Ten Tips for an Allergy-Friendly Thanksgiving

Allergies & Anaphylaxis

Thanksgiving is a time to get together with friends and family, celebrating all that we’re thankful for, and that often includes an abundance of delicious foods. But for those with food allergies, Thanksgiving can be yet another stressful mealtime. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening threat to those who have food allergies, and even the smallest contamination can end in tragedy.

Allergens can be sneaky, so it’s important to know all the risks.

Did you know that some turkeys are injected with butter (dairy!) and may actually contain gluten?

Not all stuffing is created equal! Some may be cross-contaminated with nuts or peanuts.

And many of our traditional recipes are full of allergens.

So it’s always best to exercise caution. Here are some ways to ensure you have a safe, happy, and allergy-friendly Thanksgiving meal:

Having the meal at your home?

Ask all your guests about food allergies that they may have
Inform guests about your own food allergies, so they don’t accidentally bring anything dangerous
Plan an allergy-friendly Thanksgiving menu to reduce the risk of cross-contamination or accidental exposure

Having dinner away from home?

Communicate your allergy needs to the host
Offer to help with the meal preparation
Be prepared with an emergency allergy plan and always carry an epinephrine auto-injector (or two!)

Celebrate Without Food

Not sure family dinner is a safe option? Opt to get together after the food has been served. Join friends and family for these alternative Thanksgiving activities that may become beloved traditions!

• Have everyone write down what they’re most thankful for on a slip of paper and put them in a bowl. Then let each person draw a random paper from the bowl and read it aloud.
• Plan ahead and do a food drive around your community. Food banks are always in need and this is a great way to demonstrate how thankful you are.
• Sit down and enjoy some great Thanksgiving crafts with the whole gang.
• Take a fall hike. Whether you live in an urban, suburban or country location, taking a walk at this time of year is always fun.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Alex Durrell

Written By: Alex Durrell

Alexandria is a writer, blogger, entrepreneur and introvert. She’s also the mom of two fantastic kids. You may know her from the Irritated by Allergies blog at Yummy Mummy Club or from her prolific tweeting about life as Clippo on Twitter. She occasionally appears on Daytime Durham, has written articles for various print and online media, and is found most often at her desk, hugging a mug of hot coffee.

You might also enjoy

Starting Solids to Prevent Food Allergies

Starting Solids to Prevent Food Allergies

Most babies are eager and ready to start solid food before six months of age. With your healthcare provider’s support and guidance, most babies can begin to experiment with solid foods, as a secondary source of nutrition after four months of age.

How to prevent kids allergies to foods

How to prevent kids allergies to foods

Kids allergies can be terrifying and overwhelming – watching a baby’s allergic reaction, particularly to foods that you are feeding. Study shows that as many as 5.6 million children under 18 years of age in the United States alone have a food allergy.

What Do Puffers Do? The Definition of Asthma, and Treatment In Kids

What Do Puffers Do? The Definition of Asthma, and Treatment In Kids

What do Puffers do?  It’s that time of year again when Fall viruses hit and kids everywhere are coughing up a storm. Unfortunately for many kids (and their parents), viral induced coughs and asthma are prevalent and lingering this time of year. In the depths of winter...

Dr. Dina Kulik - Subscribe to my Blog
Dr Dina Kulik - Kids Health blog

The general information provided on the Website is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Do NOT use this Website for medical emergencies.

If you have a medical emergency, call a physician or qualified healthcare provider, or CALL 911 immediately. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment based on anything you have seen or read on this Website. Always seek the advice of your physician or other licensed and qualified health provider in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Website and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.

Success! Check Your Inbox

Success! Check Your Inbox

Success! Check Your Inbox

COVID Toolbox

Success! Check Your Inbox

Dr Dina Kulik - Kids Health blog

.

Success! Thanks for Subscribing!

Dr Dina Kulik - Kids Health blog

.

Success! Thanks for Subscribing!

Dr Dina Kulik - Kids Health - Constipation Management

Success! Check Your Inbox