Skip to main content

Warning: We are Those Food Allergy People

You know who we are.  We are those who constantly ask what is in that and say we can't eat that.  There was a time in my life where I had just the one food allergy. It was glorious.  Along the way I have built a nice collection of allergies that completely altered my diet, care routine, and trust.  It affects everything. And its nothing compared to my stepson who has dozens of food and environmental allergies. Then we have intolerances of the ridiculous kind that might as well be allergies.  We are well stocked in antihistamines.  

We DO NOT wish to be these people.  

Tonight is Halloween and we must be these people.  Our children will say thank you politely and bring their bags home to meticulously inspected.  It kinda sucks the fun out of it.  Except for parent taxes.  If you have food allergies then you are our people.  I have hard learned suggestions for those holiday gatherings as this time is approaching fast. If you do not have food allergies.  Then I have some hard learned suggestions on how to handle us in these gatherings. 

 Holiday Gatherings with Food Allergies
For the food allergy people-  

  1. Ask. Ask. Ask and apologize once for inconvenience it might cause. It's just being polite but not apologetic for doing what you must to survive.  Ask what is being served, if their are alternatives (don't expect it), etc. You give kindness in your situation, usually your host reciprocates it.
  2. Plan ahead. When you can and bring food.  My bag, my kids's bags, and travel bags have food that accommodate our allergies.  It is your and our responsibility to be sure you have what you need and work within your food issues, not someone else.  You can always ASK (see number one), but ultimately it is up to you.  Our families and friends are great at working with us.  
  3. Be proactive and offer a dish or two that you know you can eat.  It is helpful to you and your host.
  4.  Get ingredient list and read labels. Ahead of time when possible and if available.
  5. Have a medical plan and supplies in case of an oops or emergency. Know where the nearest hospital is and be well stocked. Epi pens only buy you time and you may need more than one pen to make it.

For the non- food allergy people

  1. Please do not be insulted by our questions.  We have to ask.  To survive.  It is not a reflection on your cooking skills (we haven't eaten it yet) or hosting skills. I'm sure you are lovely.
  2. Please do not take offense if we bring food or offer to bring a dish.  We are trying to help you help us. It's really awkward when we can't eat anything or just the one thing.
  3. Please be gracious as our bruised ego has to be meticulous in ingredients.  We are trying not to use our number five.  
A little goes a long way when our food allergy people are prepared and our non-food allergy people are accommodating.  It can be enjoyable with flexibility and understanding on both sides.  Next year join Teal Pumpkin Project for your trick or treaters that are "those people."  Your kindness will be returned to you.


 🎃Happy Halloween🎃 


Namaste for the Holidays  




Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Ghost Child

It’s been so cozy in our glittery wonderland of bubbles and glitzy paper; however, the holiday tilt a whirl has abruptly told us to get the hell off.  The ton of brick of sorrow and fury hit full force today.  It’s not a new or sudden burden, but a reality being acknowledged and denied all the same.  For years, I’ve been told “she’s okay,” “there’s nothing wrong,” “we don’t see anything.” My daughter is the ghost child.   You see the specter but right through her because you don’t see.                 While my daughter is “okay” she’s not “okay.”  This morning’s event has continued months of agonizing, acceptance, determination, reflection, and writing.  In reflection, I keep going back to her preschool years when I literally thought I was going to lose my mind. Literally everyone indicated that there wasn’t anything wrong.  It kept nagging as we stumbled through docto...
Post a Comment
Read more

Health Foodie Getting Her Hair Back

A few years ago after giving birth to my son, I had some life altering changes.  I had two kids and not just one.  Back issues. A dramatic gall bladder removal.  Less hair.  Did I mention more kids?   The hair changes started before having my son, but it was crazy hair loss after his arrival. He was worth it.  I could take the high road and tell you hair doesn't matter. That I realized my inner beauty counted most (it does, but lets be realistic).  We could be petty and mourn over the loss.  It's vain and there are a lot more things in my life to be grateful for.   Let's do both.  Take the high road and cry about it.  Now that's done.  It's not going down without a fight.  Two years ago I made changes to my diet and noticed stronger hair.  It even started curling again.  Then I dove into holistic hair solutions- from DIY hair products to supplements to "what am I eating?" that works.  I also ...
Post a Comment
Read more