7 Ways to Make Halloween Safer for Kids with Food Allergies

    Halloween is a season full of frightful festivities, but for many parents, Halloween can be a nightmare due to allergies. Many candies given out during Halloween contain common allergens such as wheat, milk, and soy. Some candies may not contain allergens; however, some candies could have been processed or made on the same equipment as certain allergens such as tree nuts. Only small amounts of allergens are needed to cause an anaphylactic reaction, so it is critical to navigate Halloween safely! 

    The first thing you can do to protect yourself or others from allergens is to read all the labels. The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act requires that all FDA-regulated foods must list sources of major allergens in the ingredients. For example, these allergens would be listed as “lecithin (soy)” or “whey (milk).” Some packaging will state their product “May contain” an allergen. This does not mean that there is an allergen, but it would be safe to avoid these candies too! 

    Another tip would be to communicate with those around you. Neighbors and friends may want to buy candy for an event you are hosting, so sharing helpful tips when purchasing allergen-free candy will ensure a safe and fun time! 

    Look for the teal pumpkins! The Teal Pumpkin Project is a campaign started by Food Allergy Research and Education to bring awareness of food allergies during the Halloween season. Those who participate in this campaign pledge to put a teal pumpkin outside their home. This teal pumpkin shows that they have safe treats available for everyone! 

    A great step in ensuring safety is to implement the “Always Ask First” rule. Carry the candy for young children and have them ask before they eat any candy. This rule also allows parents to educate their children on food labels and how to protect themselves from food allergens. If you are unsure of the safety of the candies remember this simple rule, “if in doubt, throw it out, trade it, or give it away.” 

    To ensure food safety it is best to be proactive. If your child’s school is celebrating Halloween, ensure that you talk to the teachers in advance. Offer to volunteer and help organize the event and be sure to bring allergy-free treats. Being involved in the festive event will also allow you to double-check your child’s treats and have an emergency action plan if something were to go wrong. 

    Another simple way to keep young ones safe during the Halloween season is to trade or donate anything with food allergens. You can create a plan with your child to trade unsafe candy for either another safe treat or even for a toy. Another option would be to donate all unsafe treats and candies to a local food pantry or a charitable organization.

    Finally, starting a new tradition is an easy way to always ensure a safe Halloween season for your children. You can start a costume party tradition! This will allow you to be in charge of treats, candies, or even foods being brought. Another tradition you can implement is offering trick-or-treaters non-food items. For example, you can substitute candy with stickers, toys, and other miscellaneous items. 

 

Source: https://www.eatright.org/health/health-conditions/allergies-and-intolerances/7-ways-to-make-halloween-safer-for-kids-with-food-allergies 

4 Fall Foods for Your Family

     With fall comes colder weather, exciting holidays, and loads of new activities, so it is important to be sure that you continue to fuel your body. These four foods not only embrace the fall festivities but are nutritious and easy to incorporate into everyday life! These four festive foods are pumpkins, oats, apples, and brussels sprouts. 

    Pumpkins are the symbol of fall festivities! Their nutritional benefits are just an additional reason to love them. What says fall more than eating a pumpkin? These orange squashes are full of vitamin A, have fiber, and even contribute towards potassium needs. There are tons of ways that pumpkin can be incorporated into meals such as adding it to oatmeal, smoothies, or even in your pancake batter. Don’t forget about the pumpkin seeds either! Roasted pumpkin seeds are a perfect snack that contains nutrients such as zinc, which benefits our body’s immune functions. 

    Another easy food to incorporate into your fall-inspired diet is oats! Oats are an easy heart-healthy carbohydrate full of dietary fiber, which is perfect for slow-burning energy. This filling breakfast or snack can even be topped with different types of tree nuts, pumpkin or pumpkin seeds, and even cranberries. These different toppings offer great sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals! 

    Like oats, apples are an easy food that can be incorporated into many festive meals. Apples are packed full of vitamin C and dietary fiber, making them great, nutritional snacks. Apple splices can be sprinkled with ground cinnamon or paired up with peanut butter for an easy snack. They can even be served with dinner. Apples stewed and served with savory foods is an easy, tasty meal that can be enjoyed on a chilly evening! 

    Of course, the last fall food has to be a vegetable, and what’s better than brussels sprouts? Brussels sprouts are a good source of dietary fiber and an even better source of vitamins A, C, and K. These nutritional vegetables are also a good source of iron and even contain some protein! Brussels sprouts can be easily served by tossing them with sea salt and olive oil and roasting them. They can also be served with roasted sweet potatoes. 

 

Source: https://www.eatright.org/food/food-preparation/seasonal-foods/4-fall-foods-for-your-family 

8 Tips for Allergy-Free Holidays

     The holiday season is quickly approaching, which brings with it festive eating. This should be a time filled with loved ones and cheer. Allergen concerns can cause stress to some though, as many common seasonal dishes are not allergen free. There are some tips and tricks to navigate through the holidays safely and stress-free. 

Avoiding Food Allergens at Home 

• Hosting at your own home allows you to control the meal being served. It also allows you to communicate with guests regarding what foods are and are not allowed to be brought into the household. 
• Cooking meals from scratch allows you to completely control what ingredients are found in the dishes. Processed foods and pre-made products can contain hidden allergens. 
• Modifying old recipes by swapping original ingredients for allergen-friendly ones is a very simple way to enjoy loved meals while being safe. 
• Always read the labels on products before using or consuming them. There are hidden allergen ingredients in many foods. It is best to always check even familiar foods, as companies do change recipes to old products. 
• Keep the cooking area clean to prevent cross contamination between foods, ensure frequent hand washing when prepping foods. 

Avoiding Food Allergens Away from Home 

• Offering to help the host can grant some control as to what ingredients are being served. This can range from helping to buy ingredients or cooking whole meals. Also, do not be afraid to ask the host for food labels to be able to check for allergens. 
• If prepping the meal is not a viable option, bringing allergen free snacks and desserts along is another safe option. It offers a backup plan too if the meal contains allergens. 
• Communicate to the host about the severity of your food allergy. They could potentially decide to handle the foods more carefully and include no allergens. 

 

Source: https://www.eatright.org/food/cultural-cuisines-and-traditions/holidays-and-celebrations/8-tips-for-allergy-free-holidays 

5 Ways to Promote a Positive Body Image for Kids

            Body image is how a person feels about their body.  No matter what a kid’s size or weight is, children can develop either a positive or negative body image very easily.  These concerns can occur as early as in preschool.  Therefore, it is important as parents and as adult role models to promote a positive body image. 

If kids have a more positive body image, they are more likely to be more comfortable and confident in themselves, increasing their ability to succeed.  In contrast, kids with a negative body image often feel more anxious, isolated, and self-conscious, putting them at greater risk for excessive weight gain and eating disorders.  To help your child have a positive body image and to help prevent these problems, try the following five steps.  

1. 1. Check Your Own Body Image Issues 

How parents/role models feel about their bodies has powerful influences on kids.  So, take time to think about how you talk and view your body in front of kids.  If you talk about having huge thighs or how you must go on a diet, your kids will pick up on these negative messages and start to question these things about themselves.  

2. 2. Focus on Health, Not Weight 

For your kids’ sake and your own- shift your focus from weight to health.  Numbers on a scale do not always account for health.  Instead, concentrate on delicious foods and fun physical activities to stay healthy.  Most kids do not need to necessarily workout, but they do need to play with their friends and family.  This can help them to make smart and tasty snack choices as well, greatly benefiting their health in the future. 

3. 3. Find Physical Activities That Fit 

Feeling strong, fit, and capable are one aspect of positive body image.  And all kids need regular physical activity that they enjoy.  Some kids are natural athletes, loving everything, but others are not.  It's good to find their niche even if that is walking, karate, or even hip-hop dancing.  It doesn’t matter which physical fitness they are doing, just the fact that they are doing something. 

4. 4. Watch Out for Bullies 

Weight-related teasing is not uncommon.  Encourage your kids’ school to address the issue and to support nutrition and physical education that promotes health for kids at all sizes.  If your kid is being bullied, act now, and discuss your concerns with someone who can help like a school counselor or trusted administrator. 

5. 5. Myth-Busting the “Perfect Body” 

Help your kids to understand that there is no such thing as the perfect body.  Talk to them about the bodies that they see on the television, in magazines, or on the internet.  Talk to them about models or ads and explain that many of these pictures or images are retouched or even changed so that their bodies appear “perfect”.  Also give your kid body positive comments and help them to feel good in their natural bodies to help grow a positive body image.  

 

Source: https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/weight-and-body-positivity/5-ways-to-promote-a-positive-body-image-for-kids