The

Tummy
Text Box: I have found that there is a need for allergy help. After the doctor has sent you on the way with the diagnosis of “never eat wheat, dairy, peanuts again”, you are left to wonder what to do, and also a little scared of what to do next. My dream is to create the help that you need to get started on the adventure of the Happy Tummy!

Helpful tips, advice, and recipes

for those living with allergies

Shopping and the Happy Tummy

 

I will be the first to admit grocery shopping for allergies is confusing and overwhelming.  Things you took for granted like saltine crackers with soup are now off the menu.  Once your allergy is diagnosed, learn all the names for your allergen.  For example, milk isn't always listed as milk.  It can be listed as casein, whey or milk protein.  This is common in crackers, cookies and other snack foods.

 

 Before going to the store make a list of everyday essentials like cereal, bread, and snacks. These items must be free of allergens.  Manufacturers can change the ingredient list at any time; thus label reading is very important. It is easier to start removing allergens from the basic diet rather then trying to restock the entire kitchen!  It takes a long time to know your safe foods. We have all made mistakes and eaten something we shouldn't.  Be patient with yourself as you learn.  I feel strongly that this process of removing allergens from the diet and kitchen will take at least six months.

 

Shopping for allergies isn't easy or cheap. We are blessed to live in a time where we have endless information and resources at our fingertips.  The Internet is your friend.  Go to your favorite food website and look at the ingredient list to ensure that item is safe.  Sometimes it easier to look at the ingredient list on-line and then go to the store with a "safe food list".  If this method is too time consuming, there are websites like www.allergygrocer.com which filter out your allergen so you only see the safe foods. I chose this method in the beginning because it was less stressful to see what we could eat instead of everything we couldn't eat.

 

I also like to shop on-line to save time. I learned it can be cheaper to buy "safe foods" from www.amazon.com thanks to free shipping on orders over $25 and the bulk packaging of items. I buy chips, cereal and some flours this way.

 

Also be sure to ask others what foods or stores they have tried. You can learn a lot this way and save money and time. Everyone struggles in the beginning and it helps to talk to others. It does get easier and before you know it you will be a Happy Tummy shopping pro!

 

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info@happytummy.org