| Millions of us deal with food allergies or | | | | eating: |
| intolerances every day. Problems can range from | | | | - Avoid mixes and recipes which use too much |
| the simple to the severe, but no matter what the | | | | rice flour - it makes the food taste gritty and |
| type of food intolerance, it affects every social | | | | leaves an aftertaste. |
| aspect of your life. If you or someone you know | | | | - Add dairy or soy yogurt to your recipes for |
| struggles with food allergies or intolerances, you | | | | moist, non-crumbly baked goods. |
| already know that ordinary things like dining out, | | | | - Applesauce is a great fat replacement that has |
| parties, business luncheons and family events can | | | | the added benefit of holding your gluten-free |
| become a nightmare when you have to avoid | | | | goodies together. |
| eating what is offered, and make excuses for | | | | - Be sure to check ingredients for hidden gluten - |
| being rude. | | | | as an example, Rumford baking powder is gluten |
| Another common problem we share is finding | | | | and alum free, while Calumet is not. |
| food that actually tastes good. There are plenty | | | | - Many cooking and baking sprays also contain |
| of food substitutes out there on the market, but | | | | flour, so check cans carefully while shopping. |
| unfortunately, they are either far too pricey or | | | | You can also take steps to enjoy social eating |
| they don't even resemble the real thing in flavor | | | | again. Many restaurants and catering services are |
| or texture. There is hope though! Don't think you | | | | now making accommodations for food allergies |
| have to resign yourself to a life of bland "special" | | | | and gluten intolerance - don't hesitate to ask your |
| foods anymore, and forget about enjoying meals, | | | | neighborhood food businesses whether they |
| both at home and out! | | | | would offer choices like this. If you take part in |
| As someone afflicted with celiac disease, an | | | | business luncheons, it's a good idea to let the |
| autoimmune disease which causes a severe | | | | meeting planner know about your intolerance |
| reaction to gluten (one of the most common | | | | ahead of time. Chances are, they'll be happy to |
| ingredients found in Western foods), I've struggled | | | | make accommodations when they know in |
| with finding food that will keep the painful and | | | | advance what to expect. |
| embarrassing symptoms at bay, but still tastes | | | | For parties and social gatherings, why not offer to |
| good enough to serve to others. Fortunately, | | | | bring a dish to share? You can introduce |
| since awareness of food allergies and intolerances | | | | everyone to gluten-free or allergy-sensitive food, |
| is on the rise, you can benefit from fabulous | | | | and you'll know there will be something at the |
| recipe experimentation done by others who share | | | | event you can eat, so you won't feel awkward or |
| in your restrictions. There are great resources | | | | left out. Dealing with food allergies and intolerances |
| available now in book form and on the Internet | | | | takes a little bit of extra preparation, but it does |
| for nearly every gustatory limitation. | | | | not have to restrict your life. Happy nearly normal |
| Here are some of my easy tips for gluten-free | | | | eating! |