{"id":3145,"date":"2022-11-04T19:43:42","date_gmt":"2022-11-04T23:43:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.entofga.com\/?p=3145"},"modified":"2022-11-04T19:43:43","modified_gmt":"2022-11-04T23:43:43","slug":"tips-for-navigating-thanksgiving-dinner-with-food-allergies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.entofga.com\/tips-for-navigating-thanksgiving-dinner-with-food-allergies\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Navigating Thanksgiving Dinner with Food Allergies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America<\/a>, \u201cAbout 32 million people have food allergies in the U.S.\u201d If you\u2019re one of this population, events and holidays like Thanksgiving might be a little stressful. Below we review tips for navigating Thanksgiving dinner with food allergies<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Offer to Host<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

If you\u2019re the one hosting, you can be in control of what goes on the table and what doesn\u2019t. If the thought of cooking a full Thanksgiving meal sounds overwhelming, you can do it potluck-style, but coordinate with your guests to ensure no unsafe foods are brought into your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact the Host in Advance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If hosting isn\u2019t an option, whoever\u2019s house you\u2019re dining at should be aware of any food allergies you have. This way they can provide safe options, tweak a cherished recipe and make sure nothing is cross-contaminated. You can even talk with them about bringing some of your own dishes that you and others can enjoy without stepping on any toes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start New Traditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your usual host is hesitant to give up their title and hand it over to someone else or if they don\u2019t seem excited to try a new dish, frame it as an opportunity to start a new tradition. You never know, your safe food may be their new favorite dish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t Feel the Need to Defend Yourself<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If someone comments on how you didn\u2019t eat one of their dishes or only ate the food you brought, you don\u2019t need to get into a heated discussion about your allergy or defend your choices to them. Instead, keep it simple and say something like, \u201cI have dietary restrictions,\u201d or \u201cI have food allergies.\u201d Don\u2019t feel obligated to answer any follow-up questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If You\u2019re Enjoying Thanksgiving at a Restaurant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your family tradition is to eat your Thanksgiving dinner at Poor Calvin\u2019s<\/a>, be sure to peruse the menu on the website before you go to ensure they have dishes that are safe for you. If not, suggest an alternative venue. Double-check with the waiter or waitress about possible cross-contamination and clearly communicate about your food allergy to them. For more information or to schedule an appointment<\/a> with an expert allergist, call ENT of Georgia North<\/span> today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n