Top Tips For A Reaction Free Thanksgiving – With Food Allergies, Sensitivities, or Hypoglycemia
By: Sadie Foster, MA
It is often difficult to eat well with food allergies, sensitivities, intolerances, or hypoglycemia. Events like Thanksgiving, that are centered around food can be even trickier. Planning ahead can help keep you safe and keep the focus where it should be – on being thankful and enjoying the people around you.
Top Tips
1. Plan ahead – know where and what you will be eating as the hostess or a guest. The more you know ahead of time, the more scenarios you can plan for. You can speak to the hostess about arrangements, or decide if the meal you are cooking for you and your guest will be completely allergen free.
2. Make your own food – this is a surefire way to know what’s inside. Remember many foods freeze extremely well. This aids in travel and convenience.
3. Bring lots of snacks. Food might not be served when you expect – who needs a blood sugar crash? People, who are not used to food allergies, may not consider that little bit of gluten left on the spoon before they stirred or that there is milk in the butter they just slathered on. If you have a snack bag you can protect yourself in a pinch.
4. Don’t forget to consider hidden sources of allergens like – a different brand than you usually use, cross contamination, shared plates, and buffet style serving.
5. Bring a dish to pass. Sharing a dish that everyone will love gives an element of joining together and ensures there is at least you safe dish for you and or your child.
6. If your child has reactions, be sure to discuss the event ahead of time. Cover things like how to handle the questions, the pressure from others if any and why and how to stay safe.
7. Remember that while food reactions are sometimes overwhelming – there is so much to be thankful for. Enjoy your holiday!
Love and Blessings,
Sadie
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