Safe Holiday
Feasting for Those with Food Allergies
By Dawn Reiner M.Ed.,
CPC
Holidays in general tend to be food focused, creating
traditions and meaningful memories. More then any time of year, fall and winter
offer a succession of food focused holidays; from Halloween to Thanksgiving and
Hanukkah to Christmas. Yet for those who
suffer from food allergies holidays can be a stressful time.
According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, allergies among kids jumped 50% from 1997 to 2011
bringing the current number of children who suffer from food allergies of some
kind to over 6 million. For some people just one bite of an allergic food can
cause a life threatening anaphylactic reaction.
Sometimes odors and cross contamination can cause a serious threat. Yet
with planning, communication and preparation you and your family can enjoy the
holidays safely.
Tips For The Allergy Sufferers
Check In Before Hand
Dinning out can be very stressful for parents of a food
allergy sufferer. Once you get invited for dinner call the host and ask what is
being served. Communicate your child’s food
allergies and see if there is anything that would be safe for her to eat. If there are food allergy concerns, offer to
bring a similar dish(es) to prevent your child from feeling excluded.
Bring A Safe Dish
It is always wise to bring a dish or two to a party even if
it is not a potluck so there is definitely something for your child to eat.
Eat Before The Party
Eating a light meal prior to the party will help focus the
evening on hanging out with friends and family and off of food.
The Rules
On the way to the party, remind your allergic child that he must ask before he can eat anything!
Host the Party
When you do the cooking you control the ingredients. Have your guest bring none food items and
simple dishes, such as a fruit salad that you know won’t cause any harm.
Tips For The Host:
Hang On To Labels
Keep food labels for everything
used to prepare a festive homemade holiday meal so an allergic guest may
double-check the ingredients.
Encourage Signage
If you are hosting a potluck
party, ask your guests to create a sign with their name and a listing all the
ingredients used in their prepared dish.
This way a food allergy sufferer can easily identify the dishes they can
eat as well as speak with the cook if they have any questions.
Cross Contamination
Be sure to wash utensils, cutting
boards, pots, pans and grills before and after cooking to avoid cross
contamination.
To lean more on how to mange your child’s food allergies
contact Dawn at www.empoweringulifecoahing.com
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