Eating well is a crucial component of maintaining your overall health. When you have food allergies, however, eating well can seem daunting. It’s easy to rely on allergy-friendly prepackaged foods or limiting yourself to just a few foods that you know are safe. Unfortunately, this may mean that you’re missing out on nutrients essential for good health. Here are three tips for maintaining a healthy diet with food allergies.
Speak with a Nutritionist
When you have to avoid certain foods due to allergies, it can be difficult for you to get all of your necessary essential nutrients. A nutritionist with expertise in food allergies can help you to select alternatives for your allergens so that you can ensure you are getting the proper nutrients every day.
Choose Whole Foods Rather Than Packaged
It’s easy to rely on pre-packaged allergy-friendly foods. The problem, however, is that pre-packaged foods are often loaded with excess salt, sugar or fat. They also don’t necessarily help you to meet your daily nutritional requirements.
Instead, choose whole foods. Cooking may take a little longer, but eating whole foods will allow you to control exactly what goes into your meals. You can also prepare grab-and-go snacks such as fresh fruit bowls, cut-up vegetables or small bags of pretzels or seeds.
Research Restaurant Options Before Going Out
You don’t have to give up eating out to maintain a healthy diet. Before going out, research your options to make sure the restaurant can accommodate your allergies. It’s also a good idea to wear an engraved medical id. If an allergic reaction does occur while you are out, anyone administering help will be able to quickly and easily identify your specific allergies and can ensure you get the safest care possible.
Maintaining a healthy diet with food allergies may seem difficult at first. A little research and preparation can go a long way in your journey to maintain your overall health and wellbeing.
