By: Kerry Robinson, RD   Date: 12/23/09

At the International Food Information Council Foundation, we host numerous interns with diverse backgrounds in nutrition, food safety, and communications throughout the year.  These interns come to our organization with a desire to learn about the ways in which we carry out our mission to communicate science-based information on health, food safety and nutrition for the public good.
 
I had the opportunity to talk with Lauren Morgan, one of our recent dietetic interns from the University of Maryland, College Park Dietetic Internship, about staying on track with diet and exercise during the holidays. During our conversation, she shared with me that she faces a unique food-related challenge during the holidays: attending several food-centered events with multiple food allergies.

I asked her if she’d be interested in sharing her perspective on navigating the holidays with food allergies for the Food Insight Blog, and she graciously agreed. Here’s what she had to say:

A Personal Perspective:  What the Holidays Mean For Me and My Food Allergies 

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and co-workers to come together to celebrate the season, and more often than not, these celebrations are centered around food.  Like most people, I love to enjoy good food and good company during the holidays, but as someone who lives with multiple food allergies, I sometimes have to put my excitement on hold and be patient, careful, and alert. 

People with food allergies have different approaches and have to learn to do what works best for them.  I have learned what works best for me the hard way.  Each time I popped a delicious-looking cookie into my mouth only to realize it was filled with peanut butter, a little piece of my holiday party excitement faded.  Many years later, I have learned to ask, bring my own food, and stay aware.  That way I can enjoy the festivities, but still put my health first.

While the holidays can be a scary time if you or someone you know and care for has a food allergy, it is possible to participate in the fun and stay safe and healthy.  Here are some tips that I’ve learned over the years to have fun while avoiding my food allergens: 

- Always ask! 
o Ask whoever cooked or prepared the dish what it contains, and don’t be afraid to ask for detailed ingredients. 

- Spread the word 
o Let the host/hostess as well as fellow party-goers know that you have food allergies.  While I spent most of my life trying to hide my allergies, I have learned that people do care and are concerned, and they can’t help me avoid allergens if they don’t know I have multiple food allergies. 

- Watch for cross contamination 
o For example, if someone says a dish they made is free of nuts, and they were preparing a pie or other dessert that contains nuts at the same time, you could still suffer the consequences.  Always keep this in mind as you’re eating away from home. 

- Bring food to share 
o Prepare some food that is safe for you to eat and bring it to the party.  This way, you will have at least one thing you can safely eat and you won’t be singled out from others. 

- Have fun! 
o Don’t be scared to go places and participate in the festivities.  Be aware of your environment and take precautions, but don’t let food allergies ruin the fun.  The holidays are a time of celebration and those of us with food allergies need to celebrate too! 

Do you or a loved one have a food allergy?  What tips do you have to stay safe and have fun during the holidays?