician also offered some great advice on reusable bags, be sure to wash them every once and a while.  Bacteria can grow on the bags after repeated use.  You do not want your fresh foods to make you sick so wash your bags and also be certain to wash your fruits and veggies before you eat them.

Plan Ahead for Meal Ideas:

When I first started going to Farmer’s Markets I would go in and buy everything that looked good.  I would come home with a ton of fruits and veggies but no real plan for how to use them.  This also meant that I often had a lot of fresh produce go to waste because I couldn’t eat it all before it went bad. 

A notable strategy is to find out what is in season and look for some simple and fun recipes to use.  Often times, your state or local extension office will have a website dedicated to recipes by fruit or vegetable that can give you some great ideas and help you plan for your Farmer’s Market trip.  I live in Louisville and the UK Extension office offers wonderful resources on local produce and recipes.  Just google your area to see what you can find.  I googled a number of states and found similar links and resources to those offered in Kentucky.  Just be sure to be aware of your allergens as you review the recipes and make safe substitutions where necessary.

Follow Thrive On Consulting and Food Allergy Dietitian this week on Facebook where we will post a few recipes incorporating some of the fruits and veggies listed  in the chart above. 

Timing is Everything:

What is the best time to go to the Farmer’s Market?  Musician says it depends on your goal.  If you want to have the best selection and ensure your preferred produce is there, go early.  Farmers bring a limited supply and when it’s gone it’s gone.  Getting there early means you will have first access to the selection and can pick out the best produce options.  If you are looking for a deal, head to the market towards closing time.  You may not have a large selection as some items may have sold out, but farmers will often give you a deal to buy up their remaining stock. 

Have any other great Farmer’s Market tips?  Share them in the comments section- we would love to hear them!  Thrive On!



**Lisa and I will be posting some great fruit and veggie recipes this week to our Facebook and Twitter pages.  Follow along to get some great recipes for your next trip to the market.

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Hitting the Road with Food Allergies: Great Apps and Screaming Goats

Yes, you read that right- screaming goats.  They have become an important part of our road trips, but more on that later. 

We hit the road for Spring Break- one of the many road trips we will make this year.  We drive everywhere these days.  We have decided, with the severity of our daughter’s peanut allergy, that flying is not a good fit for our family.  We will fly someday, but for right now driving is the best option for our young family.  We have gotten pretty adept at taking a road trip and have also found some great technology tools to assist us in our travel adventures.   A lot of us know about and use Allergy Eats to find allergy friendly restaurants, which is a very helpful app while on the road.  And, there are other great apps that can help to keep your travels safe.  My Thrive On 3 this week – 3 great apps for traveling when you have food allergies.

USA Rest Stops

We love rest areas for three reasons- they offer us a place to eat the picnic style food we pack for our road trip, they give us a fast option for bathroom breaks and provide some open space to run and play when we need a break from the car. We try, as best we can, to plan out most of our stops at rest areas along our route.

USA Rest Stop is an app that allows you to locate rest stops anywhere in the US.  It has several great features.  You can search by state to find rest stops for some pre-planning.   There is a also a GPS function that tracks where you are and allows you to find rest areas along your route as you travel, including telling you how many miles until you hit the next rest stop.  It will alert you if rest areas are closed (good to know if someone really has to go) and also details what amenities are found at each rest stop.  Need a place with picnic tables for lunch or dinner?  The app can help you find it.

findER™

When we travel we always like to ensure that we will have close access to medical care at our destination and we take steps prior to our trip to research the closest hospitals, but what about while you are driving to your destination?  The findER™ app has a GPS function that tracks your current location.  When you open it, it locates where you are and automatically tells you the location of the closest ER.  You can tap the link and it will give you directions to the closet ER or click the list link to see all of the area ERs, including distance from your current location.  You can also search by location for some pre-trip planning and there is a link to call 911 from within the app. 

Hopefully your trip will be free of an ER visit, but should you need to find one quickly this app will get you the information you need.

MyEpiPlan

Mylan, the manufacturers of the of EpiPen®, offers an app called MyEpiPlan.  It is a great resource for keeping a complete allergy profile accessible and offers some cool features to help you use and keep your EpiPens® current.  While not a travel specific app, I love that we have comprehensive information about my daughter's allergies at all times and a way to contact others should we have an emergency situation while traveling.

The app allows you to complete an allergen profile that lists all of your allergens (food and non-food).  You can establish multiple profiles if more than one member of your family has allergies.  The app also offers many other great features including an emergency contact section where you can log multiple emergency contacts, including doctor and pharmacy information.  You can also track your EpiPens®.  It allows you to indicate where you keep your EpiPens® and enter in the expiration date for all of your pens.  The app will send you automatic reminders when it is time to replace your pens.  There is a How to Use link that connects you to a video on how to administer an EpiPen®, a link that allows you to dial 911 from within the app, as well as a section with tips and helpful articles about living with food allergies.

Now back to the screaming goats.  Since we have opted as a family to drive for all of our trips, we spend long hours cruising the roads to get to our chosen destination.  We have gotten really good at road tripping and have lots of tricks up our sleeves for keeping it safe and real while we spend hour upon hour on the road.  But, it is inevitable that if you spend a lot of time in the car the collective mood in the car will go south at some point.  That is where the screaming goats come in.  When we have all hit our limit – kids are fussing and kicking the seats, we have watched a movie (or three) and mom and dad are cranky, the best option is to pull up YouTube and watch some screaming goat videos.  Perhaps it is the delirious state we are already in, but something about watching screaming goats lightens the mood, brings on uncontrollable laughter and we are ready once again to go the distance (try it- I dare you not to laugh).

Here’s wishing you safety and screaming goats on your next road trip!  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

Three Thriving On- Three Ages and Three Views on Living with Food Allergies

We started our food allergy journey six years ago when our daughter was diagnosed with multiple life-threatening allergies.  In that time, we have learned how to stay safe, developed strategies for living in our new normal, had good days, had bad days, realized the positive side of food allergies in the form of healthier eating and struggled as our bubble of control continues to shrink as she has more and more opportunities to be on her own and away from the allergen free home we have created.  I often wonder what it will be like as she gets older- what does and will she think about her allergies?  What will her challenges and successes be as she navigates life with food allergies?  What will she worry about when it comes to her food allergies? What path will her food allergy journey take her down. So, I decided to interview a few people at different stages of life with food allergies about their journey. 

I asked the same questions of three people.  My daughter, who is seven.  She is allergic to all nuts, sesame, chickpea and sunflower.  Cameron, an active high school student, who is living with allergies to peanuts, tree nuts and legumes since he was three.  He was also allergic to chocolate but has recently outgrown this allergy (yay!).  Sarah, a twenty nine year old working adult, who was diagnosed with fish and shellfish allergies when she was in her mid-twenties. 

It was interesting to see what strikes each person as important and meaningful in their own food allergy journey.  We all forge our own paths and make our own decisions about what is right and how to stay safe, but I hope you will enjoy reading this look at food allergies across three different ages and stages of life.  And, a special thanks to my daughter, Cameron and Sarah for sharing their stories and how they thrive on with food allergies!

  

What are two things you wish that people without food allergies
understood about food allergies?

• My Daughter: That you should always carry an EpiPen® if you are near a person with a food allergy.  There should be an allergy free table at every school to keep everyone safe.

• Cameron: The first would be that allergens can be very well hidden inside of food. Just because the allergens aren't obvious, such as nuts being sprinkled on food, doesn't mean they aren't there. I've found nuts in packaged shredded cheese, pasta sauce, and many bread products. You can never really tell what's in a food item until you read the label, which is a valuable skill you have to master for living with food allergies. The second thing that should be understood by those without food allergies is understanding why a person with food allergies may be uncomfortable eating your food. We don't mean to be rude when we turn down offered food. On the other side, people with food allergies need to communicate their concerns well, to ensure safety and explain why we can't eat certain things.

• Sarah: I wish people without food allergies understood that having food allergies is not a choice or a trend, that we're not making it up or exaggerating how serious it is.

 What is the most challenging thing about having food allergies?

• My Daughter: To have ask about food before grabbing it in a public place.

• Cameron:  The most challenging part of having a food allergy is its way of acting as a social barrier. When I was in grade school I was subject to bullying because my parents chose to have me sit at a designated peanut free table, which alienated me from the rest of my class. I also wore my EpiPen® on my belt a big bulky flashlight holster. While the younger kids were in awe at what they perceived to be a light saber, some of the kids in my own class gave me endless torment for my differences. As I grew older, I lost my fear of my food allergies, and instead developed a wary respect for them. This development came through becoming comfortable with my ability to control what I eat and successfully avoiding my allergens for so long. This transition took place around eighth grade, when I stopped eating at the peanut free table at lunch. I started sitting with my friends, who understood my food allergies and tried to sit away from me if they ate food that I couldn't eat. Currently, my food allergies don't set me apart socially any more, but if something comes up that could lead to exclusion, I've gotten very good at explaining what was going on to foster understanding. One particular situation where food allergies have been difficult in high school is dating. It's pretty awkward to try to explain why you can't kiss someone because you don't know what they have eaten recently. But as with all of my other food allergy related obstacles, I've been able overcome this issue through good communication.

• Sarah: The most challenging thing about having food allergies is the lack of freedom to eat whatever and wherever I want. There is a lot of planning involved: reading labels, calling companies to ask questions about their ingredients and policies, checking online allergen information if it's available, etc. If my go-to safe foods become unsafe for me or if they're out of stock, it can be a real setback and letdown.

What is the best thing about having food allergies?  

• My Daughter: I get to sit at the peanut free table.  I like that I get to sit next to the hallway window and watch people walk by.

• Cameron: I've been able to grow as a communicator because of my food allergies. People with food allergies have to be able to voice their concerns for their safety, and learn to talk to people. My experience with communicating about food allergies has transferred itself into strong public speaking skills, which have been very helpful. I also was able to go to Washington D.C. to lobby for the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act. This gave me the opportunity to sit down with Senators, the Speaker of the House, and Representatives to discuss food allergies and how we can pass legislation to make life with food allergies safer. That was one of the most profound experiences I've had in my life, but it wouldn't have been possible if I didn't have food allergies.

• Sarah: The best thing about having food allergies is that I make healthier choices when I eat. I can't rely on processed convenience foods, so I mostly cook homemade meals. Bonus: I've learned to love cooking and get creative in the kitchen!

 What have people done (or not done) related to your
food allergies that has impacted you?

• My Daughter: My mom makes treats for birthday parties that I go to so I have a dessert if I can’t have the dessert there.

• Cameron: Cameron chose not to answer this question.

• Sarah: My husband hasn't eaten seafood since I became allergic to it. I didn't ask him to avoid it, but the solidarity means a lot to me and makes me feel less alone when it comes to food. My mom has spent hours cooking allergen-friendly meals for me, and my dad has gone out of his way to find the specific foods that I use. I also have a friend who never complains about eating at the same restaurant when we go out. I could tell you dozens of other ways that people have supported me with my food allergies, and I'm grateful for every single one. They make the burden of having food allergies easier to bear.

 

 What do you worry about most as it relates to your food allergies?

• My Daughter: I worry about not knowing when I might have a reaction.

• Cameron: I worry about improper labeling and poor transparency within restaurants. While labeling is required by law, contamination and recalls are fairly common and worrisome. Restaurants can assure you that something will be safe, but you can never really know what goes on in the kitchen when your food is being prepared. But with all things in life, there is an element of risk, and you have to learn how to balance risk management with living you life.

• Sarah: I worry that foods I eat will be mislabeled and cause me to have a reaction via cross-contact.

 Do you carry your epinephrine with you at all times? 
Why or why not?

• My Daughter: I don’t carry it, but my mom or teacher carries it for me.  They do it so  I can carry other things and so in case I have a reaction my medicine is right there.

• Cameron: Yes I do. It's the only way to reverse an anaphylactic reaction. To not carry one with my severity of food allergies would simply be foolhardy.

• Sarah: I carry my epinephrine with me at all times because you never know when you might be exposed to your food allergens or develop new ones. Better safe than sorry!

If someone you knew were to be diagnosed with food allergies what
advice would you share with them? 

• My Daughter: Read labels, ask before eating, and stay away from things that might have your allergens in them.

• Cameron: I would tell them to research their condition, and practice how to communicate your needs and concerns in restaurants. Learning what food to avoid and how to read food labels is also extremely important. Also, they need to understand that they shouldn't try to put themselves in a bubble. They have to learn how to have a full life without being overly burdened by their allergies.

• Sarah: If someone I knew were to be diagnosed with food allergies, this would be my advice: Research and learn everything you can about food allergies, especially yours. Sign up for newsletters and subscribe to magazines about food allergies. Follow people, companies, and organizations in the food allergy community online. Join a support group for people who have food allergies or who care for someone with food allergies. Get involved in the food allergy community in other ways, like the FARE Walk. Always carry your epinephrine with you. Never compromise when it comes to your food allergies! Right after I developed my food allergies, the best advice I got came from a message board, and I've followed it ever since: "If I don't know, I don't eat it."

I love all of their advice and hope you will share it with others too!  Thrive On!

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 

Food Allergies and Luck

It is March- shamrocks, leprechauns and wishes for good luck are everywhere.  But what does this have to do with food allergies?  I think it is a lesson in luck.  Luck is defined as, “success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one's own actions”.  One thing is certain, when it comes to food allergies you cannot leave your safety to luck.  Being thoughtful, prepared and taking intentional action will help you Thrive On.  This week my Thrive On 3 is all about steps you need to take to stay safe- don’t leave it to luck!

Carry 2 EpiPens® at All Times
No matter where you are going or what you are doing, if you have a food allergy you have to have your EpiPen® with you.  Severe reactions can escalate in minutes and being without your epinephrine could have dire consequences.  Don’t risk it- keep your emergency medications with you.

Last year, there were multiple times that I was scrolling through my Facebook feed and learned of yet another food allergy related death. As I read these stories with tears streaming down my face from sorrow for the families to fear about my own daughter’s safety, one thing frequently struck me in these stories- often the person did not have their epinephrine with them.

Yes, there are challenges to carrying around medicines, but at the end of the day I would rather have an inconvenience than an irreversible outcome.  There are a number of great carriers out there.  We use the AllerMates Allergy Medicine Case.  It fits two EpiPens®, our antihistamine and includes an ID card with contact information.  We have had the case for two years and it is still in great condition despite the fact that it is transported everywhere and passed off multiple times throughout the day at school to teachers, cafeteria staff, and car pool monitors.  Frio offers a great insulated bag for summer time heat when it is essential to keep your epinephrine temperature controlled.  Some other great carrier options are offered by Allergy Apparel and Epi Essentials (check these out for older girls- so stylish and functional!).  Also, if you register for the My EpiPen® Program through Mylan they will send you a free carrying case.

These are just a few of the many options available.  No matter how you choose to carry your emergency medications, a fancy carrier or a simple bag or pocket, the important thing is that you carry two EpiPens® – everywhere, all of the time.

Be Your Own Advocate
One of my favorite songs is Brave by Sarah Bereilles.  In it she sings, “Say what you wanna say, And let the words fall out, Honestly I wanna see you be brave.”  I love these lines and think this is so true when you have food allergies.  Sometimes you have to be brave to speak up and make a situation safe.  It can be uncomfortable, but you have to advocate for yourself or your child.  No one else will do it, or do it in the way that you can armed with information about your allergens, medicines and strategies for keeping you safe.

Don’t apologize for your allergies, speak the truth and inform people about what needs to happen, or not happen, to keep you safe.  Do it in a way that promotes collaboration and partnership.  Going in defensive, which admittedly is extremely difficult not to do sometimes, will ultimately work against you.  Yes, you may be frustrated, scared, and sometimes even mad that things are the way they are, but take the time to advocate in a positive and productive way.

Come prepared to discuss facts, offer alternative solutions and go in with the attitude that a positive outcome is possible.  Most importantly, do it- advocate for yourself or your child.  Say what you need to say- I want to see you be brave!

Educate and Build Your Village
We have all heard the African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child”.  I have found this to be true time and time again, and especially since our food allergy diagnosis.  As much as I like to think of myself as a “superwoman”, I have learned you cannot manage your food allergies in isolation.  You need support from your village!

I have also learned that people just don’t know what they don’t know.  I think back to before our diagnosis- I am sure I took unsafe foods to the park and didn’t wash my daughter’s hands after eating all of the time.  All things that are unthinkable to me now.  I do the right thing now because I am aware, because I am educated.  Part of building your village is making sure that people know what they need to know- about your allergies and how to keep you safe.

It has often been my experience that when I take the time to educate on food allergies people are more than willing to help make accommodations or be thoughtful about what foods they serve.  It can be as simple as a call to someone before an event to training your caregivers on how to keep your child safe while you are away (Need help with that? Check out my blog post for FAACT on Food Allergies and Caregivers).

Brainstorm who is in your village- family, friends, school personnel, babysitters, neighbors, restaurant staff, camp counselors….develop your list.  Once this list is defined make sure your village is aware and prepared to help you and your child Thrive On!

Luck is great, but your safety is not a game of chance.  To Thrive On with food allergies, you need to be prepared and have people around you who are also educated and ready to assist in managing your food allergies.  If you need help educating your village or developing ways to advocate for yourself let me know- I am here to help you 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 dealing with food allergies, and follow her on Facebook and Twitter

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