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Going Gluten Free
A Decade of Love & Food Allergies
Posted by Living Without contributor Wendy Mondello on 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. ( More )
Recent Blog Entries
Allergic Trends
Posted by Living Without editor Alicia Woodward on 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. ( More )
Got Oats?
Posted by Living Without editor Alicia Woodward and contributor Eve Becker on 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? ( More )
The Ultimate Bully
Posted by Living Without editor Alicia Woodward on 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. ( More )
Handling a Picky Eater
Posted by Living Without special projects editor Laurel Greene on 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? ( More )
Role Play, Anyone?
Posted by Living Without editor Alicia Woodward on 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. ( More )
Best-Laid Plans
Posted by Living Without contributor Wendy Mondello on 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. ( More )
Food Allergies with a Twist
Posted by Living Without editor Alicia Woodward on 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. ( More )
Food-Free Holidays
Posted by Living Without contributor Wendy Mondello on 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. ( More )
Allergic Kids Exposed On Purpose
Posted by Living Without editor Alicia Woodward on 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. ( More )
Adjusting to Your Food Issues
Posted by Living Without editor Alicia Woodward on 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. ( More )
Finally! Progress on Gluten-Free Labeling
Posted by Living Without editor Alicia Woodward on 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. ( More )
7 Reasons to Love Legumes
Posted by Living Without contributor Matthew Kadey, RD on 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. ( More )
Food as Fashion
Posted by Living Without contributor Jax Peters Lowell on 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. ( More )
Head of the Class
Posted by Alicia Woodward on February 6, 2013
College students with severe food allergies or celiac disease may soon be able to breathe a little easier due to a recent Justice Department ruling. This ruling requires a Massachusetts university to offer meal plans that accommodate those with special dietary needs. Finally kids can focus on classes and books, not on struggling with the dining hall. ( More )
There's No Salt in This Gluten-Free Soy Sauce
Posted by Living Without editor Alicia Woodward on January 29, 2013
Living Without contributor Jessica Goldman Foung, aka "Sodium Girl," must live salt-free for medical reasons. She's a queen of substitutions, an inspiration for those on special diets. This enthusiastic foodie spices up her diet with tasty sweet and savory alternatives to salt. Here's the back-story behind her ingenious GF, no-salt soy sauce. ( More )
Can’t Get Pregnant?
Posted by Living Without editor Alicia Woodward on January 23, 2013
Did you know that celiac disease can directly affect your ability to have a baby? Marisa Horowitz Jaffe suffered through years of infertility and multiple miscarriages due to undiagnosed celiac disease. She shares her story with Living Without. "My dream is ...that no one will ever have to experience what we did," she says. ( More )
Food Allergy Bullying
Posted by Living Without editor Alicia Woodward on January 16, 2013
Has your child been bullied because of a food allergy or sensitivity? Have you? A new study in Pediatrics suggests an increase in this type of taunting and harassment. Bullying is associated with increased anxiety and lower quality of life for food-allergic children, independent of the reported severity of their allergies. ( More )
Baking a Batch of Memories
Posted by Living Without contributor Wendy Mondello on January 9, 2013
Positivity is the mantra I've held onto since my son was diagnosed with life-threatening food allergies nine years ago. Sometimes it's challenging to navigate a life with allergies to wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, milk, egg, soy, sesame and mustard, along with having asthma. These challenges often make me wish I had my mother to lean on. ( More )
Springboard to Better Health
Posted by Living Without editor Alicia Woodward on January 2, 2013
This year, consider making a New Year's resolution that will be fun to keep. ( More )
Current Issue: Jun/Jul 2013
Cover Story:
A Better Gluten-Free Breakfast