Food Allergy? - it Doesn't Have to Be a Crisis

The day I found out my child had a severe food allergy to milk, I had my own personal breakdown.This was something she had been given since birth. I could not fathom preparing meals without milk or eggs(which was her other allergy). Even though I was a child that grew up with milk and flour allergies, it threw me for a loop. In that moment I knew how challenging it must have been for my mother. Especially since way back then you had to travel to the city to get special items only sold at health food stores.

You will learn to read labels for hidden ingredients and may just help improve you entire family's health in the process. Since we have traded milk and eggs for soy and other substitutes I have lowered my cholesterol and found many new foods that both my children love.

Now a days its a breeze to deal with your child's special food needs. Read your labels and find a grocery store that works best for their needs. It took me a few months to get a handle on it, but now I can pretty much fix her any meal with eliminating milk and eggs. I didn't have to give up our favorite meals, I just had to substitute ingredients. Some of our favorites are new and improved, while others I still prefer the older version. I sometimes split batches in half to make both versions.

For example did you know that in meatloaf you can substitute a medium grated potato for an egg? Makes a great meatloaf, one that even my very picky husband likes. Another great trick is to think outside of the box, literally box foods not such a great thing for milk and egg allergies. Instead of traditional coleslaw, I now prepare one of my batches of cole slaw with a vinegar, sugar and oil dressing and my daughter loves it.

Give yourself time to figure out what works for you and what doesn't. One of my best finds was a great grocery store. Now typically I would shop where ever the sales are, but I found a wonderful grocery store thanks to my husband. He kept bringing home these special little things for my daughter as treats since most treats have milk and eggs in them. I was shocked when I went with him one day that they had entire aisles dedicated to vegan products and they were actually good. No where else have I found that has frozen entrees all vegan, all Ginny safe. They had cheeses so I could make her mac and cheese and ice cream. My little heaven of a grocery store is a brand new Martin's in a neighboring town. They even have a daycare called the "Tree House" that my oldest daughter can go to(for free) and I get to shop in peace and quiet.

Give your self time and become creative. You may just find that it makes cooking exciting, again. Another great tip is to fix once and save for multiple meals, especially if it is solely for for special little one.