Food Allergy Resolutions for 2018

9 New Year Resolutions for living positively with food allergies

By Kaitlin

With a new year upon us, I have decided to focus some of my resolutions on food allergy management and share them here with you. This year I’m hoping to achieve a more balanced lifestyle by staying positive, organised, and trying new things!

Here are my Food Allergy Resolutions for 2018:

1. Travel More

This resolution is much more complex and aspirational for us food allergy sufferers than other people. When we travel, it takes a lot of commitment, planning, and stepping out of our comfort zone. It would be easier, arguably, to go nowhere at all! But that would also be no fun. This year I hope to travel more, even if it means a lot of planning!

♥ Check out Allergy Travels for some travel inspiration ♥

2. Try a new restaurant

There are many new allergy-friendly places to eat springing up everywhere – if you do some research you’re likely to find a new place to eat! Or pick up the phone and just ask! I’m surprised that whenever I pick up the phone, I find a new place that can accommodate me! There is no harm in asking, I plan to put myself out there more for the chance to add another restaurant to my safe list, and you should too!

3. Learn to really meal prep

There is a process and art to meal prepping – I’ve learned I can benefit SO much from meal prepping to save me from going hungry or being tempted to eat something potentially unsafe. Even as a backup it is SO handy to have a prepped meal ready to go with you. This year I plan to meal prep more, especially to help me with bigger trips and activities.

4. Say yes to more social activities that you say no to because of food allergies

We all have the activities/ events we find extra tricky with food allergies. Lately, I’ve been trying to say yes to plans that are further out of my comfort zone. I’ve learned sometimes; it is more dangerous to miss out on quality social time than to have to do some extra planning (and maybe even get a little bit nervous before you go). It is important for our mental health to participate activities that may seem hard to achieve with food allergies. When we overcome them, it all seems easier!

5. Learn to cook a cuisine generally off limits with alternative ingredients

I constantly read about soy-free soy sauces and Asian dishes, but I never actually take the time to try them. I know they would REALLY spice up my food though. I will be taking the new year as an opportunity to cook something I’m generally not allowed to eat because of my food allergies. If you’re interested in this resolution, try baking sun butter cookies if you are allergic to peanuts or baking your own gluten-free bread!

6. Stay up-to-date on allergy testing

This one should be obvious since we all are praying for the day we grow out of our allergies, right?! But it is easy to forget to plan your next allergist appointment. I personally want to continue to get tested regularly so I can understand how my allergies are evolving.

7. Check EpiPen expiry dates

Those expensive little buggers expire! It can be all too easy to forget about expiry dates, but carrying an expired EpiPen is likely useless, so keep an eye on it!

See Also

How to cook in a hotel room with food allergies

8. Mix up healthy snacks

There are SO many awesome allergy friendly/free snacks popping up all over North America – I am seriously impressed. That feeling when you find a new snack that will become your go-to is the best. Especially in a regular grocery store! I will be taking a few extra minutes when shopping to see if there’s anything new to snack on.

→ Or try making top 8 free chocolate protein balls! ←

9. Surround myself with people who are positive about food allergies and ignore those that are ignorant

This past year my allergy still felt fairly new, and I spent a lot of time feeling disappointed by those who were negative towards my food allergies. The worst comment I ever received was that food allergies are a mental illness and if I go to a spiritual healer, I will de-stress, and my allergies will leave my body. Ha ha ha. Now I can laugh that off luckily because I surround myself with people who are positive toward my allergies and make me feel good! This is very important for anyone suffering, to surround yourself with positive people.

I wish a happy new year to all the allergy guys and gals out there! I hope you try a new allergy resolution this year! ?