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    Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.

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  • Dec. 20, 2008

    Food (allergies) and festivities

    By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.

4 comments posted

This blog is for grandparents, aunts, uncles and others hosting holiday gatherings. With the increase in food allergies, you may be entertaining a child or an adult with a food allergy. A host's worst nightmare is making a guest ill. So how can you avoid a holiday disaster?

I've compiled advice and tips to take away some of the worry and preserve the joy in your celebrations.

Before the party

  • When your guests RSVP, ask if they have food allergies or other concerns. Far from being offended, most will be grateful for your consideration. The most common food allergies are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat.
  • If one of your guests has an allergy, do a little reading about it and ask questions. People with food allergies and parents of children with allergies are generally well educated about this condition. They can help you understand the allergy as well as give you suggestions for allergy-free foods and recipes.
  • Keep in mind that even a small amount of the allergen may cause a reaction, whether it's eaten, touched or inhaled.

In the kitchen

  • Read all food ingredient labels carefully. Don't use any ingredient with even a small amount of the trigger food.
  • Don't let the trigger food come into contact with the allergy-free foods during preparation or serving. You might consider preparing foods in batches. Thoroughly clean surfaces, containers and utensils between uses.

Shopping for decorations and gifts

  • Wreaths and decorations may have sprigs or other items that have been in contact with wheat.
  • Cosmetics or lotions may be made with egg protein.
  • Stuffed toys, beanbags, and other soft items may contain crushed nut shells.

During the festivities

  • Kissing under the mistletoe is off limits if you've eaten peanuts or other allergen foods. You might transfer the allergen to your partner via your saliva.
  • Be creative — try new foods and recipes and include non-food traditions and entertainment in your gatherings.

As I mentioned above, people living with food allergies know best how to deal with the challenges. To all of you, please enlighten the rest of us. Share your tips and ideas.

Happy holidays, Katherine

4 comments posted

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  • April 13, 2009 2:43 p.m.

    I have been an active healthy female vegetarian for 40yrs until 3 years ago my doctor told me that I have high glucose and high cholesterol. I was sure that there was a mistake and I had my blood test done again that results where the same. After that, thing got worse my GI doctor told me I had a fatty liver and showing signs of autoimmune disease. I just could not believed it, I then found out about delayed food allergies from my health food store I goggled delayed food allergies I went to have my blood tested. After the results came back to me I went on a diet that they propose for me. Within six weeks I never experience before the change in my body the first thing I notice was that I had no nasal drip and the stiffness in my shoulder was gone and I lost ten pounds. After three months on the diet with help from a Chef I had my blood tested again, with under my doctor request. My glucose was normal and my cholesterol was back in range and I had no signs of a fatty liver. Remember I was not overweight so the 10 pounds weight was nice however not that important but when certain foods can be bad for you and remember we are all different except what affects us. Get tested before any weight loss program or you could be wasting your time and effecting your health.

    - Karen

  • December 30, 2008 8:00 p.m.

    I am allergic to wheat and fish and most people are unaware that Worchestershire sauce contains anchovies and soy sauce contains wheat. Worchestershire is my biggest concern when eating out. Au jus is made with worchestershire. Most marinades contain worchestershire. Even restaurants with great gluten-free menus don't understand these two ingredients.

    - Sherry

  • December 23, 2008 2:55 p.m.

    Also- sometimes it can be helpful to bring food from home for the allergic person, or to order "specialty" allergy safe foods from places like divvies or enjoy life. If you're the host don't be offended by offers to bring foods - it can make everyone much more relaxed and more fun for all, and that's what it's all about.

    - Lorna

  • December 20, 2008 6:53 a.m.

    Thank you for posting this!

    - _Susan_

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