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How to Approach a Meal Plan With Food Allergies in Eating Disorder Recovery
Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Director of Content and Social Media at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
Food allergies and sensitivities seem much more common in our culture and society today. This may be partially related to increased knowledge about food related issues and how these can potentially influence various illnesses, such as celiac disease, skin disorders and more.
This may also be related to the dieting trends that frequently circulate as well, such as going “Gluten-Free”, or “Dairy-Free”, and other similar scenarios. For many individuals however, food allergies go much deeper than a dieting trend and are serious concerns that must be regulated carefully. It is estimated that up to 15 million Americans have some kind of food allergy, which can be potentially fatal in severe conditions.
Understanding Food Allergies
Some of the common foods that can cause allergic reactions among individuals include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, eggs, milk, soy, and wheat, though food allergies can certainly extend beyond this. Food allergies can develop in any person, regardless of age, gender, race or ethnicity.
Though it has been shown that individuals with a family history of food allergies tend to have a higher risk of developing food allergies themselves. If an allergenic food is ingested, a triggered reaction will occur, which can range from mild to severe. In the most intense cases, an allergic reaction can cause anaphylaxis, which can potentially be fatal without medical intervention.
Having true and diagnosed food allergies can make eating disorder recovery more challenging and difficult, depending on the food allergy. In the case of multiple food allergies, it can be almost feel like certain foods are being restricted or limited. However, meal plans can be constructed in a manner that safely allow an individual to eat while honoring and progressing recovery efforts.
Constructing a Meal Plan
If you are in recovery and also dealing with food allergies, it is important to enlist the help and support of eating disorder professionals, such as a registered dietitian, who can help formulate an effective plan. The focus should not be as much about what cannot be eaten, but rather, what foods can be eaten.
In the case of food allergies that constitute major food groups, like wheat and dairy, there are many suitable substitutes that can be appropriately incorporated into a meal plan. It may also be helpful to brainstorm with a dietitian and devise a plan for eating out at restaurants to make this experience enjoyable, challenging and safe. If you are heading into treatment, be sure to bring appropriate medical records for your treatment team to have on file, as well as medications in case of emergencies.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
If you have food allergies and are in recovery, what are some of the challenges you faced?
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on September 13, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
