10 Tips for Navigating Life With Food Allergies

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If you’re the parent of a child with food allergies, life can be a little scary once you leave the house. Out in the world, it’s much harder to control the foods that come across your child’s path, and it’s only natural to worry about allergens accidentally being introduced into your child’s routine. Try following these 10 tips to make life with food allergies a little easier – and safer – for both you and your child.

 

  1. Work Closely With Medical Professionals

If you suspect your child has a food allergy, it’s important to consult with your pediatrician for an official diagnosis. While about 6 to 8 percent of children do experience full-blown food allergies, many more only experience a food intolerance that does not involve the immune system. If your pediatrician suspects an allergy, you’ll likely be referred to an allergist for testing and a treatment plan. Be sure to ask questions of these specialists and get a detailed action plan in writing to help your child stay safe.

 

  1. Consider Working With a Nutritionist

If your child has several severe food allergies, making sure she gets all the nutrients her growing body needs can be challenging. A certified nutritionist can help you plan menus that provide a balanced diet while avoiding foods that can trigger a reaction. A nutritionist can also help you learn appropriate substitutions or new cooking techniques that will let your family enjoy favorite food in a way that’s safe for everyone.

 

  1. Try Some New Culinary Adventures

Kids with allergies here the word no a lot in relation to food. Try focusing on the positive by listing all the foods your child can have, then have him highlight his favorites. Hit the library or the Internet together to find recipes that feature these preferred ingredients, then serve up the new entrees for family dinners. You can even make it a game by offering a scorecard so family members can rate each new recipe – the best will end up in heavy rotation.

 

  1. Invite Your Child Into the Kitchen for Cooking Lessons

Even young children can help wash and peel vegetables, and getting your child involved in cooking will give her a sense of empowerment over her diet, which can be especially important for kids with allergies. Your child will walk away with some strong kitchen skills and a repertoire of delicious recipes that will leave him feeling special, not deprived.

 

  1. Enforce a Two-Bite Rule

For picky eaters, trying all those great new recipes can be challenging. If your child doesn’t like to try new things, make a rule that everyone at the table must try two bites of everything on the plate before refusing it. Though some children will still refuse after the mandatory taste test, you can try serving that dish again in the future. Repeated exposure to new foods is crucial for building a love for varied foods, and you’ll get there with gentle persistence.

 

  1. Make Food Fun

You can’t sit with your child in the school cafeteria to make sure she tries new food, so be sure to make a packed lunch fun. Consider bright bento boxes or sandwiches cut into fun animal shapes to entice your child to finish her whole lunch, even when you’re not there to remind her.

 

  1. Don’t Be Too Controlling

Do what you must to protect your child from allergens, but don’t go overboard policing his food choices. If your child loves something healthy like carrots or apples, go ahead and let him have as much of it as he likes. No harm done, and a healthy snack is better than no snack. Eventually he’ll move on to something else.

 

  1. Alert People to Your Child’s Condition on a Need-to-Know Basis

Your child’s teachers and school staff need to be made aware of any allergies to make appropriate arrangements in the cafeteria and during snack time. It’s also important to let other parents and coaches know about your child’s allergies as the need arises. Keep the conversation low-key, and don’t feel the need to broadcast your child’s medical information to the general public.

 

  1. Try Organic Options

Sometimes kids with allergies have other sensitivities, especially to chemicals. You can avoid pesticides and petrochemicals by trying to buy organic whenever possible. While obvious choices include produce and dairy products, you can also be on the lookout for organic cotton to reduce your child’s exposure to potential irritants in the home.

 

  1. Teach Your Child to Read Labels

As your child grows more independent, he should learn to read ingredient labels to make safe food choices on his own. He won’t be able to rely on you looking out for allergens forever, so it’s best to start young.

 

Life with food allergies doesn’t have to be miserable. By following these tips, you can keep your child healthy while enjoying delicious and nutritious meals.

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