Pull out your teal shirts and warm up your typing fingers! We’re approaching Food Allergy Awareness Month – and more specifically, Food Allergy Awareness Week (May 12-18).  Okay, we know what you’re thinking. When you, or someone you love, lives with food allergies, it feels like you spend a bit of time every week (or day!) raising awareness about food allergies in order to navigate life safely. What makes the month of May (particularly the second full week) special? We’re glad you asked. Spotlight vs Flashlight When you and I are educating and advocating as part of our day-to-day exchang ..read more

Work. School. Sports. Meetings. Rehearsals. Scouts. Classes. If you’re like most parents today, your calendar is loaded with activities for you and your family. You’re either coming or going and somewhere in between maybe you’re grabbing a bite to eat. It’s hard for any family to juggle it all, but add food allergies to the mix and the ‘quick on the run meal’ becomes more challenging. Whether you want to avoid drive-thru and other fast-food options by choice or necessity, these recipes can be helpful.   Get the Right Gear Finding healthy, balanced, affordable meals for the whole fami ..read more

Growing up involves a series of milestones that often involve an increasing amount of independence. Some of those milestones are small in scope, like tying your own shoes for the first time. Others are large leaps, like getting your driver’s license. For parents, these milestones can be bittersweet and filled with some measure of trepidation and pride.  For allergy parents, some milestones can also come with a different layer of fear and anxiety. Let’s talk about it. Engage Other Adults Dropping your child off at a friend’s house and not staying for the first time can be an exciting growi ..read more

When you’re trying to juggle multiple food allergies, it can be difficult to work variety into your diet. You may find it safer to find a few reliable recipes and stick with them to ensure everyone at your table eats the same meal without worry. Who doesn’t, however, love a little variety? Finding a new favorite is something to celebrate.  In the past we’ve taken a look at recipes for dinner, holiday meals, breakfast, desserts, and snacks. This time, let’s talk about your lunch box. If you’re looking for something new that doesn’t require reheating that can easily be taken to school or th ..read more

One of the first things you learn about food allergies is that there is a lot of misunderstanding and misconception about food allergies. From your friends and family to some of your healthcare providers, the more you learn, the more you’ll find yourself educating others in how to best support your family.  Yes, that can be frustrating. You’re trying to get your own footing. You’re trying to keep yourself or your loved one safe, and now you’ve got to add correcting misinformation and advocating to your to-do list. Here’s the good news: you’re not alone. There are others in the midst of th ..read more

Across most cultures, food is an integral part of holidays and celebrations. Whether it’s a special dish, treat, or dessert, food is woven into so many of our traditions. Valentine’s Day is certainly not an exception to this rule.  From cute conversation hearts to decadent chocolates, the food gifts are just the start. There are parties for our kids in schools and romantic dinners with our partners. If you’re living with food allergies, of course, Valentine’s Day becomes another occasion of heightened alert. Another day to be watchful, to read labels carefully, to make an extra batch of s ..read more

Deep in the heart of winter, whether or not the wind is howling and the temperature drops below freezing, a good, hearty bowl of stew or soup is a welcome comfort. The rich flavors rising from a hot bowl can offer the same sense of cozy warmth as a soft blanket or a lush sweater.  Of course, as with most food traditions, you may need to search a little for an allergy-friendly alternative for your specific needs. The recipes that follow are a good starting place.   Be Adventurous Even when a recipe is shared in an allergy-friendly blog or curated list, you may need to make a few ..read more

If there’s one constant when it comes to health and medicine, it’s that what we consider best practice today may not look the same as it did half a century ago, ten years ago, a year ago, or even a week ago.  This is a good thing. The way we manage our health and treat disease evolves because the experts do their thing. They research. They study. They experiment. They develop new treatments and medications. They use technology and previous advances to better understand the way our bodies work (and how to help them work as they should). One recent example of this evolution of best practice ..read more

We’re in the home stretch of the holiday season. You’re busy buying, decorating, wrapping, lighting candles, trimming trees, spinning dreidels, hanging stockings - pick your holiday and your tradition, you’re doing it. There’s no shortage of invites to cookie swaps and parties. You’ve managed to figure out a way to juggle all those invites while also juggling your family's food allergies. (And if you haven’t, we’ve got a good read for you here: Tis the Season.)  And yet, even with all that hustle and bustle, there’s always that moment where you realize you could use one more gift for some ..read more

If you’ve prepared a Thanksgiving meal this week, you’ve got leftovers. It may be a little or it may be a lot. Regardless, there is certainly something you’re wrapping up after you’ve all pushed back from the table satiated and content.  For some of us, the list of meals to be crafted with Thanksgiving leftovers is long and familiar. It rings of comfort-food like hot turkey sandwiches with reheated sides. But maybe those traditional standbys are difficult for your household. You worked hard to create a delicious, allergy-friendly meal that avoided wheat or dairy or anything else your fami ..read more