Phone a Friend: A Lifeline for Food Allergies

A lifeline is needed when you are facing the challenges of feeding yourself, or your children, on a diet restricted by food allergies.  Food allergies are on the rise and the chance of encountering a situation involving food allergies is more likely to happen.  No matter the situation, being able to phone a friend is a comfort.

How can I help you?

I invite my readers to submit their ideas for foods, snacks, or substitutions, that are peanut-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free or any combination of the above.  I will do a follow up post with the ideas that you submit.  Include photos, recipes, links, etc.  The list can be used for a nursing mother of a child with food allergies, a child with food allergies, a parent, a friend, a school teacher with a peanut free classroom, or a neighbor. 

ANYONE can participate!  Your participation in this challenge will be helpful to someone.  We each fall into one or more of the following categories so find where you fit and see how you can help.

A visual of what it's like learning how to eat with food allergies:
A maze of turns, falls, ups, and downs.

Newbie:  You need friends who are experiencing the same challenges, you need new ideas about how to expand your diet, and you are exhausted trying to figure it all out on your own. 

• Share this blog with friends, ask for help, and share the knowledge you have gained so far.  You are learning something every day.

Foodie/Health Nut:  You might choose to eat quinoa because you like it, you are a vegan, or you cook at home:  I bet you have some great ideas. 

• What do you snack on? What do your kids eat? Please share that almond milk+kale smoothie recipe one more time!

Think outside the box

Food Allergy Mama:  You have been at it for a while.  You have tried and true recipes, methods, and tips.  You also welcome new information and ideas because it is always helpful to expand your options.

• What do your kids eat for breakfast? Lunch?  Can you eat out anywhere? If so, where?  What is a good egg substitute?  Tips for snacks during play dates and surviving birthday parties.  Anything that comes packaged? Prepared? Easy?

Friend: You know someone with food allergies and you want to be more knowledgeable and helpful. 

• Share this blog with your friends and think about how you would adapt your eating habits to accommodate a food allergy.   I bet you have something to offer.

See how we can all come together?

Innocent Bystander:  My kids do not have food allergies!  Is celiac contagious? Why do they need me?  It is likely that you or your child will meet someone with a food allergy. By being sensitive and knowledgeable, you are making a good choice and you might save a life.

• Share this blog with a school teacher or a friend.  It’s likely to end up with someone who can really use it-plus, you will have a great list of new ideas for healthy foods and you will have taken your first step to food allergy empathy!

 Pictures are from a recent trip to the Black Dog Salvage in Roanoke, VA