Living Without

Going Gluten-Free

Generation Gap

May 22, 2013

My 4-year-old daughter and I were diagnosed with celiac disease at the same time. This shared diagnosis connects us and divides us. She keeps asking me why I'm punishing her.
Posted by Living Without contributor Sharon Wanunu at 12:22PM Comments (2)

A Decade of Love & Food Allergies

May 14, 2013

We just celebrated my son's 10th birthday. Ten years ago when he was born, my husband and I had no idea that we were all entering the world of food allergies.
Posted by Living Without contributor Wendy Mondello at 11:46AM Comments (0)

Allergic Trends

May 8, 2013

Food allergies used to be a lonely condition. Those days are over. A new report just released by the CDC confirms that the rate of allergic conditions in U.S. children continues to rise. One in 20 kids now has food allergies, a 50 percent increase from the late 1990s.
Posted by Living Without editor Alicia Woodward at 01:58PM Comments (1)

Got Oats?

April 30, 2013

Over the past 15 or so years, studies have indicated that moderate amounts of gluten-free oats are well tolerated by the majority of people who have celiac disease. That means that most people on a gluten-free diet can "feel their oats" and eat them, too. Do you eat oats?
Posted by Living Without editor Alicia Woodward and contributor Eve Becker at 08:35PM Comments (3)

The Ultimate Bully

April 24, 2013

The tragic events in Boston last week prompt me to think that terrorism is bullying on super-steroids. Simply put, a terrorist is the ultimate bully.
Posted by Living Without editor Alicia Woodward at 01:45PM Comments (2)

Handling a Picky Eater

April 16, 2013

A mom told me that her young son did not want to eat the gluten-free, dairy-free diet the family had adopted on his behalf. Holding the line, she made the same food for the rest of family as she did for her son. When she put it on her son's plate, he refused to eat it and proceeded to refuse every other gluten-free, dairy-free meal she served - for days. Could you bear it if your child went on a food strike?
Posted by Living Without special projects editor Laurel Greene at 05:13PM Comments (1)

Role Play, Anyone?

April 10, 2013

As a parent and a psychotherapist, I've found role-playing to be an important educational tool in the arsenal of life's coping strategies. It's particularly well suited to teaching kids how to say "no" to their no-no foods. You can start role-playing with children when they're still very young, practicing restaurant and social skills at home.
Posted by Living Without editor Alicia Woodward at 04:24PM Comments (0)

Best-Laid Plans

April 3, 2013

Recently, I received an unexpected telephone call. It served as a much-needed reminder of the importance of planning when you have a child with food allergies.
Posted by Living Without contributor Wendy Mondello at 06:37PM Comments (1)

Food Allergies with a Twist

March 27, 2013

Our friends at AllergyHome.org have launched a clever campaign meant to shake the mystique off anaphylaxis and food allergies and sensitivities. Their take is catchy, compelling and approachable.
Posted by Living Without editor Alicia Woodward at 04:38PM Comments (0)

Food-Free Holidays

March 20, 2013

This time of year, my Irish eyes are smiling because there are so many fun ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and Easter - without food. This means my 9-year-old son Joseph can enjoy these holidays and not have to think about his allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk, egg, soy, sesame and mustard.
Posted by Living Without contributor Wendy Mondello at 04:45PM Comments (2)

Allergic Kids Exposed On Purpose

March 13, 2013

A new study from a research team at Johns Hopkins University asserts that a troubling percentage of food-allergic children develop reactions after being fed their allergen intentionally. Who would do such a thing? Most often, it's the mother, researchers say.
Posted by Living Without editor Alicia Woodward at 03:27PM Comments (2)

Adjusting to Your Food Issues

March 6, 2013

How do you come to peaceful terms with your food allergy or sensitivity? It's not good news until you say it is.
Posted by Living Without editor Alicia Woodward at 10:51AM Comments (1)

Finally! Progress on Gluten-Free Labeling

February 27, 2013

I'm happy to report that the Food and Drug Administration has inched ahead on its long-awaited labeling requirements for what constitutes "gluten free." FDA's proposed rules arrived at the White House for final review earlier this week, according to federal records.
Posted by Living Without editor Alicia Woodward at 01:10PM Comments (2)

7 Reasons to Love Legumes

February 20, 2013

Beans are almost a perfect food. They're inexpensive, convenient, overloaded with vital nutrients, easy to store and ultra-versatile in the kitchen. Beans are naturally gluten-free and with the notable exception of soybeans, they are generally well tolerated by those with food allergies. Here's a breakdown of their standout health perks - seven reasons to reach for legumes when planning tonight's dinner. We've got the scoop on what's best about beans.
Posted by Living Without contributor Matthew Kadey, RD at 04:19PM Comments (0)

Food as Fashion

February 13, 2013

Every day, someone tells me they've sworn off gluten, most for reasons that have nothing to do with celiac disease, gluten intolerance or even mild sensitivity. I've noticed this irks some in the celiac community and strikes fear into those who have worked long and unflaggingly for awareness of celiac as a bona fide disease.
Posted by Living Without contributor Jax Peters Lowell at 02:18PM Comments (2)