Party Survival Tip #3: Eat Before the Party

At the end of a party, you remember the experiences you have with your friends and family, the most.  The food is one of the vehicles that transports that experience.  But if you have food allergies/sensitivities, it doesn't have to be about the food.

#3.    Eat before the party Tell people you already ate. This may sound like a cop out, but it is believable on days like Christmas or New Year's when people go from party to party.  Bring something like an allergen-friendly nutrition bar, nuts (if you can have them), or another protein-packed snack to help keep you and your blood sugar even keeled.

For More Holiday Survival Tips:  Six Tips to Help Your Stick to Your Eating Plan by David Fisher, R.D.

Party Survival Tip #2: Bring Your Own Food

Parties are AWESOME!  Great food, great people, wonderful conversation... and great risk for cross contamination at the table.  Here's our 2nd Party Survival Tip to help you stay reaction free. 

#2.    Bring food This is the only sure fire way to know you’re safe eating the food. Most likely, no one will notice that you only ate what you brought, especially if you brought multiple dishes.  Remember, you can’t be completely sure what ingredients someone has used in a dish.  Even if you ask them, they might forget to mention that tablespoon of nut flour; or they may not realize that soy sauce is gluten-filled, or that the butter substitute they used actually contains dairy.  So especially if you are highly allergic, bring your own food - and share it.

For More Tips from Registered Dietician, David Fisher:  Six Tips to Stick to Your Holiday Eating Plan During the Holidays

Going to a Party? Make a plan to stay safe.

This adage rings true: failing to plan is planning to fail. A plan can be as formal or informal as you’d like.

Some people will sit down and write a plan with pen and paper, while others will simply think it over for a few minutes. Both approaches are fine! Be sure to cover things like handling family gatherings, work parties, cravings, what you’ll do when presented with your favorite off-limits dessert/drink/side dish, etc. Get creative, but be thorough! Be sure to plan in safe treats to avoid feeling deprived and to have something to look forward to.

Read more party tips from David Fisher, R.D.:  How to Stick to Your Eating Plan During the Holidays

Kid Tip: Blanched over Raw Veggies Work Better

Today's Tip Sponsored by Melanie Potock &:

As a feeding therapist, I know parents want their kids to eat their veggies.  Here’s a tip: Try blanching vegetables, then pat them dry and bring to room temperature or chill slightly.  The extra moisture in a carrot stick from blanching will be easier for your young child to chew and swallow, but the veggie still has a lovely crunch and is easy to pick up and dip!  Works great for any veggie…be sure to cut into bite size portions for those kids under the age of three.

Here is how to blanch vegetables, using asparagus, plus a recipe.  The blanching process is similar for any type of vegetable, depending upon the thickness and courseness of the vegetable.

Read More:

The 12 Days of Christmas & My Favorite Lunchtime Things

Why Children with Autism are Often Picky Eaters

“Never eat more than you can lift.”

~Miss Piggy