Are you dreading the holiday season because of allergies or sensitivities to certain foods?  Unfortunately, during this time of year meals are laden with the common food ingredients that many people are allergic to. However, there are solutions available so you can, in your own way, “have your cake and eat it too!”

Alexcis Spencer Lopez, in an article for Huffington Post, lists the most common foods that cause allergies. This is according to the  group Food Allergy Research Education (FARE), which include:

  • Fish
  • Shellfish
  • Peanuts
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Tree Nuts
  • Soy
  • Wheat

Of course, this is not comprehensive list. Lopez notes she’s had clients come to her with all kinds of allergies to foods. Yet, you probably are noticing that many of the above foods are ingredients in common holiday dishes.

So what to do at holiday events and meals? Lopez suggests the following:

  • Creativity:  There are a lot of resources out there now for designing creative options for holiday meals. Look for a local bakery that offers gluten-free baked goods. Research online for recipes that offer substitutions for allergic foods. Check your grocery store, too, for ingredients that will work with your allergies.
  • Think Ahead:  If you are the one hosting everyone then you can be in control of the menu. However, if you are visiting someone else get in contact with them or whoever is cooking to check on what’s being offered, and whether they can do substitutions.
  • Have Alternatives Ready:  Make it easy for whoever’s cooking by having a list of foods that you are allergic to and what works for swapping ingredients.
  • Bring Your Own:  Lopez suggests bringing a dish you can eat to holiday meals. It’s not only good manners; it also is a backup plan in case all else fails.

Interested in learning more about how you can manage your food allergies during the holidays?  Read the full article here:  4 Tips to Gracefully Survive the Holidays with Food Sensitivities.