I wrote a post on WEGO Health about eating out with food allergies.
We know what to do and the questions to ask to see if a kitchen is able to cook for my son. But this post is more about me getting over my fear of letting my son eat out or be cooked for by other people. I didn't even realize that I was holding my son back.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Yonanas - A Product Review
Late last week a friend of mine stopped over to show me a new product that her husband is previewing this weekend. It's called Yonanas. It's a machine that takes frozen fruit and turns it into a creamy frozen treat. At first I was skeptical, but we tried it and it's delicious! The best part is
1. You make it yourself so you know it's safe if you have food allergies to worry about and
1. You make it yourself so you know it's safe if you have food allergies to worry about and
2. It's only frozen fruit and nothing else. Nothing else is added so you aren't getting any added sugar or unhealthy ingredients.
They are showing it today on HSN, but my friend said that in the near future you'll also be able to find it at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Target and other retailers.
I have to tell you, it's really very tasty. The Little Man has requested it several times a day since we got it and we are now out of frozen fruit (and this is fruit that has been in my freezer untouched for eons!!). It's easy to clean too. Just take the grinder section apart and put the pieces in the dishwasher. Or rinse them clean if you have to use it several times a day like I do.
If you have food allergies, or especially a dairy allergy and you miss frozen treats, this machine is really worth checking out.
To find out more, visit the Yonanas website. There's a video that shows you how it works.
AND YES, IT REALLY IS JUST FROZEN FRUIT (that happens to taste like ice cream).
(We were loaned one of the machines for free for use of a trial and no other compensation was given)
They are showing it today on HSN, but my friend said that in the near future you'll also be able to find it at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Target and other retailers.
I have to tell you, it's really very tasty. The Little Man has requested it several times a day since we got it and we are now out of frozen fruit (and this is fruit that has been in my freezer untouched for eons!!). It's easy to clean too. Just take the grinder section apart and put the pieces in the dishwasher. Or rinse them clean if you have to use it several times a day like I do.
If you have food allergies, or especially a dairy allergy and you miss frozen treats, this machine is really worth checking out.
To find out more, visit the Yonanas website. There's a video that shows you how it works.
AND YES, IT REALLY IS JUST FROZEN FRUIT (that happens to taste like ice cream).
(We were loaned one of the machines for free for use of a trial and no other compensation was given)
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Live Blogging
Over on WEGO Health, I wrote a post about Live Blogging. Have you ever tried this? It's not something that I've done on the blog, only on Twitter. But I think this would be a great tool for someone attending a FAAN conference or other health event. What are your thoughts on Live Blogging?
Monday, May 23, 2011
Check out the WEGO Health Activist Speakers Bureau!
I just applied to the WEGO Health Activist Speakers Bureau and I thought some of you might be interested in learning more about it as well – it’s a great way for Health Activists to share our stories, raise awareness and get the word out about the work we’re doing.
Members of the WEGO Health Activist Speakers Bureau receive exclusive invitations to present at conferences, speak to members of the media, and be featured on WEGO Health.
Interested in joining the WEGO Health Activist Speakers Bureau? Apply Today! It only takes a few minutes and they’ll email you as soon as they have opportunities relevant to you and your interests.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Progressive Field
I love Progressive Field. Not only am I a Tribe fan, but they are wonderful with my son and his food allergies. Last night my husband had a "family" business event at the Field and there was much food involved. We called ahead to the chef, and he personally brought safe food to the suite for my son. He was able to enjoy hot dogs (no bun), a fruit tray (we had a giant one already in the suite but due to cross contamination my son got his own), cotton candy, corn chips and safe French fries (hand cut and fried in a dedicated fryer). The boy was in heaven and didn't feel left out at all. We even ended up finding safe items on the dessert cart. He was able to have a giant sucker and a mini batting helmet with individual wrapped Skittles. It was a really fun, allergy friendly time. We can not thank the staff at Progressive Field enough for going above and beyond for my son's food allergies.
Boy with giant sucker and Skittles (How does everything turn into a Star Wars Lightsaber??)
As luck would have it, it was Scout night too. So the boys, their dad and 3,000 other scouts/family members were able to walk the field before the game.
Our crew. Best picture I could get with a cell phone and from up that high.
Boy with giant sucker and Skittles (How does everything turn into a Star Wars Lightsaber??)
As luck would have it, it was Scout night too. So the boys, their dad and 3,000 other scouts/family members were able to walk the field before the game.
Our crew. Best picture I could get with a cell phone and from up that high.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Label Reading For The Food Allergic
Previously posted at WEGO Health
The article Have Food Allergies? Read The Label from FoodSafety.gov makes some valid points.
1. If you are allergic to wheat, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shell fish, dairy or soy your allergen should be clearly marked on the label.
2. Yes, "may contain" statements are voluntary.
3. Ingredients can change at any time. Something that was safe last week may not be safe this week. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL.
4. If in doubt leave it out or call the manufacturer to double check on safety. Never take a chance by eating something you *think* may be safe.
But I have an issue with one statement that they said.
So first look for the “Contains” statement. If your allergen is listed, put the product back on the shelf. If there is no “Contains” statement, it’s very important to read the entire ingredient list to see if your allergen is present. If you see its name even once, it’s back to the shelf for that food too.
To me, this statement sounds like if you find a "contains" statement and your allergen isn't there you can trust that the product is safe. I've had instances of where I look at the "contains" statement and my sons allergens are not listed. But when I read the entire label I found it listed in the ingredients. Just because it's listed in one place (like the "contains" statement) doesn't always mean it won't be in the product. I called that manufacture and was told "As long as we list it either in the ingredients or the 'contains' statement we are abiding by FALCPA. If it's clearly listed in the ingredient list, we aren't required to put it in the 'contains' statement.
I don't know whether what I was told was true or not. But even if the manufacturer was wrong, it still happened. So I'd like to clarify that particular statement in the article by saying "Read the entire ingredient list EVERY TIME, even if you see a 'contains' statement". It's better to be safe than sorry.
The other thing to keep in mind is that "may contain" or "manufactured on equipment" statements are voluntary. Depending on how severe your allergies are, you will want to call the manufacturer to double check if other products containing your allergens are manufactured on the same lines or if your allergen is used in the plant and what their safety procedures are for those instances.
For the complete guidelines set forth by the government see Food Allergen Labeling And Consumer Protection Act Of 2004 from the FDA.
What other safety measures can you add to this list that were not mentioned in the original article?
The article Have Food Allergies? Read The Label from FoodSafety.gov makes some valid points.
1. If you are allergic to wheat, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shell fish, dairy or soy your allergen should be clearly marked on the label.
2. Yes, "may contain" statements are voluntary.
3. Ingredients can change at any time. Something that was safe last week may not be safe this week. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL.
4. If in doubt leave it out or call the manufacturer to double check on safety. Never take a chance by eating something you *think* may be safe.
But I have an issue with one statement that they said.
So first look for the “Contains” statement. If your allergen is listed, put the product back on the shelf. If there is no “Contains” statement, it’s very important to read the entire ingredient list to see if your allergen is present. If you see its name even once, it’s back to the shelf for that food too.
To me, this statement sounds like if you find a "contains" statement and your allergen isn't there you can trust that the product is safe. I've had instances of where I look at the "contains" statement and my sons allergens are not listed. But when I read the entire label I found it listed in the ingredients. Just because it's listed in one place (like the "contains" statement) doesn't always mean it won't be in the product. I called that manufacture and was told "As long as we list it either in the ingredients or the 'contains' statement we are abiding by FALCPA. If it's clearly listed in the ingredient list, we aren't required to put it in the 'contains' statement.
I don't know whether what I was told was true or not. But even if the manufacturer was wrong, it still happened. So I'd like to clarify that particular statement in the article by saying "Read the entire ingredient list EVERY TIME, even if you see a 'contains' statement". It's better to be safe than sorry.
The other thing to keep in mind is that "may contain" or "manufactured on equipment" statements are voluntary. Depending on how severe your allergies are, you will want to call the manufacturer to double check if other products containing your allergens are manufactured on the same lines or if your allergen is used in the plant and what their safety procedures are for those instances.
For the complete guidelines set forth by the government see Food Allergen Labeling And Consumer Protection Act Of 2004 from the FDA.
What other safety measures can you add to this list that were not mentioned in the original article?
Monday, May 09, 2011
Sunday, May 08, 2011
Happy Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day to all the mom's and caregivers out there~ You are inspirations to the children you care for. I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day today.
Food Allergies in the news. Thank you Morgan Smith for sharing your story and for giving a voice to all our children.
Food Allergies in the news. Thank you Morgan Smith for sharing your story and for giving a voice to all our children.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Thursday, May 05, 2011
The Tooth Fairy Came Last Night
No more nasty Nanny McPhee tooth.
Yesterday at school another boy and the Little Man ran into each other and the tooth ALMOST came out. But not quite. It was bleeding badly so the teacher sent him to the nurse. She wanted to pull it but he wouldn't let her. As luck would have it I had lunch room duty, so she walked him down to me to show me what happened. I said "Oh, let me see" and instead of just looking I pulled it out and the nasty tooth was no more. The nurse laughed and at first the Little Man wasn't too happy about it, but then he was proud of his Jack O Lantern smile and had to show everyone.
All's well that ends well.
And the Tooth Fairy only brought $2.00 this time. He can't wait to spend it :)
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
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