Food Allergies

How to Live Gluten Free

June 26, 2012 by The Motherhood

These days, it seems like everyone either has a problem with gluten or knows somebody who does. Walk down any aisle in the grocery store, and you’re likely to see items labeled “gluten-free.” Clearly more and more people are choosing–or needing–to go without gluten. But why, and what does it mean?

Debbi Smith of Debbi Does Dinner Healthy, along with Lauren of As Good as Gluten and Lisa of My Extraordinary Life popped into The Motherhood today to share information, resources and advice on going gluten-free.

One foundational question: where exactly is gluten found? Most people know gluten is contained in wheat, but it seems like it’s in a lot of other foods–and it is. Barley and rye as well as wheat contain gluten, making almost all commercial baked goods and pastas off-limits. Pizza usually is too, though Debbi offers a recipe for gluten-free pizza. Packaged lunchmeat is a less obvious culprit. Lauren emphasizes the importance of reading every label, noting “The less obvious foods I tend to find are spices, sauces, and seasonings. Gluten hides in a lot of products like sauce/spice pre-mixed packets and dressings/sauces.” Debbi says she’s even heard of lipsticks containing gluten.

Even though our panelists agreed that finding gluten-free alternatives is easier now than in the past, it’s still challenging. Which leads to another question: Why on earth would anybody subject herself to a diet that seems so limiting? On doctor’s orders, maybe, though many people, like Debbi, make the choice on their own. Going gluten-free makes them feel so much better that it’s absolutely worth giving up certain foods. Lauren observes, “I can eat everything I used to love and I eat healthier.” Debbi and Lisa found the Wheat Belly book and blog informative and helpful in choosing to go gluten-free.

So what kinds of things might tip you off that going gluten-free is the right choice for you? Debbi says that anyone with unexplained aches and pains might consider gluten-free: ” I would suggest to anyone who takes any kind of pain medication regularly to give it a try.” Lauren points out that gluten affects different people in different ways, so it can be tricky to know if a problem is caused by gluten. Some problems that may be gluten-related are any kind of digestive or stomach-related problems, whether immediately after eating gluten or a few hours later. She notes that some people are tired and fatigued all the time, and some have skin problems (like red blotches). Lisa’s reports that her daughter had “chronic sinus issues, mood swings, (and a) bloated looking belly.” Debbi says it’s often easy to tell within days of eliminating foods from a diet whether it makes a difference, but only a doctor can diagnose celiac disease.

As with any special diet, dining out can be a challenge when you can’t eat gluten. Debbi says PF Chang’s, Red Robin and Outback offer gluten-free menus. Lauren mentions Chipotle as another good option. Gluten-free dining strategies Lisa uses include sticking to “whole, plain, un-marinated or unseasoned foods. We ask questions about cross contamination and often try and just develop a relationship with our local restaurants in order for them to understand our needs.”

While you have a lot more control over ingredients and cross-contamination at home, but it can be tricky to replicate former favorite foods that contain gluten. Especially challenging are baked goods, of course. Lauren offers this wonderful gluten-free sandwich bread recipe that looks truly mouthwatering. Those who are familiar with gluten-free diet are probably familiar with Udi’s gluten-free bread. Lisa shares her Udi’s White Bread Copycat Recipe, which also looks delicious. Even with recipes in hand, it can sometimes be expensive to procure gluten-free ingredients. Lauren grinds her own rice flour by putting regular brown rice in a dedicated coffee grinder or her Magic Bullet, which she loves. After all, as Debbi acknowledged, rice is cheap, but rice flour is less so! Lisa saves grocery dollars by “sticking to foods that are naturally free and in season.”

It’s not clear whether more people are having problems with gluten, or whether we’re just more aware of it. What is clear is that the Internet is a source of lots of great information for people who are considering going gluten-free. Lauren pointed to the Gluten Free Global Community. TheReal Sustenance blog is also highly recommended, as is the Celiac Disease Foundation’s website. If you think a gluten-free diet could be right for you, you’re definitely not alone. And thanks to our panelists and dozens of bloggers like them, you could soon be eating–and feeling–better than ever.

Summer Challenges: Managing Food Allergies

June 13, 2012 by The Motherhood

I’ve heard that there are families out there who travel, stopping for a bite to eat whenever and wherever they feel like it. Families for whom the worst danger from a birthday party or carnival is a kid hopped up on sugar. Families that send their kids to sleep-away camp, trusting that the scariest thing their child will encounter in the mess hall is the mystery meat.

None of those families have a kid with food allergies, though.

The incidence of food allergies has skyrocketed in the last two decades, and almost everyone seems to have a kid with one (or more), or to know someone who does. Summer experiences that are fun for most kids, like camp, cookouts, and parties, are daunting and potentially deadly for families dealing with food allergies (FA).

Today in The Motherhood we were so fortunate to have a large panel of moms sharing their experiences and wisdom in dealing with this particular challenge. Lori Sandler, Susan Weissman, and Sandra Beasley were joined by panelists Sloane (Allergic Girl), Nicole (Allergic Child), Jen, Jodi, Sarah (The Allergist Mom), Barbara (Food Allergy Initiative), and Kelly (Food Allergy Mama). These wonderful moms weighed in on a number of situations that parents of FA kids deal with every summer.

On camp…

Lori reminds us that camp “is all about fun, and should not be stressful.” To keep it that way, we have to make sure our kids feel safe. This starts with the selection of the camp in the first place. Not all camps have the resources to deal with food allergies. Get recommendations from trusted friends, allergists, and allergy-friendly Facebook pages. Susan offered TheCampLady.com as a resource for locating allergy-friendly camps. Once you find a camp, Lori recommends talking to the camp owners at length and getting a feel for their philosophy, because you really need to feel able to trust them. Nicole and Kelly agreed that awareness of allergies is very much on a camp-by-camp basis.

Susan also emphasizes, “Trust in the counselor is crucial since they are there in the minute by minute. I think that simply talking to them about it in an open, calm, and anecdotal way really helps. Let them know that e-mailing or calling you is NEVER a bother.” And Sandra noted, “Consider going in to meet with folks with a copy of an Emergency Action Plan (if you have one) or else a one-page sheet that lists all allergens, likely points of exposure (not only food but CRAFTS), and prescribed course of response. Offer to bring in several laminated copies to make it easier on camp staff.” Having a small picture of your child in the corner of the sheet can help, too.

Another resource that can be helpful to camp staff is this snack list offered by Susan. Nicole has an ebook on her AllergicChild.com site about traveling and eating out with food allergies that also includes preparing for summer camp.

One critical safety tip from BestAllergySites: “Make sure the EpiPen follows your child. There are some camps/staff that will leave it in the medical kit and then stray from the kit to do various activities with the kids. The medical kit should always be close by. Also, make sure the counselor in charge of your child can and will administer if necessary.” If possible, having your child wear the EpiPen on his person in a waist pack is a good option.

On Cookouts…

Even if peanut satay isn’t on the menu today, that doesn’t mean the grill is safe. Hosts who may have been careful in their ingredient preparation may have forgotten about potential cross-contamination from previously grilled foods. Sandra recommends taking along an extra roll of aluminum foil and a separate set of tongs to create an allergen-free zone for grilling. On the bright side, she points out, summer desserts like watermelon are usually much safer than baked goods!

On Traveling…

Barbara offered this terrific resource for families traveling with food allergies this summer. Sarah reminded us never to leave an EpiPen in the car, especially in summer heat, which can quickly destroy the effectiveness of this medication. You can find guidelines for EpiPen storage here. While EpiPens shouldn’t get too cold, either, Sarah says a cooling pack can help keep them closer to room temperature.

And what about that adjunct to the great American tradition of the road trip – eating on the road? While you may not be able to just pop in to any old roadside stand for a bite, there are options, especially if you’re willing to plan. Susan says she’s had success avoiding restaurants and packing picnic lunches to be eaten in state parks. Jen agrees, noting that “picnics tend to be cheaper and much less effort anyway.”

Sandra says she gets tired of never having hot food on the road, though, and says that for shorter trips, she’ll pack something microwaveable, like organic Amy’s wraps or rice bowls, because many gas stations have microwave ovens where she can heat up her food. What a great idea! Along similar lines, Sarah says, “My mom got us a cooler/warmer that plugs into the outlet in the front of the car! It has been a life-saver on warm days to keep food cool (or in the winter when you need to keep food warm).” Divvies.com and Tasterie.com also offers lots of road-friendly foods.

But getting there, as they say, is only half the fun. When you arrive, you may have to deal with hosts who don’t have as thorough an understanding of food allergies as you would like. One option, of course, is staying in a hotel where you can prepare your own food, as several of the moms in the discussion like to do. As Susan observes, however, that can get expensive, and sometimes it’s just not practical. If staying with friends or family, Lori advises, “Start by having an in-depth discussion with your potential hosts to get a sense of their willingness to keep an allergen-safe environment. Calling restaurants and grocery stores ahead of time can prove very helpful.” It’s a judgment call; staying in a hotel may keep you away from Grandpa’s cashew addiction, but being in a house offers you more opportunity to cook and store food and to thoroughly wash pans and dishes.

On Summer Jobs…

For teenagers, getting a summer job is a rite of passage, and many (if not most) of the summer jobs available to teens are in restaurants. Sandra says that her parents “flat-out vetoed (her working in a restaurant) out of fear. But in hindsight, I wish we’d sat down to brainstorm options that didn’t require direct exposure to food – hostessing, for example, or making deliveries. It’s as important to cultivate independence as it is to protect.”

On Summer Sports…

If your kids participate in sports leagues over the summer, don’t forget the most important part of the game: the team snack. Don’t forget to communicate with coaches about your child’s food allergy, especially, as Sarah points out, if you drop the child off for practice and don’t stay to watch. Kelly cautions NEVER to forget to pack the EpiPen in sports bags (and let coaches know it’s there). Susan points out that some coaches require the removal of all jewelry, including medical alert bracelets, during play. This makes it especially important that the coach knows your child and her allergies. When you sign your kids up for sports, there may be an area on the form that asks about food allergies and medical issues. Ask if this information makes it onto the roster so the coach sees it regularly.

On Sending them Off to School (or College)…

Even the most blissful summer eventually comes to an end, followed by … school. (Insert collective sigh here.) For the little ones, get a 504 Plan. Ideally, your child should be able to self-carry her epinephrine and staff who deal with her, including bus drivers, should know how to administer it. In some ways, sending a student off to college is even more scary than sending a five year old to kindergarten. By this age, your child should know how to talk to others about his allergy in order to protect himself. All-you-can-eat dining hall buffets can be a nightmare for those with food allergies (not to mention dining tables with lots of food spillage), so talk to college administration with your child to see what measures are in place to protect those with food allergies, and see if your child can have living arrangements where he can (safely) prepare his own food.

In the end, as Lori says, we have one goal for our food-allergic and non-allergic children alike: “to make sure their physical, emotional, and social needs are met so they can focus on going about the business of being regular kids.” By helping each other through challenges in the summer – and all year round – we can do just that.

Managing Food Allergy Anxieties

June 5, 2012 by The Motherhood

If you and your kids don’t have food allergies, you probably didn’t think twice about the peanut butter you slathered onto your PB&J sandwich the other day, or the milk you poured over your cereal this morning. But for some families, such foods can be a much more serious matter.

Today in The Motherhood, Lori Sandler of Divvies was joined by psychologist Dr. Jules Spotts and a panel of food allergy-aware co-hosts to discuss how we can manage our own (and our children’s) anxieties around their food allergies.

Start Early

From an early age, you can teach kids to be vigilant about food allergies – but allergies do not need to define them or consume their life. “We have taught our son, Benjamin, that having food allergies is one piece of the puzzle of self, and the puzzle of your family. Our children are regular people, who happen to have food allergies,” said Lori Sandler of Divvies.

“Here are some things that have helped me as a parent,” added Jenny of Nut-Free Mom. “Teach your child to be confident. Praise all the wonderful things about them. They are not just the sum of their allergies even though we sometimes have to discuss allergies more than we would like (in restaurants, etc.) Try to find fun non-food activities that you do regularly as a family. Food is part of the social fabric but it doesn’t have to be the main focus to have a good time.”

Take Reasonable Precautions

Especially when your kids are young, the idea of going to a restaurant or picking up a snack on the go can be terrifying. “The anxiety is natural and it will pass as your children get older and you become more comfortable dealing with the food allergies,” said Carmen of Mom to the Screaming Masses. In the meantime, Lori Sandler suggested packing snacks and speaking with restaurants ahead of time to make accommodations for kids with food allergies.

When your child is old enough to attend school, that can present another challenge. Psychologist Dr. Jules Spotts recommends patience in dealing with school administration as you work with them to ensure your child’s safety. “Stay even in your approach to the school, while you communicate the need to have a safe environment for him, and also one that does not isolate him from social contact and interfere with belongingness in the group,” he said. “Present yourself as quietly firm, decisive, and knowledgeable, and avoid a stance of argumentative leading to litigious.”

Read this comment thread for more ideas on helping kids deal with food allergies at school.

Don’t Let Food Allergies Isolate You

It’s easy to feel isolated by food allergies, especially when you’re afraid to eat outside of the home. To help avoid those feelings, “Get to know some local places, their owners, and build established trust relationships regarding your daughter and her food needs. Also, do your best to build a network of friends where everyone feels safe in participating in food related activities,” said Dr. Spotts.

Eleanor of Food Allergy Initiative and Mamaleibo recommended Chipotle as an allergy-friendly chain Mexican restaurant, with no nuts, fish or eggs. They also offer corn shells for people with gluten intolerance. Chris S. added, “I love how Jamba Juice will not only make my son’s smoothie in a clean, dairy free blender but also that ‘Dairy Allergy’ is clearly marked on the orders they pass on and on my receipt.”

“You also may want to check out www.allergyeats.com – a website that allows food allergy families to post their ratings of restaurants around the country. They have a mobile app too!” said Barbara of Food Allergy Initiative.

For more strategies on eating out safely, you can check Sloane Miller’s blog, Allergic Girl, or her book of the same name. And for more advice on avoiding feelings of isolation related to food allergies, read the comment thread here.

Help Educate About Food Allergies

For kids who are adjusting to food allergies, “FAAN [The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network] has teen support groups, I believe, and conferences for kids,” said Emily of West of the Loop.

Some of the most difficult interactions can take place within your own family, when relatives don’t accept the reality and danger of food allergies. “All you can do is provide as much information to educate them on it. And sadly, if they still choose to not follow the rules, then you simply can’t allow them to have unsupervised contact with a child who has food allergies,” said Christina of A Mommy Story. “At least until the child is old enough to understand allergies enough to say no to them.” For more thoughts on this issue, read the comment threads here or here.

You can also “try sharing this post with them. I am a pediatric allergist and have children with food allergies,” said Sarah of The Allergist Mom. “This post seemed to help many families in your situation. There is actual known science behind allergic reactions.”

The bottom line is, “eventually you will need to learn to trust others – at some point you just won’t be able to do it all by yourself. The trick is to figure out who you CAN trust, make sure they have the right information, and always have an emergency plan (meds, etc.),” said Colette Martin.

Find Recovery Options

After experiencing an incident like anaphylaxis, both kids and parents can experience fears around food moving forward. Dr. Spotts acknowledged that getting over such fears “will take some time,” but “as your [child] logs in more successful experiences of checking out labels and having nothing happen, their confidence will build.” Dr. Spotts also recommended “seeing a therapist for the PTSD” if necessary, “thus empowering him and yourselves by actively addressing the allergy and the associated anxiety.”

Chris S. shared a series of photos she took in the hospital after her son suffered anaphylaxis from accidentally ingesting a bit of cheese. Sarah of The Allergist Mom agreed with Chris S. that images are powerful: “Some of my most powerful lectures have included images of my children during allergic reactions. One person even told me that they didn’t really believe it until they saw it.”

Be Willing to Let Go of Anxiety

“I think as parents of kids with food allergies, we will always have anxiety…but all parents have anxiety. I have gone out of my comfort zone (after extensive means of making sure my child will be cared for/food allergies are understood) and I’ve been glad I did. For example, summer day camp is something we tried and it worked out,” said Jenny of Nut-Free Mom.

Resources

Dr. Jules Spotts website

The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network website

Food Allergy Initiative website

Lori Sandler’s The Divvies Bakery Cookbook

Kelly Rudnicki’s The Food Allergy Mama Baking Book

Sloane Miller’s book, Allergic Girl

Other Topics of Interest

Read about maintaining a positive outlook on food allergies in this comment thread.

On helping kids with extreme food allergy anxieties, check out this comment thread.

For thoughts on outgrowing food allergies, read this comment thread.

Thinking about homeschooling kids with severe food allergies? Read this comment thread.

Navigating Hypothyroidism: Update

March 1, 2012 by Cooper

Thank you everyone for your amazing comments, ideas and feedback on my post last week about the (not so) joys of being hypothyroid. I have learned so much in such a short time from all of you. Once again, magic of the internet prevails! Thank you!

This week I’m underway with several of your recommendations and have found some great suggestions through some of the research I’ve been doing, too:

1) Eliminated Gluten. Oh I do miss a warm baguette. But I’m on day five of eating no gluten – and the one big thing I’ve noticed is I’m not itchy! It wasn’t until you guys posted in the comments about gluten last week that I wondered if maybe it was gluten that made me so itchy around mealtime. Isn’t that crazy?

2) Increased thyroid-friendly veggies and cut out most sugar. Loving asparagus, avocado, greens, sauteed spinach, and lean proteins like chicken breast and flank steak. Lots of salads and steamed veggies mostly this week, and hummus and veggies are my “after school” snack of yumminess. My husband was not so wild about the rather dry ground turkey meatloaf, but he’ll get used to it.

3) No coffee or wine (for now!) I thought a little detox would be helpful so green tea is my morning cup of sunshine this week! I do miss my evening vino, but I’ve replaced it with a cup of lovely chamomile tea. I’m definitely sleeping better these days.

4) More water! I’m taking a big, huge glass of water to work every morning (with a slice of lemon in it – makes me feel fancy) and then filling it up through the day. And, yes, I’m constantly going to the ladies room.

5) Exercise. The dog is thrilled, he and I have been taking long walks everyday. Next week I’m thinking “gym” and walks with my pup.

I also bought some new things at the grocery store like almond butter and coconut oil. I keep reading that coconut oil is a super food, metabolic, etc. so why not! I’ll keep you posted if it gives me super powers.

Taking a first step has put a spring in mine and I have all of you to thank.

If you have any gluten-free resources or ideas, let me know and I’ll post them here. Also, any other links you’d like to share link them in the comments and I’ll share in my update next week!

Hugs! It’s a start!

Navigating Food Allergies: Safe Halloween Treats and a Live Talk with Author Sandra Beasley

October 25, 2011 by The Motherhood

Just in time to get into the spirit of Halloween, moms concerned with food allergies met in TheMotherhood on October 25, 2011, to discuss safe and fun ways to handle this food-centric holiday with their children.

Sandra Beasley, author of “Don’t Kill the Birthday Girl: Tales from an Allergic Life,” and Lori Sandler, founder of Divvies Bakery and author of The Divvies Bakery Cookbook, hosted the class and led the conversation with their insights and ideas. Contributing to the discussion were co-hosts Barbara Rosenstein from the Food Allergy Initiative, www.faiusa.org (the world’s largest private source of funding for food allergy research), and Susan Weissman, advocate, writer for the Huffington Post, and past co-host of the Navigating Food Allergies series on TheMotherhood.

Read on for the top seven “spook-tacular” tips discussed during the live chat!

#7: Take the Focus Off of Food

Halloween generally revolves around “treats” – particularly candy, which often is not safe for kids with food allergies. Some parents substitute non-food items like money or toys for candy.

“I’ve been hearing about some inventive ways to approach candy that’s not safe,” said Sandra Beasley. “One parent suggests bringing in the tooth fairy to save the day!” Here is the story: http://alwayssick.com/2011/09/22/trick-or-treating-with-food-allergies/

Julie Pippert said, “This year, for a variety of reasons — food allergies, health, etc. — I got little Halloween themed toys to hand out: erasers, pencils, sticky lizards and spiders, silly little things.”

“Putting emphasis on the costume really helps too,” added Sandra Beasley. “But I love seeing goody baskets that include little notepads, plastic spider rings, etc. Those are cheap & easy to mix in — just go to the party supply section of any dollar store.”

“We do have a tradition in my neighborhood where we take basket of treats to two neighbors in the days before Halloween, ring-and-run, and leave the baskets on the doorstep with a poem asking that they do the same,” said Becki. “We stuff our baskets with fun things like cookie cutters, glow sticks, etc., as well as a few nut-safe candies. That’s a fun tradition that my kids love, and the emphasis is less on the food.”

Pumpkin carving and Halloween crafting and decorating could be another good way to celebrate the season while avoiding food.

“Traditions , such as pumpkin carving, are a wonderful way to make holidays more special,” said Lori Sandler.

#6: Practice Allergy-Friendly Treating

However, you don’t need to leave food completely out of the equation. In addition to treats, Halloween is a big social event – particularly for older kids. Try using the social aspect of the holiday to ensure your child feels included in the activities.

Lori Sandler “always organized a pre-Trick-or-Treating dinner for our sons’ friends and parents. Made all of their favorite foods and desserts … totally allergen-safe for Benjamin and his other friends who have food allergies. This way, everyone felt that they had lots of treats before we even began Trick-or-Treating!”

At the bottom of this page, you can find tips for hosting your own allergy-safe Halloween Boo-fet (Buffet)!

#5: Empower Your Kids

Look at Halloween as an awareness and education opportunity, both for your children and others who might not have food allergies or understand the challenges. We can educate others about food allergy safety and inclusion by example.

Susan Weissman pointed out, “We don’t use Halloween as a time to raise food allergy awareness. We just navigate the challenges of that particular year.”

“That’s why it is so good when you let the kids who come to your door pick their OWN treats, instead of picking out the candy for them,” replied Sandra Beasley. “Give kids the power.”

Julie Pippert suggested a slightly different method. “I tend to hand it out myself, though I’ll let them verbally pick,” she said. “It’s portion control. We get a TON of trick or treaters. I easily buy $40 worth and 10 lbs and run out every year!”

#4: Think of New Uses for Candy

If your child goes trick-or-treating and comes home with a full bag of candy he can’t eat because of food allergies, find another way he can use it.

“Here’s one idea I had based on my own childhood: make a BINGO card for your child’s Halloween experience that includes different brands, types of candy, ‘red wrapper,’ etc.,” suggested Sandra Beasley. “For every row they complete they win a non-food or allergy-friendly prize. This means that even when they go to a house with nothing they can eat, they might be able to get excited about X-ing out a square.”

You can also have your kids use candy as a form of “currency,” or something to trade for allergy-safe items.

At the end of the night on Halloween, Gabrielle’s kids “turn their candy in to us and we take them to the toy store and let them pick out whatever (within reason) toy they would like in place of the candy. Of course, we always keep safe treats in the house for them to enjoy too!”

#3: Safety First

Even with wrapped candy, cross-contamination can occur.

“We have a rule that candy cannot be eaten until we eliminate the unsafe candy, check the quality of the wrappers, and wash hands,” said Julie Trone. “Any wrappers that have been loosened get tossed.”

Added knmtwins, “I deliver safe treats to everyone we know double bagged in Ziplocs. May be obsessive, but haven’t had cross contamination issues since.”

“My strategy is to buy all nut-allergy safe candy and then, at the end of the night, let my daughter trade the unsafe treats she’s picked up from the goodies left over in our candy bowl (all of which I’ve chosen to appeal to her),” said Becki.

And be careful about less obvious risks, like Halloween masks and haunted houses.

Lori Sandler’s son Benjamin broke out in hives once after trying on another child’s latex mask after he had eaten something Benjamin was allergic to.

And Sandra Beasley pointed out, “I can remember being sent through houses that recreated freaky textures using foods (i.e. peeled grapes for eyeballs); they didn’t realize that for me, the REAL terror was getting an unfamiliar food on my hands.”

#2: Be Available at Your Children’s Halloween Parties

To help your children avoid uncomfortable party situations, make yourself available whenever possible to check out the food ahead of time.

Lori Sandler proposed that parents/guardians “plan on attending classroom and out-of-school parties in order to check ingredients of all food being served, and to resolve safety concerns. If you can’t stay for the entire party, be sure to stay long enough to check all of the food ingredients.”

Sandra Beasley shared more tips from her experiences as a child. “If you’re ever dropping a child off into a party environment and you’ve made special arrangements, make sure your kid sees you talking to the person who will be in charge,” she said. “Sometimes a well-meaning parent would tell me ‘oh, you’re fine,’ but I wasn’t comfortable unless I knew my mother had actually talked to the adult. At the same time, I didn’t want to be rude by refusing the parent’s offer. There were some awkward moments. Color-coded plates or bowls that the child knows are ‘safe’ — maybe serving ware they can recognize, with a distinct pattern from home — are also really helpful.”

“It helps to develop a relationship with the other parents in the class beyond friends parents and especially with any room parent,” noted Julie Trone. “I happen to be a bit nervous with other people bringing in food for my sons so I tend to discuss the idea beforehand, then ask if I can add to the classroom treats with safe treats for everyone. This way my children feel included.”

Gabrielle shared, “Yesterday I noticed some snacks on the table that I knew had a nut warning. Luckily I was there and mentioned it, even though my son brings his own personal snack every day just to be safe … I felt bad speaking up, but they were actually glad that I did!”

#1: Take Care of Kids’ Emotional Needs

All of these risks can add up to children feeling sensitive about perceived differences.

Lori Sandler emphasized that above all, when we take care of our children’s hearts first, it helps keep moments like trick-or-treating special and less stressful: “Remember your child’s emotional needs, and be careful about drawing unnecessary attention to his food allergies!”

Susan Weissman supported this point with a personal experience. “I find that younger children need our ‘language suggestions’ for tricky situations. (My) son went on a spooky Halloween walk in a local botanical garden with friends and he needed me to tell him how to say ‘no thank you’ to the spooks handing out candy if he didn’t feel like touching it.”

Sometimes Halloween becomes emotionally easier as children grow up. Lori Sandler of Divvies and Elizabeth from Onespot Allergy have sons who have experienced similar situations. Lori said her son Benjamin, now 13, enjoys Halloween a lot more now since it is more about being with friends rather than collecting tons of candy.

Elizabeth added, “I feel fortunate that my peanut/tree nut allergic son lost interest in trick or treating years ago. His brother is older and doesn’t go out either, so he doesn’t feel he’s missing anything. We also always have candy in the house, so there’s no motivation for him to hoard it at Halloween.”

BONUS! How to Host a Pre-Trick-or-Treating Boo-fet! (Buffet)

Here are some ideas for themes and allergy-friendly treats to feature at a Halloween Boo-fet:

Susan Weissman noted that “kids like the color theme – things that are black and orange even if they aren’t traditional Halloween fare. Could be tangerines and chopped up black licorice in bowls (we find Panda brand is safe).”

Erin suggested looking through The Divvies Bakery Cookbook by Lori Sandler, www.divvies.com, purchase safe candies and small toys, and create Halloween Baskets similar to Easter Baskets.

Lori Sandler asks her son Benjamin to help plan the menu. She noted that “it gave him a great sense of control and distracted him from thinking about what he may not be able to eat later in the evening.”

Julie Pippert shared a recipe for Jack O’Lantern Fruit Cups: http://parentingteens.about.com/od/recipesforkids/r/halloween221.htm

Sandra Beasley loves “the idea of playing with color versus sugar. Roast a mix of purple potatoes and butternut squash! Just preheat the oven to 400 degrees, coat it all in olive oil and salt, and roast away.”

Julie Trone makes a delicious gluten-free pumpkin bread that has been a hit in her home. “It is also dairy, peanut, tree nut, seed, and soy free,” she said.

Resources

Fact sheet for avoiding anaphylaxis on Halloween: http://www.aaaai.org/Aaaai/media/MediaLibrary/PDF Documents/Libraries/EL-food-allergies-halloween-patient.pdf

Tips for handling Halloween parties at school and at home: http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/resourcespre.php?id=42

From Barbara Rosenstein, a link to companies (including Divvies) that offer allergy-friendly treats for Halloween and other holidays:
https://www.faiusa.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=661

Making paper pumpkin ornaments: http://www.hostessblog.com/2008/09/diy-project-paper-pumpkin-craft/

Thank you to our wonderful hosts and co-hosts for their insights and suggestions on this important, timely topic!

Sandra Beasley, Don’t Kill the Birthday Girl: Tales from an Allergic Life

Lori Sandler, Divvies

Barbara Rosenstein, Food Allergy Initiative

Susan Weissman, Peanuts in Eden

See the original Talk here: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62286

Recipe Swap and Tips for Cooking and Baking Delicious Allergen-Free Foods

May 10, 2011 by The Motherhood

On May 10, 2011, in honor of Food Allergy Awareness Week, moms gathered to trade allergen-free recipes and talk about cooking to accommodate food allergies.

“Eating and celebrating should always be an inclusive, shared experience…not exclusive only to those who do not have food allergies/dietary restrictions!” said host Lori Sander, founder of Divvies Bakery and author of The Divvies Bakery Cookbook.

And having allergies doesn’t mean restricting your exposure to new, allergen-safe foods, either. “I add a new food item a week to my diet,” said Sloane Miller, Allergic Girl. “Either recipe, new variety of fruit or vegetable or new treat (like safe cookies/cakes). I do this safely with the assistance of a knowledgeable RD (eatright.org) and/or board certified allergist (aaaai.org, acaai.org).”

Continue reading for a virtual cookbook of allergen-free recipes!

PLEASE NOTE: Recipes will vary in terms of which of the 8 most common allergens are eliminated.

Advice for cooking for food allergies

“When planning celebrations, planning ahead and choosing a recipe that will appeal and be safe for everyone is key!” said Lori Sandler, Divvies.

“I find that it is essential to also find out if the people have issues with cross-contamination,” added Alisa Fleming, Go Dairy Free. “My kitchen isn’t safe for, say, severe gluten issues, since I do use both gluten-free and wheat flours in it (dust can be an issue for some!), so I make sure any guests with severe allergy concerns have a hand in food preparation (from their own safe kitchen) if needed.”

“Talk with your board certified allergist about what you can’t eat but also what you can!” said Sloane Miller, Allergic Girl. “Post your allergy action plan in your kitchen for easy access. Also save it on to your or your child’s smart phone (as a PDF) for easy access on the go.”

Breakfast options

Coffee Cake: http://www.chicagoparent.com/recipes/nut-free-cinnamon-streusel-sour-cream-coffee-cake (from Jenny Kales, Nut Free Mom)

Dairy/egg/nut free Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491373 (from Jennifer)

Wheat free Banana Mini Muffins: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491430 (from Willing Cook)

Cranberry Orange Scones: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491395 (from Colette Martin)

Egg/dairy/nut free Banana Pancakes: http://allergickid.blogspot.com/2010/09/challengeand-banana-pancakes.html (from Libby, The Allergic Kid)

Nut free Doughnuts: http://nut-freemom.blogspot.com/2011/05/peanut-allergy-safe-doughnuts-youve-got.html (from Jenny Kales, Nut Free Mom)

Dairy/egg/nut free Donuts: http://www.speedbumpkitchen.com/2011/03/paczi-for-all.html (from Meg-Speedbump)

Raisin Bread: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491456 (from GidgetKat)

Gluten free Vegan Baked Cake Donuts: http://www.cybelepascal.com/?p=1718

Appetizer options

Chickpea/sesame free Hummus: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491331 (from Debra Finkel)

Gluten/soy free Chinese Dumplings: http://www.jeanetteshealthyliving.com/2011/04/gluten-free-recipe-for-chinese.html (from Jeanette)

Dairy/soy free Roasted Artichoke Garlic Spread (good substitute for mayonnaise): http://www.jeanetteshealthyliving.com/2011/04/warm-roasted-garlic-and-artichoke.html (from Jeanette)

Dairy free Creamy Soup recipes: http://www.jeanetteshealthyliving.com/2011/03/collection-of-pureed-soups-curried.html (from Jeanette)

Minestrone Soup: http://on.fb.me/divviesminestrone (from Lori Sandler)

Dinner options

Turkey Tacos: http://bklynallergymom.wordpress.com/2011/03/05/allergy-free-turkey-tacos/ (from Heidi Bayer, Brooklyn Allergy Mom)

Divvies Really Delicious and Simple Chicken Dish: https://www.facebook.com/notes/divvies-bakery-divvies-bakery-cookbook/recipe-divvies-simple-delicious-chicken/195891023789294 (from Lori Sander)

Boar’s Head (Top-8 Free) EverRoast Chicken Breast & Golden Raisin Quinoa Pilaf: http://allergicgirl.blogspot.com/2011/05/boars-head-allergic-girl-recipe.html (from Sloane Miller, Allergic Girl)

Pizza: http://www.learningtoeatallergyfree.com/2011/03/new-twist-on-pizza-inspired-by-fellow.html (from Colette Martin)

Bolognese Sauce: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491352 (from Jenny Kales, Nut Free Mom)

Lamb Stew: http://bklynallergymom.wordpress.com/2011/01/25/allergy-free-lamb-stew-recipe/ (from Heidi Bayer, Brooklyn Allergy Mom)

Top-8 free Batter for Chicken, Fish or Vegetables: http://willingcook.com/here-fishy-fishy/ (from Willing Cook)

Wheat/dairy/nut/peanut free Moroccan Meatball Stew: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491386

Egg free Meatloaf: http://www.thismamacooks.com/2010/09/boulder-firefighters-meatloaf.html (from Anne-Marie Nichols, The Write Spot)

Pasta Sauce with Basil and Stuffed Peppers: http://nut-freemom.blogspot.com/2010/07/nut-free-food-allergy-friendly-summer.html (from Jenny Kales, Nut Free Mom)

Basil and Marinated Artichoke Pesto: http://allergickid.blogspot.com/2008/07/basil-marinated-artichoke-pesto.html (from Libby, The Allergic Kid)

Side dish options

Dairy/wheat/egg/peanut/nut free Mashed Potatoes: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491369 (from Emily Paster, West of the Loop)

Top-8/gluten free Mac n’ Cheese: http://www.cybelepascal.com/?p=2723 (Cybele Pascal)

Irish Soda Bread: http://nut-freemom.blogspot.com/2011/03/peanut-allergy-friendly-nut-free-irish.html (from Jenny Kales, Nut Free Mom)

Dairy/egg free bread: http://www.speedbumpkitchen.com/2008/10/mission-bread-by-noon.html (Meg-Speedbump)

Cheese free Risotto: http://www.thismamacooks.com/tag/rice-cooker (from Anne-Marie Nichols, The Write Spot)

Desserts

Divvies Brownie Recipe: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491340 (from Lori Sandler)

Watch Lori make her brownies on the CBS Early Show!

Double Chocolate Brownie Bites: http://allergickid.blogspot.com/2011/01/double-chocolate-brownie-bites.html (from Libby, The Allergic Kid)

Classic Crumb Cake: http://www.cybelepascal.com/?p=2768 (from Cybele Pascal)

Nut-free “Nutella”: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491317 (from Jenny Kales, Nut Free Mom)

“And for those allergic to Sunbutter (sunflower), you can substitute Soy Butter, Pea Butter or something that works for your needs” in the Nutella recipe, suggested Aly AllerDine.

Nut-free alternative to Easy Bake Oven mixes: http://www.chicagoparent.com/recipes/nut-free-easy-bake-oven-mix (from Jenny Kales, Nut Free Mom)

“That’s genius! What a thoughtful way to make that toy available to all little kids,” said Libby, The Allergic Kid.

Dairy/egg/sugar free raspberry mousse: http://www.thismamacooks.com/2011/03/no-dairy-no-eggs-and-no-sugar-raspberry-mousse.html (from Anne-Marie Nichols, The Write Spot)

Divvies Chocolate Covered Strawberries: http://on.fb.me/divviesstrawberries (from Lori Sandler)

Oh! Fudge: http://www.divvies.com/images/cookbook/OhFudgetRecipe.png (from Lori Sandler)

Gluten/dairy/egg free Coconut Pineapple Scone: http://www.jeanetteshealthyliving.com/2011/05/glutendairyegg-free-coconut-pineapple.html (from Jeanette)

Pies

Divvies Quick and Easy Apple Pie: https://www.facebook.com/notes/divvies-bakery-divvies-bakery-cookbook/recipe-divvies-quick-easy-apple-pie-from-the-divvies-bakery-cookbook/195895503788846 (from Lori Sandler)

Allergy-Free Boston Cream Pie: http://www.foodallergy.org/page/allergy-free-boston-cream-pie (from Cybele Pascal)

Cakes

Wacky Cake, “free of dairy and eggs due to the rationing of butter and eggs in the Depression era”: http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/featured_recipe5.php (from Felicia Carter, Go Graham Go)

Dairy/soy free Cheesecake: http://www.cookingwithoutingredients.com/cheesecake.htm

Chocolate Cake with Mega Chunks and Buttercream Frosting: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491325 (from From Heidi Bayer, Brooklyn Allergy Mom)

Divvies Chocolate Cupcakes: http://www.marthastewart.com/255869/divvies-chocolate-cupcakes (from Lori Sandler)

Divvies Vanilla Frosting: http://www.marthastewart.com/254510/divvies-vanilla-frosting (from Lori Sandler)

If you go to my site www.cornerofmyworld.com/cupcake you will see some really cool ideas on how to decorate our Divvie’s cakes and cupcakes. (Lisa Staffieri)

Top-8 and gluten free Red Velvet Cake: http://www.cybelepascal.com/?p=1988 (from Cybele Pascal)

Ice Cream

Egg/dairy/nut free Bubblegum Ice Cream: http://www.speedbumpkitchen.com/2010/04/double-dessert.html

Superman Ice Cream: http://www.speedbumpkitchen.com/2010/07/superman-ice-cream.html

Dairy free Soft Serve/Smoothie, also good with SunButter for those with nut allergies: http://www.onefrugalfoodie.com/2010/06/15/peanut-butter-smoothie/ (from Alisa Fleming, Go Dairy Free)

Cookies

Gluten/dairy/egg/soy free Quinoa Chocolate Chip Cookies: http://www.jeanetteshealthyliving.com/2011/05/glutendairyeggsoy-free-vegan-quinoa.html (from Jeanette)

Egg free Pumpkin Cookies (can be gluten-free by substituting gluten-free flour mix): http://www.thismamacooks.com/2010/11/an-egg-free-chocolate-chip-pumpkin-cookie.html (from Anne-Marie Nichols, The Write Spot)

Chocolate Explosion Oatmeal Cookies: http://www.alisacooks.com/2010/07/23/chocolate-oatmeal-cookies/ (from Alisa Fleming)

Egg/peanut free Sugar Cookies: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491410 (from Gabrielle)

Dairy/egg free Divvies Cut-Out Sugar Cookies: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?created&&note_id=195882950456768&id=111702808852602#!/note.php?note_id=188653434513053 (from Lori Sandler)

Holiday desserts

Nut/peanut/egg free Swedish gingersnap: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491316 (from Emily Paster, West of the Loop)

Wheat/dairy/nut/peanut free Chocolate Mint Meringues Kisses: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491330 (from Emily Paster, West of the Loop

Nut free Snowball Cookie: http://www.chicagoparent.com/recipes/snowballs (from Jenny Kales, Nut Free Mom)

Chocolate Crinkles: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491393 (from Kristen)

Snack options

Gluten/oat/casein/soy free “Clif” Granola Bars: http://www.jeanetteshealthyliving.com/2011/03/glutenoatcaseinsoy-free-clif-granola.html (from Jeanette)

Favorite Products for Cooking at Home

In addition to sharing recipes, the group discussed their favorite allergen-free products for cooking or baking at home.

“I could not live without Fleischmann’s unsalted dairy-free margarine, plain soy milk and allergy-free chocolate chips from Divvies or Enjoy Life,” said Emily Paster, West of the Loop.

Jeanette added, “I use So Delicious Coconut Milk (dairy/soy/nut free) and coconut oil (dairy/soy free). I love Enjoy Life chocolate chips (dairy/soy free)!”

“Vermont Nut-Free Chocolate has a great nut-free baking line,” noted Jenny Kales, Nut Free Mom. “Of course Divvies is delish for egg, dairy and nut allergies. I also use Nielsen-Massey Vanilla extract. Safe for nut allergies – facility is nut-free.”

“Non-dairy yogurt is one of my favorite ingredients,” said Libby, The Allergic Kid. “It has a nice tang & bulk for replacing eggs & dairy products. Ground flax, especially mixed with hemp milk if I want to make a ‘nutty’ flavor, is another one.”

“I love having lots of solid fat options available for experiments,” added Meg, Speedbump Kitchen. She suggested “Fleischmann’s unsalted margarine, a big tub of coconut oil (from Amazon), Crisco shortening sticks, butter flavored Crisco shortening sticks (yes, dairy-free), Spectrum non-hydrogenated shortening (pricey, but nice to work with).”

And looking on the bright side, “the nice thing about having an egg allergy is that eating the batter won’t give you salmonella!” said Aly Allerdine. “I like to substitute eggs in normal recipes by using various ingredients: apple sauce, banana, corn starch or Ener-G Egg replacer.”

“I also like to make egg replacer with flax seed meal,” added Colette Martin. “Grind down flax seeds or use the meal. Mix 1 tbsp flaxseed meal with 3 tbsp warm water for each egg. Mix and let sit for about five minutes until it gels.”

Dining out

When it comes to food allergies, dining out can be a tricky and often dangerous proposition.

“I think the restaurant industry really needs more awareness and training. I know how to read labels in stores to keep my daughter safe, but dining out remains our biggest challenge,” said Emily Paster, West of the Loop.

Agreed Suzanne, “I’ve found that with my tomato allergy – um, just plucking them off a pre-prepared salad doesn’t cut if folks! And that happens MOST of the time, even when I explain to the waiter. My experiences make me fear for my son with his more severe allergy.”

AllerDine is one excellent resource for finding restaurants that cater to people with food allergies: http://www.AllerDine.com

AllerDine restaurant toolkit: http://allerdine.com/toolkit.php

AllerDine on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/AllerDinecom/190364131380

Allergic Girl’s tips for dining out are in the new U.S. issue of Allergic Living: http://www.allergicliving.com

Other Resources

MSNBC report on food allergies, featuring Nicole Smith, Allergic Child: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/42949676#42937966

Recipe index from Libby, The Allergic Kid: http://allergickid.blogspot.com/p/recipes.html (All of the recipes are peanut, tree nut, egg, dairy, shellfish and red meat free. I’ve also notated on the index which ones are gluten free, vegan or gf or vegan adaptable)

Cybele Pascal, Allergen-Free Cuisine (posts a new allergy-free recipe every week): http://www.cybelepascal.com

Free monthly newsletter from Nicole Smith, Allergic Child: http://www.allergicchild.com/newsletter.htm

Cookbooks

The Divvies Bakery Cookbook by Lori Sandler: http://www.divvies.com/cookbook.php

Allergen-Free Baker’s Handbook by Cybele Pascal: http://amzn.to/jsH2XX

Food Allergies For Dummies by Robert A. Wood MD, Joe Kraynak: http://amzn.to/jcq6iq

Ten recipe e-book – in honor of Food Allergy Awareness Week, you can download Colette Martin’s Allergen-Free Holiday Cookbook, which contains ten recipes free of the top eight allergens and gluten, free on Smashwords. Use coupon code VP36S: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/27640

Allergic Girl by Sloane Miller: http://amzn.to/AllergicGirl

Food Allergy Mama’s Baking Book by Kelly Rudnicki: http://www.foodallergymama.com/baking-book-cookbook/

Thank you to our fabulous host, Lori Sandler, and to all of our amazing co-hosts!!!

Nicole Smith, Allergic Child

Kelly Whalen, Centsible Life

Alisa Fleming, Go Dairy Free

Libby, The Allergic Kid

Anne-Marie Nichols, The Write Spot

Emily Paster, West of the Loop

Jodi Grundig, Mom’s Favorite Stuff

Eleanor Garrow, Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network

Sloane Miller, Allergic Girl