November and December are full of parties and gatherings, including Thanksgiving potlucks and catered holiday dinners, all of which can be stressful environments for individuals with food allergies.
There are a few things that you can do to help navigate the holiday festivities:
Maintain Open Communication – Having open communication with the hosts of the party you are attending will help them to help you avoid any run ins with food you cannot eat. Let them know when you RSVP the specifics and the severity of your allergy. Educate them on the various ways that they can help you to stay safe and healthy. If they are hiring a caterer you can ask to contact the caterer directly and ask for their protocols to prevent allergens and cross-contamination in their food.
Offer to Host – Hosting the holiday party yourself will help to eliminate the stressors of food allergens and potential contamination. If you guests still want to contribute to the event, suggest that they bring beverages or decor, allowing all food to be deemed safe
Eat in Advance – If you are unable to ensure that their will be safe foods at the event you are attending, eat a light meal beforehand to prevent hunger in the event that there is in fact nothing you can eat.
In addition to these tips, we suggest always being prepared with the necessary medications in case of an emergency. We wish you a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season!
This information is not a substitute for medical advice nor is it intended as such. If you have questions about your health please contact our offices, or 911 in case of an emergency.
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