I can hear you now: the benefits?

There are definite benefits to food allergies. We really noticed it lately, as our son’s allergic reactions have declined and we’ve been including more of previously forbidden foods in our diet.

The major problem is junk food. When our son was little, we were religiously abstinent from junk food with the exception of potato chips. Plain potato chips are generally gluten and dairy free. As long as we bought the right flavor and brand, Michael could eat them without mishap. This became our treat of choice.

Otherwise, we lived on an extremely healthy diet. Snacks were usually gluten free crackers with raw veggies or fruit. Sometimes we actually cooked up a bit of chicken and took that along in a small, lunch size cooler. Michael was long and lean and really healthy – other than his allergies. He generally ate much better and much wider variety than most of the kids on our street. (We developed the reputation however of being the one house where you didn’t want to have snack because cookies and packaged goodies were off the menu.)

Another benefit of food allergies was the fact that we made most our food at home. Eating out was a rarity; Michael’s allergies eliminated 90% of the menu. We couldn’t even depend on french fries being safe, as many places not only use one fryer for a variety of foods, but they even dust fries with coatings and seasonings that are full of gluten and dairy.

I have to say that avoiding restaurants saved us a bundle. We still find that we don’t eat out more than once a week, even though our choices have broadened as Michael’s allergies have lessened in severity. The money we save is substantial. After all, feeding a family of four will easily set you back $40-50. Add taxes and tip to that total, and you’ve laid out $60-70 in no time. In most cases, we can put the same menu on the table and do it for 1/2 to 1/3 of the cost.

It’s more than just money though. Don’t underestimate the benefits of teaching your allergic child (and all your children) how to put together healthy bits and pieces to make a full meal. Children who participate in the making of the dinner often enjoy it more and eat better. They learn, right by your side, the thinking that goes into a balanced meal. Even my 2 1/2 year old understands that a good breakfast, lunch and supper has some protein, some fruit, some veggies.

How often does your family eat together? In our house, we eat at least 2 meals a day as a group. With the pace of life today, I consider this a huge reward of allergies. Making one meal that meets the needs of allergic and non-allergic alike brings everyone together around the table. Many experts indicate that families that eat together reduce the chances of a variety of problems for young children, from truancy to later trouble as teenagers.

Not only did my son’s allergies improve his diet in comparison to his friends and classmates, my diet improved too. I decided when he was diagnosed that I would eat like he did, so he would know it was okay. I also decided that there was no reason to feel deprived; we would find ways to have healthy treats. We would eat tasty and interesting food. As a result, I’ve improved my own food fare.

In the end, I developed a broad range of cooking and baking skills to meet the needs of my growing family. Allergen-free chocolate cake anyone? Who says you have to lose out when eating allergy free.

My journey as the mother of an allergic child has grown me as a person. I’ve discovered that I’m willing to make sacrifices for my child. I’m willing to go the extra mile to find what will best serve him. I’m willing to set the example of how to eat well while living without certain items. It turns out, it was easier than I ever imagined.

While I’m glad that my son’s condition is improving, and I’ll continue to take steps to help him grow beyond allergies, I will miss the discipline that allergies brought into our lives. I actually miss the days when every snack had to pass through my fingers before it went into Michael’s mouth. I hope that the patterns that we’ve put in place for having meals together and enjoying good food will persist, no matter what we are eating.