Thanksgiving Survival Plan
Typical Thanksgiving Food
This picture displays typical foods found at a Thanksgiving meal. The problem for me? I can’t eat most things in this picture (egg allergy and non-celiac gluten intolerance). The solution for me? Read on…
Food Allergy Took My Favorite Foods
I was diagnosed with an egg allergy at seven years old. On the positive side, I suddenly knew what was causing my excruciating joint pain within minutes of eating some foods with just a fraction of an egg. But on the negative side, suddenly now all my favorite foods were off limits: fried eggs, omelets, traditional cookies/cakes/desserts – everything a seven year old loves!
Food Allergy Let Me Develop New Skills
Thankfully, my mom let me learn to cook and learn to bake with egg alternatives. We used some interesting egg substitutes back then and had some major flops. But I began to take my own desserts with me to events and I also learned to take responsibility for what I ate at a very young age. My mom said she was amazed at my willpower. I didn’t think my choice was impressive. I just didn’t want to hurt and I had finally figured out the cause and effect! Immediate pain can be a powerful motivator. I had my “why” – why I didn’t just eat the treats I wanted to when my mom wasn’t around.
Knowing Your Own Personal Why
But what about when consequences are less immediate and seemingly less severe? What if you just feel “lousy” a day after eating things that aren’t great choices for you? What if poor choices for just one day derail months of progress toward your personal health goal?
Recently, I was talking about this with a friend and it got me thinking. She mentioned that several family members have been diagnosed with cancer and heart disease and she wants to start thinking about her daily food choices as being more important – as being the difference between “life and death”. Meaning, her choices being the difference between avoiding the chronic health conditions that run in her family, or not. This is her personal WHY. Why do we do what we need for our health: eat certain foods, not eat certain foods, focus on sleep or fitness or stress management? We all have a personal reason, a personal WHY.
If you haven’t yet figured out your WHY, why not do that now? Write it down. Put it somewhere visible. Talk about it with a support person. Keep it in the front of your mind. That way, your WHY will always be more important than any food will be.
Thanksgiving Survival Plan
So, yes the problem for me is that I can’t eat many things at a typical Thanksgiving meal. The solution for me?
- Know my WHY- why I choose not to just eat them anyway when they’re in my face.
- Bring my own food (GF/egg-free rolls and pumpkin bars, plus veggies)
- Move on and enjoy the day and my family!
So, what about you? Do you know your reason WHY? Do you have a food plan for Thanksgiving? Will it be a day to enjoy family, friends, and foods that are safe for you?
To your health,
Kamie
Kamie Stoner MS, RDN, LD, CLT
(Master’s Degree in Nutrition, Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Licensed Dietitian, Certified LEAP Therapist for food sensitivities)
Work With Me
Do you still feeling overwhelmed by food allergies or sensitivities, either for yourself or your child? Work with me! We’ll find workable and tasty substitutes so you can feel confident in life after food allergy diagnosis. Do you just need a few ideas? A mini-email consult may be all you need. Other options are a one time consultation or a month long package. Don’t see what you need? We’ll create a custom package just for you! Check out your options here.
The information provided is for information purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for your own doctor’s or dietitian’s advice.