Tip of the Day: Airplane Travel with Food Allergies

How to make flight travel easier with food allergies:

I'd like to write several pieces on air travel with food allergies but today I will start with this simple tip.
If you are severely allergic to certain foods and have to carry Benadryl and Epi Pen's with you at all times then before you embark on your air travel make sure to have your doctor write you a letter stating that you or your child must carry Benadryl and Epi Pens at all times during the flight due to the serious nature of your food allergies.
When your purse or bag is being searched and security personnel asks about these items you will be able to quickly address the question with the letter and be on your way in no time.

Nicolle Avery

Tip of the Day: Great Vegan Cheese Options

If you are allergic to milk, but would love to make cheesy recipes I have a few suggestions.

Over the years there have been a few products that say they are dairy-free and throughout the life of the product they have changed their ingredients and added a milk protein or something else that took them off of my 'favorite list' due to my dairy allergy. Even if you find a product that says it is vegan or egg-free or dairy-free you must read the label each time you buy the product because the list of ingredients may change from time to time.

With that being said, there are two kinds of vegan cheese I love. I use vegan cheese from Follow Your Heart and vegan Sheese 'cheese' from buteisland.com. If you decide to try these products make sure you read the list of ingredients every time you buy them. But for now, these cheese substitutions are vegan and great!

I have found these products in Whole Foods Market and local health food stores.

Nicolle Avery

Tip of the Day: Always Play It Safe When You Have Food Allergies

Always play it safe when you have food allergies:

After working hard all day yesterday I was hungry and tired. I just wanted something quick and easy that I did not have to make so I drove to a fast food restaurant and ordered 2 plain hamburger patties. And because I was tired I did not take the time to ask the questions I normally ask, like what other food items are on the grill and do the French fries have a coating and if so may I read the ingredients?
Instead I ordered the food and ran home to eat the patties. Within minutes I was having an allergic reaction.
I do not blame the fast food restaurant; I do however blame myself for not playing it safe and taking the time to ask the questions I needed to ask.
Even when you are hungry and want something fast it is important to not take your health for granted. To ensure your safety it is always best to follow the procedure you have in place for dining out every time, even if you are tired and just want to eat. When it's a matter of life and death like it is in my situation, it is better to take your time and do it the right way even if that means dinner is delayed.

Nicolle Avery

Tip of the Day: Alcohol Can Contain Egg Whites

Many people are not aware that some alcoholic beverages are clarified with egg whites, especially wines. However, beers and spirits can be clarified with egg whites as well. If you are allergic to eggs you will want to avoid all alcoholic beverages because they do not list their ingredients or their beverage making process. But if you would really like to know if there is something out there you are able to sip on I suggest calling the manufacturer and speaking with someone on their staff who has the exact knowledge of each step of their alcohol making process. My suggestion is to ask the representative if they carry any vegan products (make sure they know that vegan means no animal products and also let the person know you have an allergy to eggs).


Nicolle Avery

Tip of the Day: Quick and Easy Egg-free & Dairy-free Tuna Snack

How to make a quick and easy egg-free and dairy-free snack:

Lightly toast half of an egg-free and dairy-free English muffin. Combine 1 (7 ounce) can of tuna in water (drain) with 2 teaspoons olive oil, 3 teaspoons red wine vinegar, 1 finely chopped green onion, 1 finely chopped celery stalk. Add salt, pepper and fresh herbs to taste. Mix well and spoon over lightly toasted egg-free and dairy-free English muffin half.

Libby Avery

Tip of the Day: Leaving Babysitters with your Severely Allergic Child

How to handle hiring a babysitter for your child who has severe food allergies:

When you hire a babysitter you will need to make sure that the babysitter is mature enough to handle severe food allergies and would feel comfortable using an Epi Pen or administering Benadryl. This is especially true if you are looking to hire a teenager.
Many teens may say they would be able to handle your child's allergic reaction or would keep certain foods away from your allergic child or dial 911 in case of an emergency or use the Epi Pen if it was necessary, but they may not actually take it seriously or feel comfortable doing any of these things. It is up to you to judge the character of the babysitter and if the babysitter agrees to all of the things you need her to be able to do for your child the next step is to consult the parents of the babysitter. Make sure the parents of the babysitter do not object to any of the things you are asking their child to be able to do.
Ask your babysitter to practice using an Epi Pen with you. And make sure the babysitter has done it enough times until they know exactly what to do in case of an emergency. The pharmacy has practice Epi Pens.

Libby Avery

Tip of the Day: How to Handle Birthday Parties with Severe Food Allergies

How to handle birthday parties when your child has severe food allergies:

I always called or spoke in person with the parents who were hosting the party. I would explain Nicolle's food allergies to them and ask if I could bring Nicolle's food and a treat for her to have so that she would not feel left out when others were eating the cake. I would also stay close by, but not hovering over her either. I just wanted to let her know that I was there in case she did have an allergic reaction.

Try not to make your child feel like they have to be worried about the possibility of having a reaction. You also don't want to make your child feel like all eyes are on her. If you just let him or her be like all the others and not make a big deal out of the fact he or she can't eat what the other children can eat, then everyone will feel comfortable and have fun.

Libby Avery