Hacks To Mastering Any Food Allergy

It is not uncommon to be sensitive to foods that you consume often. It may be a favorite food, or it may simply be a staple of your diet, something that you cannot imagine ever living without.

For many people, this devastating item may be gluten, dairy, or eggs, and sometimes all three. This can make people feel helpless, lost, and confused about what to put on their plates.

It is easy to get caught in a negative thought cycle surrounding food sensitivities, allergies, and intolerances. Any change can be challenging, but dietary change comes with its own unique set of circumstances.

Some people wonder how they will navigate the menu at their favorite restaurant, what they will eat at the next potluck, or how to celebrate life without their favorite treats. Other people cannot imagine breakfast without eggs, bread, or milk and cereal. Then, you have people like me who struggle to understand how to eat a meal without cheese. That just doesn’t seem proper.

With all of these challenges, it can feel impossible to figure out where to start. Every attempt can feel like a failure, and failure brings up a question. How do I do this and still enjoy life?

The number one hack to mastering any food allergy is mindset. When you reframe your thought process, everything changes.

-Remember, you can have anything you want. There are many food options. You choose not to consume certain items because your health and wellbeing are more important than the temporary pleasure of eating that food.-

Instead of focusing on what you cannot have and what everyone else is eating, focus on what you can eat. 

In most cases, the number of foods that have to be removed from the diet does not compare to all the food options remaining. There are a plethora of foods that you may have never tried. Take this opportunity to try new foods and cuisines.

Find new favorites.

It’s easy to miss comfort foods and old favorites. Recreate those dishes using alternative ingredients. Look online and find recipes that are free of offending foods and see how you like them.

Make it fun!

Most people like to do fun things and have new experiences with someone close to them. They will take a road trip with family members or friends. They will meet up with their ride or die to try out a new restaurant or watch a meteor shower with a special someone.

This is no different. Instead of viewing a food allergy as a curse and something negative, think of it as a new experience. Share it with someone close and invite them to try new things with you. They don’t necessarily have to avoid all of the foods you are sensitive to, but they can accompany you as you explore dietary changes. Hey, they may even like some of the foods you are trying better!

Never go anywhere hungry.

One fundamental change is shifting your mindset when it comes to going out. When eating out, instead of leaving hungry, have a light meal. This will help you to make better decisions. It can be difficult to think clearly and make the best choices when famished. Set the stage for success by taking the edge off before leaving home.

Offer to bring a dish.

Not everyone understands food allergies, sensitivities, or intolerances. It is best to forgive them ahead of time. It can be difficult to understand if they or no one close to them ever experienced such. It can get tricky though if we are invited to their home for a meal.

Instead of backing out of an invitation, offer to bring a dish. By bringing a dish, you can ensure that you will be able to eat something. There will almost always be one or two foods there that you can eat as well. In the unfortunate situation where that is not the case, at least you will have something to eat.

Forgive and carry!

Yes, forgiveness is an important thing to remember. Forgive those around you and forgive yourself. Your food allergy can be loaded with frustration when you are hitting a brick wall with what to eat at every turn. Instead of getting angry or upset, forgive the person, people, or company that does not provide options that fit your dietary needs. If you are angry or frustrated, forgive yourself for those feelings and remember that many of us with food allergies or sensitivities have felt the same way. Always carry a snack for these less fortunate times.

Depending on what you are sensitive to, a snack can be beef jerky, meat sticks, nuts, seeds, fruit, snack bars, or some other non-perishable, wholesome food that you enjoy. If you are purchasing pre-made products, always check the ingredients to make sure you will not react adversely to anything in them. You can also make your own snack bars or carry along food items.

You will be armed and ready to face any situation life has waiting for you by following these tips. Food allergies and all :-)