Poll Answer

The answer is D!  Adrian Finch of Australia holds the Guinness World Record for peanut throwing, launching the lovable legume 111 feet and 10 inches in 1999 to claim the record.  Wow!!

Keep out of the nut house!

Which One Wednesday: Crouton Answer

Did you choose the Essential Everyday Garlic & Butter croutons as the peanut-friendly food?  Well, unfortunately, you were incorrect.

The Texas Toast Garlic & Butter croutons are peanut-friendly, and delicious!

The Everyday Essentials Garlic & Butter croutons may contain tree nuts, so I definitely avoid these.  Because of the seriousness of my allergy, I can't take the chance of even a trace of peanut/tree nut in my food items.  

Keep out of the nut house!

Which One Wednesday: Crouton Edition

We all know that salad is just so much more delicious with a couple croutons.  The extra crunch provides the little bit we need to convince ourselves that we aren't really eating vegetables!

Which croutons can I eat - Essential Everyday Garlic and Butter or Texas Toast Garlic and Butter?

Comment below with your guess:
a. Essential Everyday Garlic and Butter
b. Texas Toast Garlic and Butter
c. Both
d. Neither

Keep out of the nut house!

NUTS and Bolts of Food Allergies

Did you know…the majority of fatal allergic reactions from peanuts occur outside of the home?  Many of these happen at school. 

So…should peanuts be banned from school?

Peanuts are obviously found in the cafeteria.  Peanut butter sandwiches, cookies, granola bars, and candy bars are just a few of the lunch box favorites that could cause major issues for a peanut allergy sufferer.  There are also treats for class parties and craft projects that often involve peanut butter or peanuts.

Some schools choose to create an allergy-free table in their lunchrooms.  Others have tables for people who bring peanut butter so that the rest of the cafeteria is peanut-free.  Still other schools pair allergic students with a buddy who promises to bring nut-free lunches to school.

The schools that I have attended did none of the above.  Each family works with the cafeteria staff to understand what foods are safe to eat.  Kids at the lunch table know about my allergy and are very careful about what they pack.  Aside from the aroma of those crazy peanut-shaped cookies (you know who you are), I have had no issues at the lunch table.  The key is to tell everyone you know what your limitations are.  Education is the answer.

What do you think??

Keep out of the nut house!

Which One Wednesday: Donut Answer

For this week's Which One Wednesday, if you guessed Hostess Donettes, you are correct!

Since these donuts have a similar taste, I am once again grateful that Hostess stayed in business!  Little Debbie donuts are not peanut-free.  

Visit again next week for another edition of Which One Wednesday!

Keep out of the nut house!

Which One Wednesday: Donut Edition

There is nothing better couple chocolate donuts in the morning.  While they may not be too healthy or filling, the pure joy of a bit of sugar in the morning makes it all worth it.

I can only eat one of the following donuts.  Which is peanut-friendly: Little Debbie or Hostess?  

Comment below with your best guess!
a. Little Debbie Donuts
b. Hostess Donettes
c. Both 
d. Neither

Keep out of the nut house!

A Few of My Favorite Things: Smarties

Who makes America’s favorite roll of candy?  If you said Smarties, you are pretty smart!!

Smarties Candy Company has been family-owned by the Dee Family for three generations.  This year it will celebrate its 65^th anniversary!  Wow!!

Two factories make Smarties 24 hours a day to churn out BILLIONS of Smarties Candy Rolls each year.  Smarties come in three sizes – classic, giant, and mega – but they all have the sweet flavors we love – orange cream, pineapple, cherry, strawberry, grape, and orange! 

 

 

 

(Fun Fact: One of the factories is in Ontario, Canada.  Candies produced at this factory are called Rockets!!)

Smarties production facilities are free of most allergens, including peanuts and tree nuts. That’s one of the best reasons to include Smarties and Rockets on my list of favorite things.

Smarties’ allergen information can be found here.

Keep out of the nut house!

Poll Answer

The answers are A and D! Elvis Presley and Bill Clinton have at least one thing in common - peanut butter and banana sandwiches!

Keep out of the nut house and check out the next poll!

Which One Wednesday: Chocolate Chips Answer

 The answer to yesterday's Which One Wednesday was Hershey's Milk Chocolate chips!

I have always loved Hershey's chocolate, so it is great that they are peanut-friendly!  Unfortunately, Nestle Milk Chocolate chips are not peanut-free.  

Keep out of the nut house!

Which One Wednesday: Chocolate Chips Edition

Many sweet recipes call for chocolate chips, although they usually don't call for the nut-free brand of chocolate.  Thank goodness this is an easily substitutable ingredient, and the peanut-free brand can always be used.  Sometimes it is fitting to just eat them plain, especially during late night study sessions!

Do you know which brand is peanut-friendly- Hershey's chips or Nestle chips?

Comment below with your best guess!
a. Hershey's chips
b. Nestle chips
c. Both
d. Neither

Keep out of the nut house!

No ifs, ands, or NUTS!

Can a peanut allergy be cured??  Current Studies – Part II
Could a patch be the cure for peanut allergies?  Researchers at DBV Technologies believe their patch could provide the answer to this currently incurable disability.

The goal of this product is to desensitize the immune system of the peanut-allergic patient by introducing controlled levels of peanut protein on the VIASKIN® patch in a relatively symptom-free manner. Since there is no ingestion of peanut protein in this study, stomach issues reported with oral immunotherapy are not a concern.  Almost one year into the study, the only issue reported with this patch is minor sensitivity from the adhesive that has been successfully treated with topical cream.

No ingestion of peanuts, no side effects, and the potential to desensitize the body’s immune system to the peanut protein?  This sounds like a winner to me!

Did I mention that I am one of 300 people around the world who is wearing the VIASKIN® patch for the trial study?  I am so excited about the potential of what this incredible patch could mean to so many people. 

Keep out of the nut house!

Poll Answer

The answer is C!  The average American will consume about six pounds of peanuts and peanut butter each year.

Keep out of the nut house!

Which One Wednesday: Chocolate Chip Cookies Answer

The answer to the Chocolate Chip Cookie Edition of Which One Wednesday was Chips Ahoy! Chocolate Chip cookies!

While Chips Deluxe isn't an option, Chips Ahoy! is a great one!  

Keep out of the nut house!

Which One Wednesday: Chocolate Chip Cookies Edition

With school, sports, extracurricular activities, and jobs, you might not find enough time in the day to bake your own batch of chocolate chip cookies.  Believe me, I usually can't either.  However, I am always willing to turn to the next best option.  

Even though they sound similar, these two types of packaged cookies are completely different in my world.  Which kind of cookie do you think I can eat?  Chips Ahoy! Chocolate Chip or Chips Deluxe Chocolate Lovers?

Comment with your answer of which is peanut-friendly:
a. Chips Ahoy! Chocolate Chip
b. Chips Deluxe Chocolate Lovers
c. Both
d. Neither

Keep out of the nut house!

No ifs, ands, or NUTS!

Can a peanut allergy be cured??  Current Studies – Part I

So, you have a peanut allergy and you avoid all contact with peanuts (and probably all other types of nuts).  At a visit to your allergist, you are told about a new clinical study that could cure your allergy.  The catch…you have to eat peanuts!!  What??

Believe it or not, allergists believe that the body’s immune system has the ability to build up tolerance to the peanut protein!  Over an eight to ten month period, clinical trial subjects were given microscopic amounts of peanuts each day in attempt to modify their immune system.  Most subjects of this oral immunotherapy showed signs of desensitization to the peanut allergen.

Unfortunately, long-term immunization effects have not been determined.  The negative side effects of this study include stomach issues and the potential for an allergic reaction since the study subject is ingesting the allergen.  Additionally, if this treatment is deemed effective, the patient will likely need to continue eating peanuts every day – whether they feel like eating peanuts or not – to maintain the immunity.

WARNING…this treatment should NEVER be tried on your own.  If you have a peanut allergy, NEVER knowingly ingest peanuts.  It is not safe!!  Contact your allergist or physician to determine if this type of therapy could work for you.

ALWAYS be safe!!  Don’t take risks with your life!!

Keep out of the nut house!!

Poll Answer

The answer is A! The largest peanut butter factory produces 250,000 jars of peanut butter EVERY day!

Stop back tomorrow for another poll, and keep out of the nut house!

Which One Wednesday: Ice Cream Bars Answer

For this edition of Which One Wednesday the correct peanut-friendly option is... Cadbury Vanilla Chocolate ice cream bars!

While it would be a problem if you were allergic to milk or soy, the Cadbury Ice Cream bars are clear of peanuts.  While I can eat some Dove chocolate, these ice cream bars are not an option.

Tune in again next week for another edition of Which One Wednesday!

Keep out of the nut house!

Which One Wednesday: Ice Cream Bars Edition

I know I love a sweet snack at my house during late study hours and I normally turn to ice cream bars.  Since you already know Graeter's isn't an option for me, I like to find delicious rich chocolate from other brands.

Do you think I turn to Dove Vanilla with Dark Chocolate or Cadbury Vanilla Chocolate ice cream bars for a peanut-friendly option?

Comment below with your best guess:
a. Dove Vanilla with Dark Chocolate ice cream
b. Cadbury Vanilla Chocolate ice cream
c. Both
d. Neither

Keep out of the nut house!

No ifs, ands, or NUTS!

Cross Contamination – Part II

Be on the lookout!!  Cross contamination can happen outside of the factory, too!!

Everyone knows that people responsible for food preparation in restaurants are conscious of washing their hands before they begin work.  Many will also wear gloves to be extra cautious.  But what if they are working with peanut products?  Do they wash their hands with soap and water after cutting a slice of banana nut bread? Do they change their gloves after plating chicken that had been fried in peanut oil?  If not, they can contaminate food that is considered peanut-friendly.

Utensil contamination is also a concern.  A restaurant kitchen is frantic at times, so establishments that offer wide assortments of choices are especially worrisome to a peanut allergy sufferer.  While the server may confirm that a particular food choice is safe, the person with a peanut allergy has to be concerned with other items on the menu that contain nuts.  The biggest concern is cross contamination of the utensils.  Is the knife that cuts the peanut butter and jelly sandwich cleaned properly before it slices into a turkey wrap?

Always tell your server if you have any type of food allergy.  Explain what you are allergic to and what you need to avoid.  If you are reluctant about the safety of a restaurant, go somewhere else.  There are plenty of peanut-friendly choices. 

Keep out of the nut house!

Poll Answer

The correct answer is A!!  Who knew that people could be afraid of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth??

Keep out of the nut house!

Which One Wednesday: Cookie Dough Answer

If you chose Nestle chocolate chip cookie dough as an answer... you were incorrect.  The correct answer is Pillsbury!

Even though neither of these brands actually contain nuts, Nestle's factory also processes other food items containing nuts.  Some with not as serious allergies can eat the Nestle cookie dough.  However, I cannot take this risk because of the seriousness of my reactions.  

Keep out of the nut house!

Which One Wednesday: Cookie Dough Edition

By now, you can probably tell junk foods are hardest for me to eat.  Someone strictly with a nut allergy doesn't have a problem with eating fruits, vegetables, meats, or dairy products.  However, as a high school student, these are not the only food groups I would like to have in a my diet.  Sweets aren't such a bad thing, especially after long hours at school!  And a little uncooked dough never hurts! ;)

Which chocolate chip cookie dough chub can I eat - Pillsbury or Nestle?

Comment below with your best guess of which I can eat:
a. Pillsbury chocolate chip cookie dough chub
b. Nestle chocolate chip cookie dough chub
c. Both
d. Neither

Keep out of the nut house!

No ifs, ands, or NUTS!

Cross Contamination – Part I

When my allergist officially diagnosed my peanut allergy, she advised me to eliminate all nuts from my diet.  This was a shock for me as almonds were a staple in my packed lunches and pecan pie was one of my favorite fall treats.  Nuts are so healthy, how can they be so dangerous??

Why did I have to give up some of my favorite snacks??  Cross-contamination, of course!!  My allergist explained that most varieties of nuts are processed in the same facilities.  So, peanuts might be shelled and cleaned on a machine that then completes the same process with walnuts, almonds and pecans.  Pieces of peanut might be left behind on the machinery to mix with other types of nuts.  These other types of nuts are now “contaminated” by the peanut remnants.  This would go unnoticed by the majority of consumers, but even microscopic levels of peanut protein could cause anaphylaxis to a peanut allergy sufferer.

Be considerate of your friends who have nut allergies – don’t take it personally if we avoid foods and recipes that may contain ANY kind of nuts.  We are just taking precautions to protect our lives.

Keep out of the nut house!!

Poll Answer

The correct answer is C!!  Women and children prefer creamy peanut butter and men prefer chunky.  Additionally, people on the East coast prefer creamy and people on the West coast prefer chunky.

Be sure to stop back tomorrow and keep out of the nut house!

Which One Wednesday: Jello Answer

If you chose the Jello Oreo Dirt Cup yesterday, you were correct!

Unfortunately, I am no longer able to eat any YoCrunch products, including Oreos.  Since developing my peanut allergy, I have learned more about the Jello Oreo pudding alternative.  In my opinion, it has been an easy switch!

Keep out of the nuthouse!

Which One Wednesday: Oreo Edition

Everyone loves America's favorite cookie: Oreos!  I love them too, because in the package, they are peanut-friendly.  Unfortunately, when Oreos are mixed, matched, and transformed with other ingredients, things get a little nutty.

Which one do you think is peanut-friendly - Jello Oreo Dirt Cup or YoCrunch Oreo Yogurt?

Comment below and let me know your answer:
a. Jello Oreo Dirt Cup
b. YoCrunch Oreo Yogurt
c. Both
d. Neither

Keep out of the nut house!

A Few of My Favorite Things: SunButter

Most people would find it difficult to exist without peanut butter.  For the majority of people, peanut butter is a healthy, nutritious part of school lunches.  Peanuts and peanut butter can be deadly to those who are allergic to the peanut protein. 

Is there a healthy alternative for these people?  The makers of SunButter, a USA company that makes seed butter from sunflower seeds, believe they have the answer!  SunButter is made in a facility that is free of peanuts, tree nuts, and gluten. 

SunButter, found in the organic section of the grocery store, is a great source of protein that has more fiber and iron than peanut butter.  Maybe nut-allergic students will soon be bringing SB&J sandwiches to the lunchroom table!

I have never liked the smell of peanut butter, so I have never had a desire to bite into a PB&J.  I can’t wait to try my first bite of SunButter…

 

Learn more about SunButter here.

Keep out of the nut house!

No ifs, ands, or NUTS!

No reactions are the same…that’s what makes it scary!!

For as long as I can remember, I have had a great aversion to the smell of peanuts.  If my mom was making a peanut butter sandwich or my sister was enjoying chocolate covered peanuts, I would feel sick to my stomach and have to leave the room.  At the time, we didn’t know that I had a peanut allergy.  Since my diagnosis, our house is now completely nut-free!

When reflecting on my allergic reactions to peanut exposure, I have experienced everything from a solitary hive and tingly mouth to full-body coverage of hives to the point where my body looked like cottage cheese had been injected directly into my skin.  In a controlled clinical setting, a food challenge actually put me into anaphylaxis requiring an epinephrine shot to relieve my symptoms (and possibly save my life).

There are no rules as to how the body will react to an accidental exposure to an allergen like peanut protein.  It is imperative that peanut allergy sufferers (and all people who have been diagnosed with life-threatening allergies) wear medical alert identification and carry an epinephrine injector (or two).  Plan ahead to protect yourself!!

Keep out of the nut house!

Poll Answer

The correct answer is B!!  The world's largest reported peanut was four inches long. It was grown in North Carolina by Mr. Earl Adkins.

Stay tuned for another post, and keep out of the nut house!

Which One Wednesday: M & M's Answer

I told you this one would be tricky!  The correct answer is Neither!

Both peanut and regular M & M's contain, or may contain peanuts.  This is one of the hardest candies for me.  Since being diagnosed with my peanut allergy, I have easily adapted to my new nut-free diet.  But, the fact that I haven't been allowed to eat regular M & M's since seventh grade kills me.  This is one candy I look forward to hopefully being able to eat again someday after completing the peanut study.  

Keep out of the nut house!

Which One Wednesday: M & M's Edition

You will probably consider this to be an easy Which One Wednesday.  When you see these two candies, you will probably ask yourself why I even bothered to do a poll this week!  But I warn you, be careful!

Which of these are peanut-friendly - peanut M & M's or regular M & M's?  

Comment below with your best guess:
a. Peanut M & M's 
b. Regular M & M's
c. Both
d. Neither

Good luck!

Keep out of the nut house!

No ifs, ands or NUTS!

So, you’ve had an allergic reaction…now what?

Always contact a certified allergist – never try to diagnose an allergy on your own.  There are many tests that an allergist can perform to help determine the extent of your allergies.

1. Skin prick test (SPT) – a small amount of an allergen is put on the skin and the doctor pricks the skin to allow some of the solution to enter the skin.  If an allergy is present, an antibody, immunoglobulin E (IgE) will be released by the immune system and a reaction will appear on the skin.  If there is no allergy, no reaction will be seen.

2. Blood Test – blood is drawn to determine the level of IgE antibodies in the blood stream.  The higher the level of IgE, the more likely the person has an allergy.
3. Oral food challenge (OFC) – while this is the most accurate of testing, it also has the greatest potential for serious side effects.  During an OFC, the patient is fed a small amount of a food protein. If no reaction is seen, the dosage of the protein is increased.  Once any sign of reaction is observed, the OFC is halted.  Generally, hives, itching or swelling will occur if there is an allergy present.

I have had all three of these tests performed.  None of them are painful and they have provided my doctors with valuable information for my treatment plan.  If you suspect you have an allergy to some food, get it checked out.  It could save your life!

Keep out of the nut house!!

Poll Answer

The correct answer is A!!  Louisiana is not a peanut-producer.  The top 10 producers are Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Virginia, and New Mexico.

Come back tomorrow for a new poll!

Keep out of the nut house!

NUTS and Bolts of Food Allergies

Did you know…

Peanuts are NOT nuts!  Well, what are they then?  They are legumes…

Legumes are plants with seeds that grow in pods like peas and beans.  Unlike tree nuts, peanuts grow underground.  Peanut seeds grow above ground and then migrate underground to mature.  Peanuts are harvested by pulling the plant out of the ground.

Common names for peanuts include goobers, goober peas, groundnuts, earthnuts, monkey nuts, and grass nuts. 

It takes about 540 peanuts to make a 12 ounce jar of peanut butter.  In my food challenge, I experienced anaphylaxis after ingesting the peanut protein from less than ½ of a peanut. 

Hey, all you “goobers” out there, be conscious of your peanut-eating ways when you are with someone with a peanut allergy!!

Keep out of the nut house!

Which One Wednesday: Chicken Nuggets Answer

If you chose Wendy's chicken nuggets as being peanut-free, you chose correctly!  Congratulations!

Wendy's has always been a great place for me to get chicken nuggets... and a chocolate Frosty!  

Chick-fil-A uses 100% refined peanut oil to fry their chicken nuggets and other food items.  According to the Chick-fil-A website, 100% refined peanut oil is not considered an allergen by the FDA, and therefore, the company does not list this with their allergy information. 

When I research peanut oil, I get words like "most" and "usually" when asked if peanut oil is safe to consume.  So until it says "ALL", I will have to leave Chick-fil-A nuggets and fries to my family and friends to enjoy.

Tune in next week for another edition of Which One Wednesday.

Keep out of the nut house!

Which One Wednesday: Chicken Nuggets Edition

Even though it may not be all that healthy, everyone needs some fast-food chicken nuggets every once in a while.  You might even choose to splurge with some fries, too!  Which fast-food restaurant do you think I choose as a peanut-free source - Wendy's or Chick-fil-A?


Comment below with your best guess!
a. Wendy's
b. Chick-fil-A
c. Both 
d. Neither

Keep out of the nut house!

A Few of My Favorite Things: Allergic Solution Products

While my blogs generally focus on coping with a peanut allergy, many of the same principles can be shared with people who have all types of allergies.

One company that all allergy-sensitive people should investigate is Allergic Solution.  Allergic Solution produces mixes that are safe for people who have concerns about food allergies.  They are peanut-free, tree nut-free, egg-free, dairy-free, soy-free, gluten/wheat-free, and corn-free!  These mixes are also diabetic-friendly and vegan-friendly.  Their products help support their motto, “Having Food Allergies Doesn’t Mean You Don’t Deserve a Delicious Treat”.

The company produces mixes in the following varieties: Yellow Cake Mix, Carob Cake Mix, Yeast-Free Bread Mix, and Pancake-Waffle Mix.

If you are a Seton student, keep watching this blog to learn about my upcoming allergy information seminars…I will have some of these delicious, allergy-free treats to share.

 

 

Keep out of the nut house!

No ifs, ands, or NUTS!

There is nothing like a college football game…The fun!!  The excitement!!  The peanuts??  Oh, about that…

People with severe peanut allergies are often restricted from attending sporting events because of the abundance of peanuts at most venues.    

On Saturday, October 16, 2013, Northwestern University made history as it hosted University of Minnesota in a college football game. This monumental day wasn’t because of the score, but what was happening in the stands. This was the first time a university promoted a “peanut-free” athletic event to accommodate people with peanut and tree nut allergies. Peanut products were removed from the concession areas and fans were prohibited from bringing peanuts into the facilities.

Thank you NU for raising public awareness about peanut allergies!!

Keep out of the nut house!!

Poll Answer

The correct answer is C!!  The average child will eat 1500 PB&J’s before graduation day. 

Keep out of the nut house! 

NUTS and Bolts of Food Allergies

Did you know...

Peanuts can be found even in NON-FOOD items!! 

 

Here is a list of surprising places that peanut shells and peanut casings can be found…

·         Artificial fireplace logs

·         Fiber roughage for livestock feed

·         Kitty litter

·         Paper

·         Stuffing for beanbags or stuffed animals

·         Wallboard

Here are non-food items where peanuts may be ingredients in…

·         Axle grease

·         Bird seed

·         Bleach

·         Cosmetics

·         Detergent

·         Explosives

·         Face creams

·         Ink

·         Linoleum

Peanuts and peanut shells are commonly found in lawn care products like fertilizers, potting soil, and mulch.  Be sure to wash hands carefully after playing outside to be sure that traces of peanuts are eliminated.

Keep out of the nut house!

Which One Wednesday: Asian Answer

I'm so glad Meghan was able to find me an Asian dish to try so I can 'experience' the types of food she has to eat for the next forty days.  So if you chose Simply Asia's Sesame Teriyaki Noodle Bowl you were correct!

Simply Asia uses packaging that makes finding allergen information extremely easy.  I really appreciate when companies take time to specially call out which ingredients could be dangerous for some.

Unfortunately, Annie Chun's dish didn't make the peanut-friendly food list.  It's manufactured in a facility where nuts are present, so you can bet I won't be eating this!

Keep out of the nut house!

Which One Wednesday: Asian Edition (Guest Blogger)

Hi A Living 'Nut'mare readers!

This week's Which One Wednesday is near and dear to my heart, so I'm honored to be guest blogging!

I'm Kendall's sister, Meghan, and tomorrow, I will be boarding a flight to Asia to study for the next forty days. 

My family cut out all Asian food when Kendall was diagnosed with a peanut allergy, as peanuts are a frequent ingredient in Asian dishes.  But here's the good news, one of these homemade dishes is peanut-friendly... Which one do you think it is - Annie Chun's Chinese Style Chicken Soup Bowl or Simply Asia's Sesame Teriyaki Noodle Bowl?  Be sure to cast your vote, and then come back tomorrow to find out which one Kendall can eat!

Comment below with your best guess!
a. Annie Chun's Chinese Style Chicken Soup Bowl
b. Simply Asia's Sesame Teriyaki Bowl
c. Both 
d. Neither

I'll be doing my best to keep out of the nut house during my travels,
Meghan

No ifs, ands, or NUTS!

Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance…is there a difference?

YES!!  One involves the body’s immune system and the other doesn’t.  Can you guess which is which?

Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a food protein as a harmful substance.  When the allergen (depending on the allergy, this could be peanuts, milk, eggs, fish, tree nuts, or even a bee sting) is detected in the body, the immune system releases histamines to attack the harmful substance.  This release of histamines results in symptoms such as hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, and possible death.

Food intolerance does not involve the immune system.  Food intolerance is the body’s inability to digest certain foods.  This is an inconvenience to the person, but food intolerance is not life-threatening.

Keep out of the nut house!

Poll Asnwer

The correct answer is C!  These cities are Peanut, California; Lower Peanut, Pennsylvania; Upper Peanut, Pennsylvania; Peanut, Pennsylvania, Peanut, Tennessee; and Peanut West Virginia.

Keep out of the nut house!  See you Monday for a new poll!

NUTS and Bolts of Food Allergies

Teen years are difficult…and now I have a food allergy!!

As if the pressure of being a teenager wasn’t enough, dealing with a food allergy can add even more stress.  Listen to how teens cope with their allergies and provide advice for others.

Education and food allergy awareness help make the general public more aware of the seriousness of coping with food allergies.   

Keep out of the nut house!!

Which One Wednesday: Celebration Answer

The brownies I made for my birthday were Pillsbury Mocha Fudge!  I hope you chose correctly!

The great news about Pillsbury brownies is that Pillsbury icing is peanut-free, too.  Any type of sprinkles work and are the perfect topping!

Keep out of the nut house!

Which One Wednesday: Celebration Edition

I am thrilled to be writing this post on February 26th... my birthday!  Therefore, it must be a celebration and I love brownies!  In order to make them, which batter mix do you think is peanut-friendly - Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownies or Pillsbury Mocha Fudge?

Comment below with your best guess!
a. Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownies
b. Pillsbury Mocha Fudge
c. Both 
d. Neither 

 

Keep out of the nut house!

No ifs, ands, or NUTS!

V-I-G-I-L-A-N-C-E, the only current treatment for peanut allergies…

There is no cure for peanut allergies, so it is up to the allergy sufferer to be responsible for minimizing accidental exposures to allergens.

What are the keys to staying safe?
- Ask questions.  Whether eating at a restaurant or hanging out with friends, it is imperative that a peanut allergy sufferer asks about how foods are prepared and what ingredients are used.
- Tell people.  Explain to your friends and family that you have a peanut allergy.  Don’t  assume that people understand your disability.
- Avoid the allergen or products processed with the allergen.
- Wear medical identification (e.g., bracelets, other jewelry) at all times.
- Keep your prescriptions current.  Even if you have never needed to use your injector, throw it away when it expires and renew your prescriptions.
- Use your epinephrine injector when needed.  If you have been exposed to a known allergen, don’t wait for your symptoms improve.
- Go to the Emergency Room if you use your epinephrine injector.  Even if your symptoms improve, you still need to follow up with a doctor for evaluation.

An epi-pen is not foolproof.  A peanut allergy sufferer must be vigilant to ensure safety.

Poll Answer

Both A and D are correct.  Jimmy Carter and Thomas Jefferson were both peanut farmers.

Keep out of the nut house, and stop back again on Monday for a new poll!

Which One Wednesday: Fiber One Answer

If you chose Fiber One Oats & Chocolate for yesterday's Which One Wednesday... you were incorrect.  

Like I said yesterday, during long club volleyball tournaments with minimal breaks, Fiber One 90 Calorie Chocolate bars were a go-to for energy!  But, Fiber One Oats and Chocolate bars may contain peanuts or almonds. 

Keep out of the nut house!

Which One Wednesday: Fiber One Edition

Remember how we talked about the importance of where a product is manufactured, and to not assume all or no products contain peanuts?  Well, it couldn't be more true with this week's Which One Wednesday.

During my volleyball career, I would occasionally eat Fiber One Bars during breaks between matches.  Unfortunately, I had to be careful when choosing the peanut-friendly Fiber One box.  Which one do you think I can eat - Fiber One Oats & Chocolate or Fiber One 90 Calorie Chocolate?

Comment below with your best guess!
a. Fiber One Oats & Chocolate
b. Fiber One 90 Calorie Chocolate
c. Both 
d. Neither

Keep out of the nut house!

No ifs, ands, or NUTS!

Bullying is a major issue that can many forms.  It can be verbal or physical abuse, taunting, or exclusion.  But did you know food allergy bullying is an emerging problem?

 

One-third of all children who have food allergies are bullied, due to their allergy.  Food Allergy Bullying:  It's Not A Joke is a short video created by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) to show how seemingly innocent actions could have life-threatening consequences.  Watch below, and share your comments.



 

 

Keep out of the nut house!