Food Allergy: Planning For the Holidays
Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 03:34PM Okay, we know Thanksgiving and Christmas have swooped down on us at lightning speed. All over this country self-acclaimed or appointed chefs in homes are making preparations for what may likely be the most popular meal of the year, Thanksgiving dinner. But for allergy sufferers (or the parents of them) this may be the most foreboding time of the year. A time where the uncertainty factor peaks, and the “just try a little taste”, or “take a chance” factor emerges. Some milk, peanut, egg or shellfish allergic people find it hard to get excited at all because they know they will be turning down several tasty dishes and servings.
The key is to have a plan. You can enjoy your holiday meal if you plan ahead. Here is a checklist of things to do:
1) Make certain you are up to date with your food allergy status which should be reviewed by your board certified allergist annually. Many children with milk and egg allergy grow out of it within one to a few years but this must be verified by skin testing or RAST-IgE blood test.
2) If you are going out of your home for your holiday meal call ahead to the person who will be preparing the meal in order to inform them about your particular food allergy. Provide them with information at least three days before the dinner in order to give adequate time for them to make adjustments. Have suggestions on how specific food allergy triggers may be substituted or eliminated.
3) If you think asking the cook in another home or restaurant to avoid using certain food items is too risky or just doesn’t go over well, consider bringing your own food portions that may eliminate the risky dish (such as your own dessert, meat or side dish).
4) Try to avoid sauces, gravy and dressing which may have a cornucopia of ingredients added in.
5) Go to Food Allergy Network (FAN) which has tons of recipes to consider for people allergic so specific foods. A motivated cook (especially a relative) may appreciate you providing them with a recipe for a particular dessert dish, or side dish.
6) Plan to be on guard and avoid sampling any food that has not been established to be free of your food trigger.
7) Have an action plan for what you would do if you began to have symptoms of an allergic reaction. Know where the nearest hospital is located and how to get there. Have your epinephrine containing device ready and with you. Make sure your car is not blocked in by other cars. Have another relative or friend ready to assist you by briefing them on your action plan ahead of time.
There is no reason why you can’t enjoy a holiday meal with family and or friends. Preparation is the necessary ingredient for your success. If you are allergic to several common foods consider bringing your own meal. (That’s right, the appetizer, main course, beverage and dessert in a picnic basket). You will still enjoy the atmosphere of the holiday and comfortably consume your allergy safe dinner.
Do you have other tips or suggestions?