Living with allergies

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Posted at 5:30PM, 15 April 2010 by Sarah Sysum - Assistant editor, Easy Cook magazine

To be honest, I never used to give food allergies much thought. Lucky enough not to suffer from them, I had no need to - and then I met my partner. He's seriously allergic to both eggs and nuts, so much so he carries an epi-pen.

I was sent into a state of "What can I cook him?" panic, compounded by people around me. "Rather you than me", was one comment, "He can't eat eggs? What on earth are you going to feed him?" another.

Everyone focused on what he couldn't eat rather than what he could

What became very clear was that everyone focused on what he couldn't eat rather than what he could. Ready meals were out, but plenty of home-cooked food in. If you're a keen cook, it simply makes you more creative at problem-solving, not to mention scrupulous about hygiene and cross-contamination.

You can even have your cake and eat it; coconut cake is a staple in our house. Nuts can be replaced with toasted sunflower seeds and the garlicky French pistou gives pesto a run for its money any day.

My advice to anyone new to this is: don't be scared and experiment lots. My first attempt at eggless pancakes was a disaster, now I actually prefer them to the eggy version. A mixture of ground sunflower seeds and a drop of brandy can be used instead of marzipan - it doesn't taste the same but it works brilliantly.

The seriousness of allergies should never be underestimated, but surely those living with them shouldn't be penalised with dull, predictable food?

Comments

Sue

15 April 2010, 7:21PM
Sue

Well said. I'm not allergic to food but have intolerances and it's been the best adventure into good food ever. I've grown my own food, learn to cook new recipes and have discovered umami. As you say, look for what you can eat, not what you can't and that's the key. It also makes you broaden the variety of food and try new things. Sue

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particularmolly

16 April 2010, 5:29AM
particularmolly

Allergies and intolerances truly are difficult, but it's becoming much easier to live with - thanks to "free from" products, and articles like this! Great recipe links - I find that, being egg-free myself, it is very difficult to find baking recipes. But have you ever tried using an egg replacement powder? I've had mixed results...

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Cassandra Amy Rose

16 April 2010, 5:08PM
Cassandra Amy Rose

We have a friend who could not eat nuts, eggs, dairy products and it was so difficult to cook for him. He was also a really picky eater. It was so difficult for his Mum to cook for him, (he was young, but has now grown out of his allergies) so I do pity you, but it is also a great challenge, and I'm sure you will feel a lot more pride in what you make when you have gone to such lengths to make sure it's suitable for your partner!

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Belinda

17 April 2010, 2:51PM
Belinda

It's true that you need to concentrate on the positives rather than the negatives but I'm sure that from time to time your hubby is fed up with it. At least I am, and I only have intolerances! But it's just not feasible to throw caution into the wind. My latest challenge: find a replacement for pineapple ... GRRR - I really loved it dusted with sugar and lightly grilled Anyone a bright idea?

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Lakshmi Ramesh

19 April 2010, 9:35PM
Lakshmi Ramesh

My son had severe allergies too. My heart broke when they pricked his arm at several places trying to figure out his allergies. But, I tried alternate medicine, and he is completely fine with no allergies. Try homeopathy, takes time, but is a sure winner

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icingonthefairycake

20 April 2010, 6:18PM
icingonthefairycake

my son too had severe allergies stared at 18 months and had to carry an epi-pen too there was so much he couldnt eat wheat, barley, soy, spelt, buckwheat, dairy ect but we as a family just adapted and everyone still ate one family meal at the end of each day you just have to look out for the things you can eat and be creative. thankfully now at six he has a completly normal diet again and has been reaction free for a year, just keep trying to add varitey is my only advise.

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PAT

21 April 2010, 7:50PM
PAT

My daughter had an allegic reaction to a cashew nut out of the blue 18 months ago just after her 11th birthday and now has to carry an epi pen. Our lives changed at that point and the freedom to eat anything any time disappeared. Luckily, I love cooking and have adapted recipes and found alternative brands but it is those times when you just think a take away would be good! Anyone got any ideas about a replacement for ground almonds which a lot of cake recipes contain? I have used extra flour but was wondering whether ground rice or semolina would give that crunchy effect?

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Sarah Jane

30 April 2010, 7:30PM
Sarah Jane

Hi What has happened to recipes for Diabetics????? Only 3 registered, perhaps editors don't know we exist!!!! Please help... Thanking you Sarah Jane

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Jane

18 May 2010, 6:29PM
Jane

I have gluten and dairy intolerances and my daughter (16) has just been diagnosed with Diabetes Type 1. What works for us is good old fashioned home cooking so you know what you're eating. It takes more time and effort but the internet helps and BBC Good Food mag for inspiring recipes that can be adapted. We have to be so careful when we're eating out though but some places are more than happy to do their best to produce something tasty and suitable if you give them advance warning.

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Pammy J

3 August 2010, 4:55AM
Pammy J

Sarah I can identify with your problem. My husband is a diabetic with gluten and dairy intolerances. Asking a bunch of questions at restaurants because of food allergies IS embarrassing but very important to my health and well being. Dwell on the good experiences and let the bad experiences go. Yes I agree that eating in is a safer option as you can control allergens when you are preparing your own food and there is less chance of cross contamination. But sometimes it is nice to be included in the family night out. As you have pointed out in your article some people need to be saluted for their dedication to their customers. Please ensure that you tell the restaurant manager about the service you have received because it is always easy to complain but a bit harder to take the effort and praise someone. Baskin and Robbins, Nandos Chicken actually have a chart that lists all their allergens of their food. Thanks again for your post.

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recipejunkie

26 November 2010, 5:24PM
recipejunkie

I have gluten,dairy and soya intolerances and am thoroughly enjoying the challenge of cooking meals which everyone can sit down to. Do agree it is nice to be able to go out for a meal though not every chef seems to understand intolerances and the consequences.

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AirMD Mold Inspector

4 February 2011, 7:32PM
AirMD Mold Inspector

Another trigger for allergies is mold. If you have any doubt about the air quality in your home, I would recommend having a mold test completed. To learn more about indoor pollutants feel free to visit my site. www.airmd.com

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