Menu Planning When Dealing With Food Allergies

As someone who has had food allergies most of my life, I know only too well how difficult it can be to plan nutritious, tasty meals.
If you are like me, and have to avoid an array of foods, it can be overwhelming at times.
My first rule of thumb is to clean out your pantry and fridge. Get rid of the items that you can no longer eat, so you won’t be tempted by them. If you are part of a family and they can still eat these items then you are going to have to be pretty strong in your resolve not to eat these foods. For me, it just wasn’t worth cheating as it made me feel to unwell.
Perhaps dedicate a shelf or a cupboard just for you, filled with all the CAN foods that you can eat.
The first thing to realize is that it is about what you CAN eat, not what you CANNOT eat. It’s like that old adage, is the glass half empty or half full?
Next, figure out what your favourite foods are that you can eat. Have them on hand, don’t feel deprived with you new way of eating.
It may take you awhile to enjoy some of your new foods as your taste buds have been accustomed to the same foods for years, so give yourself and break and don’t be too hard on yourself.
Visit a health food store and ask them about all the allergy free items that they offer. You will be amazed at how many foods you can eat.
Purchase a cookbook that contains recipes that you can enjoy.
Many big bulk stores are featuring allergy free items like gluten free grains and pasta at a much lower cost than health food stores, so you may want to check them out as well. Try the healthy natural food aisle at your local grocery store for allergy free options.
Once you start to eat foods that agree with your body, you will notice how much better you feel physically and emotionally, and this will then encourage you to continue on with your healthy eating regime.
Remember that pre -packaged allergy free foods usually contain a lot of sugar and do not have a lot of nutrients in them, so if you can start to make more of your meals and treats from scratch, it will benefit you in the long run.
Many people say to me that they don’t have time to cook, but they soon realize if they give up one television program and get into the kitchen they can whip up a soup and a couple dozen muffins to freeze for the coming work week.
It’s important to have food in your freezer for those busy evenings or when you are on the run.
Making smoothies is another fast option for quick mornings or evening snacks. Try to have lots of fresh produce in your fridge, so at a moment’s notice you can whip up a shake or smoothie for yourself. Frozen fruit is great to keep in your freezer and avocados are indispensible to me and I always have at least 7 or 8 in my house for veggie shakes.
My daily vegetable shake base is a mixture of celery, cucumber, spinach, avocado, cilantro, water, sea salt, and lemon juice. Sometimes I will add a tomato or a small green onion. Blend and you have a salad in a glass— full of nutrients.
My favourite mid day smoothie is a simple, nutritious mixture of pure organic coconut milk, a banana, and three tablespoons of hempseed.
Shirley Plant is a nutritionist and cookbook author. She offers dietary consults and you can find recipes on her website and facebook page.
For more allergy -free recipes and healthy ideas, please visit my website at www.deliciousalternatives.com