Teen Dating and Food Allergies

Oh dear,what a mix. Teen dating is already stressful and hard as it is now add celiac,food allergies,or other medical problems(or all of the above.) Dating if you think about it is scary,especially as a teen with food allergies. I mean you have to trust this person with not only your heart but now your life. But don't let it hold you back! It is possible I promise.

My Tips on Dating-

1. BE UPFRONT!! I cannot stress this enough,Tell your date before you even go out. I understand you may have a fear that your date might be ''scared away'' when you tell them,but your health is more important. If your date doesn't want to understand your medical problems then they don't deserve to go out with you.
2. Suggest the restaurant,pick somewhere you know is safe. 
3. Carry your epi pen/medication in case of an emergency.Explain to your date where you keep these and how to use them. Also, tell them what to do in case of an emergency. 

Don't forget to have fun!

Dates don't have to be dinner,you can think outside of the box. Go to a concert(this is probably my favorite!),play,sporting event,or museum.

I understand the one question on your mind,What's the guide to kissing? First kisses are nerve racking to everyone let alone some one with food allergies. The guide I have heard and used is to wait 4 hours after the other persons last meal with your allergen and to have them brush their teeth.

A tip for the gluten free guys out there,also be careful of your girls makeup. Some brands contain gluten!

After School Snacks

After school snacks are important, with schedules getting more tight as school continues,it's even more important to eat healthier.

Easy heathy snacks that are my favorites-

Banana with nut butter "frosting"~ unpeel a banana and spread the top with a tablespoon of natural peanut butter,almond butter,or SunButter!

Celery with fresh salsa dip

Udis multi grain bread toasted and topped with chopped strawberries and a thin layer of nut butter

Pistachios with a sliced apple

Van's crackers with hummus and veggies

Hope your school year has been going well!

 

The Unexpected Happens, Especially On The Road

   We have all been in sticky situations we never could have expected. For me traveling to competitions hours away from home every weekend this past fall, I was bound for some right? Knowing my luck I was bound for a few this past season.

     On the day of my finale competition I hit a very unexpected situation. All day I had a killer migraine from stress and not sleeping.  After our show I felt really anxious about scores, since the performance was not our best. At pictures I was about to pass out. After awards, we placed third out of the whole coast! We had our typical speech, but I was really not doing so well. I ended up having a panic attack, throwing up, then passing out in the bathroom. I was incredibly dehydrated and my sugar was extremely low. Lets just say when we were stuck at burger king for almost 4 hours because they couldn't make food quickly for over 100 people I was not extremely happy.

    Lessons I hope you and I have learned from my mistakes drink more water, tell others(not just your bus buddy) you don't feel well ,and pack extra food.

Here are some great snacks that travel really well-

• Pretzels
• Apple sauce pouches
• Candy(not the best for you, but whateves! lol)
• Nut butter singles(love yah Sunbutter)

Things that don't pack well-

• Yogurt (please, take my word for it!)
• Bananas
• Chocolate

Gluten Free Makeup-Red Apple Lipstick

Ahh,I miss the days when I could go to the Mac counter a buy the newest gem to add to my collection of lip products. I always loved lip gloss,lipstick,lip balm,and anything related makeup wise to your lips.

As a kindergartner my favorite thing to carry around was my lip smackers. I had the gloss, jelly,and balm in all colors and flavors.

When I went gluten free,the day after I went to the library and got a book on celiac. One the first page was a pictures of thing that have hidden gluten. One of those you guessed it.....lipstick! So not only did I learn I had to give up my beloved Chinese food but my lipstick too.

So as time went on,and my lip product  collection at an all time low,I found Red Apple Lipstick company!

Last year at the Gluten Free & Allergen Free Expo in NJ I got to experience there amazing products. Although they have lipstick in their name they offer so much more! Their products range from lipstick to now mascara! My favorite product from them is the Mint 2 Be lipgloss. It's not sticky or gooey. It has just the right amount of color and an amazing minty smell and taste! I own this lipgloss in Fuzzy Navle(a peachy color) but they have other fun colors to match your taste. 

I can't wait for this week end to visit one of my favorite tables at the GF&AF Expo... The Red Apple Lipstick Booth!

Learn more about Red Apple Lipstick-
http://www.redapplelipstick.com

Nine Things Everyone Should Know

Hear are nine things everyone should know about people with allergies or celiac.

1) We are just like you!- 

Even if we can't eat a slice of bread or fish,doesn't mean we are subhuman or not as good as you! 

2) We can't help it!-

We don't have control over what we can't and can't have. So stop giving us a hard time. 

3) We have working eyes and ears!-

Yes we see your looks in the store when we buy a gluten free product or allergen free one. We hear your comments and snickering. We don't like it, get over yourself(and see number 2.)

4) We have lives!-

Yep we can go to parties,movie,and date others. We don't live under rocks! 

5) The AF/GF community is not a cult or gang!-

This is self explanatory! :D

6) We can be anything we want to be!-

 Hard to believe right, we can be teachers,moms and dads,kids,doctors,chefs, anything!

7) It's not a FAD!-

OMG! The people that think this....you need education!

8) Look out for us!- 

Nothing is more sweet than a friend looking out for another! It makes our day(most of the time.)

9) We don't hate you!-

We only dislike you when you mess with us directly or our AF/GF family! So don't mess with the "gang."