Halloween, Allergy Style!

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays! I love the decorations and costumes...the candy! I have great memories of going Trick-or-Treating when I was younger. My dad always took us, as he grew up in our little town and knew everyone, and my mom stayed home to give out treats. I remember coming home and dumping out our spoils to see what we got, and the barter and trade between siblings for our favorites that inevitably followed. Trick-or-Treating with my father and siblings is a source of fond childhood memories.

Imagine though, if I had known back then that I was intolerant to gluten, or if one of us had had another food allergy. Trick-or-Treat, if it happened at all, would have been tempered with label scrutiny, and the loss of much of our goodies. Something I'm passionate about during the collective "holidays" is being mindful, and considerate, about food allergies. Even before I gave up gluten, I was preparing gluten-free dishes for our many family gatherings because my cousin's husband has Celiac's. Now that I know firsthand the struggle of eating potluck, I wish more people were willing to take this into account when choosing what to bring. So often it's a simple swap of brand that can convert a dish into a gluten free dish. And in circles that include other allergies, all it takes is a few questions to know what someone can or can't have.

This brings me to the point (finally! Sorry, I tend to ramble!)...the Teal Pumpkin Project! By placing a teal pumpkin on your porch, you are letting parents and their children know that you have non-food treats (aka allergy-friendly) available. You can still have the traditional candy on hand for everyone else of course, but having non-food goodies as well allows those children with allergies to enjoy a fun-filled, memory-making night. It can be something as simple as a Halloween pencil, tube of bubbles, fangs, or spider ring, to something like a coloring book with crayons or a puzzle...the possibilities are endless, and not limited to only Halloween-themed items. It's an easy thing to do, and it might just create an amazing memory for a kid or two. I encourage everyone to get on board! If you'd like to find out more about the Teal Pumpkin Project, check it out here!

If you're interested in finding out if you have food sensitivities of your own, I can help!

At the end of the day, food allergies are more common now than ever, but we can contribute to easing the burden for those who have them...all it takes is awareness and compassion. Maybe you have an allergy or sensitivity, or know someone who does. Share, ask questions, and be willing to make accommodations. It truly means a lot when you do!

Yours, in Health and Happiness,

Rachel