Page 106 - The Ultimate Guidebook for Teens with Food Allergies

Being frustrated due to your allergies is entirely normal and there are many teens with food allergies who can relate. Often, they find that they become less frustrated over time as they learn how to handle various situations and how to accept their allergies as a part of who they are.
It’s important for you to recognize the things that make you upset or frustrated. And then you should backtrack and ask yourself whether these situations can be prevented altogether. Speaking to a party host in advance, having a translation card when travelling, having epinephrine with you or carrying a back-up snack may all be simple solutions to help you stay in control of an otherwise frustrating situation. And, you know that you can’t change some people – like the ones who don’t get your allergies – but you can change the way that you react to them, and choose not to get overly bothered by them.
When things go right
Window Shopping, by Stephanie
The desserts looked spectacular. Beautiful morsels of sweetness and tasty treats of all shapes and colours—the kind that you only see in magazines—were spread out in front of me. I looked with awe... and then I took a step forward and looked closer. Most items had a sprinkling of the food that I am allergic to on them. If not, they were right beside another dessert that I was allergic to. This giant spread of desserts was pretty to look at, but I could not eat any of the desserts. I was "window shopping."
It can be very frustrating to have allergies and see everything in stores, bakeries, and restaurants that you cannot have. Instead, I try to appreciate what I can have. I do have a favourite dessert that I can buy at that store that is far away from all the things I am allergic to (and it is delicious). I have heard of allergen-free bakeries but, right now, I live too far away from any of them. One day I hope to venture to a city that has one—a road trip for cupcakes, perhaps?
I have also developed my baking skills and, although this takes time, I enjoy making my own treats and sharing them with others. I know that I will be able to eat at least one "safe food" at a party if I bring my own homemade dessert! Yes, it can be frustrating to frequently be "window shopping" when you have allergies. However, I use these opportunities to obtain ideas and inspiration for my next baking adventure!
Healthy Eating, by Sophia
Lately I’ve been trying to eat a lot healthier. I do not limit myself like many of my friends do when they go on “diets.” But I do eat healthier things more often and unhealthy things in moderation. This has become difficult for me on occasion because I have a rare allergy to pumpkin seeds.
People tell me all the time: “Oh that’s not as bad as peanuts!” That might be true in some cases. Peanuts and products derived from peanuts are used more frequently than pumpkin seeds are. Having a rare allergy, however, means that I seldom get a warning sign that I should not be eating something. Eating