Nourish With Stacie

As an individual experiencing adult-onset food allergies and sensitivities, having the ability to discern the ingredients in the food I consume has been truly empowering! In the past, I used to feel anxious when it came to finding suitable meals while traveling. This uneasiness was worsened after I ended up in the emergency room from being served food containing something I was allergic to. This incident was due to a simple miscommunication in the kitchen. I was afraid to eat out or go anywhere for a period of time, but now I approach such situations with a positive outlook. I love traveling and also enjoy eating and connecting with my environment.

Eating food is one way of connecting with and taking in our environment. I refuse to allow my allergies to stop me from feeling safe in my environment.

Over the years, I have gathered helpful tips for managing my allergies and sensitivities while traveling. It used to be stressful to eat while dealing with allergies, since I couldn’t control the food. But I’ve learned not to let it stop me from enjoying life. I’ll share strategies that have helped me navigate these challenges.

1. Take a moment, breathe deeply, and embrace the present without judgment. Feel the solid ground beneath your feet—know that you are safe.
2. Discover Allergy-Friendly Places: embrace the convenience of electronic apps such as the The Spokin App to find allergy-friendly restaurants, bakeries, and more using this fantastic tool. Share your experiences and help others on their search for allergy-friendly eats! I love how you can search based on the specific foods you react to. Check it out here: Spokin App
3. Bring your own snacks: Pack your adventure with delightful, non-perishable snacks. Some examples would be jerky bars, dehydrated veggie chips, fresh or dried fruit, nuts/seeds, packets of coconut butter or nut butter, or homemade protein bites… Bring along a variety of allergy-friendly treats to keep you fueled and balanced on your journey.
4. Dine with Confidence: If concerned about allergens when eating out, call restaurants in advance to ensure they can cater to your needs. Ask about their allergy protocols for that extra peace of mind, if you need. When dining, don’t hesitate to ask servers about modifications—they’re often more accommodating than you might think.
5. Use Your Voice: If unsure, speak up! Let the manager know about the seriousness of your allergy or condition. Sometimes, a gentle reminder ensures that your dining experience is safe and enjoyable.
6. Emergency Essentials: Carry antihistamines that work for you. Some of my favorites include Quercetin, Vitamin C, bromelain, and stinging nettles (after consulting your practitioner). A homeopathic remedy for allergies may also be more gentle for some. Having these essentials ensures you’re prepared for any unexpected mishaps. Take your epipen, if you have one.
7. Listen to your gut. When we have an initial gut feeling about something, it’s usually there to protect us. It’s really helpful to be able to ground down, center ourselves, and listen to our bodies. Somatic work can truly help with this. Please go out there, savor every moment, and keep exploring with confidence and joy! 🌈