The Nut-Free Mom Blog |
| Posted: 08 May 2012 10:43 AM PDT
Food allergies and intolerances can definitely make it harder to come up with lunches. That's why I'm so glad to be able to introduce you to food allergy mom Keeley McGuire and her blog. Keeley's terrific site is dedicated to providing nut-free, gluten-free and delicious bento-box style lunches that are nutritious, tasty, kid-friendly and just downright creative. Just looking at Keeley's adorable lunch creations make my day! I first learned about this dynamic mama and "lunch lady" when she started following my blog and Facebook page and figured she was someone my readers should know about.I asked Keeley to participate in a Q & A with me and here's what she had to say: NFM: What is your connection to the food allergy and gluten-free community? How did you get involved? KM: My daughter was diagnosed with a peanut allergy just before her first birthday. We discovered she was allergic when her daycare at the time gave them peanut butter to use for a craft. I can still replay the phone call and the feeling of panic in my mind like it just happened yesterday. Fast forward, she is now six years old and a few months ago we started her on a gluten-free diet after putting some "pieces of the puzzle together" - noticing patterns in her behavior and stomach issues she was having. It's been a great transformation - no more upset stomach and since she is obviously feeling better, it has helped her overall attitude and demeanor. NFM: When did you start your blog? KM: I started my blog in May of 2011 not really with a direction other than just wanting a creative outlet to share ideas, crafts, recipes, etc. At the time, I had no idea that the silly foods and lunches I would create for my daughter, Little Miss, would become the main feature. It's been an incredible year of meeting so many wonderful people, learning, growing, and sharing. I've learned an incredible amount from fellow bloggers about peanut allergies as well as healthier eating habits and nutrition. I am forever grateful for that. NFM: What is your daughter's favorite (or favorites) lunch that you create? KM: She loves them all and I don't say that to boast. She truly enjoys getting a "special lunch" every day. Her teachers have commented to me numerous times about how they look forward to seeing them each day too. As fellow food allergy parents know, she misses out on a lot of class party treats and things of that nature. Instead of a boring brown sack of lunch every day, I get to make her smile and feel like she's special even just for a few moments each day - letting her know how much I love her and for those few moments I mentioned, she doesn't feel left out or like she's missing anything that her friends might be enjoying. She's proud. And I love knowing that. NFM: Where do you get the inspiration for such beautiful and nutritious lunches? KM: Really, my fellow lunch packing community inspires me. There are a lot of very creative ladies out there packing bentos and waste-free lunches for their kids, just like me. They're all very inspiring! Creativity can also be found in every day activities, holidays, the weather, even books we've read together. It's always a fun challenge taking some of her favorite things and turning them into edible creations! By making her food fun to eat, it's helped to also expand her palate. She use to be such a picky eater, having sensory issues, but by cutting foods into appealing shapes or using picks to eat it with it suddenly became more appealing and she was more apt to try new things. NFM: How have you overcome the challenges of a restricted diet? KM: I try not to look at it like a challenge. It's our life so I'd rather make each day the best it can be and enjoy it to the fullest then dwelling on the things she cannot have. To be honest, at home I don't think about it - it feels natural since we know what is safe and not safe for her so it's not a question. By packing all her foods for school - lunches, snacks, her own safe class party treats for special days - I know that they're okay for her too. She's so fantastic and smart, at age six, knowing to not accept treats from others or share foods with other kids. That doesn't mean I don't have my "helicopter mom" moments, of course I do! We have had to opt of some family gatherings and events due to safety concerns but that's a choice we've made in her best interest. I think we all adapt and, as I mentioned above, it becomes our "norm" so make the most of it! Like with her lunches - I don't let her allergies and food intolerance keep her from enjoying lunch time! It's a creative outlet for me that I was longing for and she looks forward to peeking every morning at what mama created for her. Thank you, Keeley for a great blog and insights into parenting with food allergies and intolerances! You can find more lunches and recipes by visiting her web site. |
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