Food Allergy Made Easy | Food Allergy Education Using Research & Experience, Living With Food Allergies, Food Allergy Awareness & Safety

47| Encouragement For Food Allergies at Christmas

Hey Food Allergy Mama,
Are you feeling the holiday crunch right now? Three days before Christmas, and it feels like there’s so much left to do—plus the added layer of making sure everything is safe for your food allergy kiddo. The overwhelm, the anxiety, and maybe even guilt… I know it can all pile up this time of year. But here’s the thing—you’re not alone, and you’re doing so much better than you think.
This episode is my encouragement to you.
Whether you’re stressing about the holiday menu, feeling exhausted from weeks of planning, or worried about advocating at an event, this is your space to feel less alone, reset, and find encouragement.
By the end of this episode, you’ll feel lighter, more confident, and ready to enjoy the holiday magic you’ve worked so hard to create.
So, grab your favorite holiday drink (or let’s be real, maybe just your to-do list), and let me encourage you so you can finish this holiday season strong.
I'm cheering for you!
Corinna
NEXT STEPS
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Join the Food Allergy Travel Workshop
Join the Get Over The Fear of Trying New Foods Workshop.
Grab the School Food Allergy Template & School Success Pack
Grab the 90-Minute Variety Booster.
Join the Dining Out With Food Allergies Workshop
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Get The Free Resources:
Newly Diagnosed Checklist: https://www.friendlypantry.com/new
Food Allergy Kids Empowerment Guide(for kids aged 2-7): https://www.friendlypantry.com/empowerment
Listen to Related Episodes:
1| From Mistakes To Food Allergy Awareness-Why I created The Podcast
41| Can Food Allergy Kids Have A Normal, Well-Balanced Life?
43| Managing Food Freedom Envy So You Can Go From Allergy Anxiety to Peace
 

46| Tips For Hosting Christmas Dinner: Safeguard Your Allergic Child Without Losing The Joy

Dear Food Allergy Mom,
I remember the days when I was able to just go to someone’s house and enjoy the feast they created and only worry about bringing one dish.  Since food allergies, I’ve been forced to learn how to make full meals by myself. 
I now cook our special family meals for Christmas Eve, Christmas dinner, and sometimes New Year's Eve and Christmas morning brunch.
At first, it was hard. 
I didn’t know the timing of foods and I didn’t have a flow, which meant there were a few holidays when I thought we would eat around 5 but ended up eating around 8:00 instead.  
YIKES!  
Not to mention all the time I spend in the kitchen.
For a while, I felt like I was bonding with my kitchen more than my family during one of the most important celebrations of the year!  
This is why I knew something had to change, and I needed to come up with a plan.  
So over the years I’ve tried new things, focused on what worked the previous year, and got rid of what didn’t.  What I do now has evolved over the last 17 years, but I feel like I’ve got a system down pat.  Now I can enjoy my family during the holidays instead of being chained to the kitchen!
Let me tell you if I can do it, so can you, with the help of what I’ve learned over the years.  
Here are my best tips for planning and cooking all those big Holiday meals PLUS listen to the end where I’m answering some of your MOST burning questions that you told me were MOST stressful for you when it comes to hosting and prepping allergy-friendly meals during the holidays.
I'm cheering for you,
Corinna
NEXT STEPS:
Subscribe to this podcast, and give it a review.  Your review makes the podcast easier to find for families that need it.
Grab the Social Event Survival Pack
Get The Free Resources:
Newly Diagnosed Checklist: https://www.friendlypantry.com/new
Food Allergy Kids Empowerment Guide(for kids aged 2-7): https://www.friendlypantry.com/empowerment
Read The Blog
Listen to Related Episodes:
44|Family Christmas Traditions That Make Food Allergy Kids Feel Special
41| Can Food Allergy Kids Have A Normal, Well-Balanced Life?
11| Navigating Birthday Parties With Food Allergies Like a Pro: Your 3-Step Guide
43| Managing Food Freedom Envy So You Can Go From Allergy Anxiety to Peace
 
 
 
 

45| Dealing With Anaphylaxis Tragedies In The News

Hey Food Allergy Mom,
As food allergy parents, it’s heartbreaking to hear about tragedies caused by anaphylaxis. It feels personal, like we’ve lost one of our own. Our hearts break, and it’s hard to shake the sadness that comes with knowing such a loss could have been prevented.
It’s okay to feel this way—it’s human. But while we support the families affected and work through our own emotions, we also need to be mindful of how those feelings can shift into fear and anxiety, especially for our own loved ones. Today, we’re going to talk about how to manage those emotions, stay grounded, and focus on staying strong together as a community.
I’ll give you 3 important stats that will hopefully reduce your anxiety PLUS I’ll give you positive examples of things we’ve done as a food allergy family that may seem scary, but have turned out well and are completely doable with the right preparation.  I hope this episode decreases your anxiety and empowers you and your child!
Let's get to it!
Corinna
NEXT STEPS:
Subscribe to this podcast, and give it a review.  Your review makes the podcast easier to find for families that need it.
Join the Food Allergy Travel Workshop
Join the Get Over The Fear of Trying New Foods Workshop.
Grab the School Food Allergy Template & School Success Pack
Grab the 90-Minute Variety Booster.
Join the Dining Out With Food Allergies Workshop
Grab the Social Event Survival Pack
Get The Free Resources:
Newly Diagnosed Checklist: https://www.friendlypantry.com/new
Food Allergy Kids Empowerment Guide(for kids aged 2-7): https://www.friendlypantry.com/empowerment
Read The Blog
Listen to Related Episodes:
25| 3 Mistakes I Made With Food Allergy Safety At School & How To Avoid Them
35|10 Powerful Tips to Simplify Food Allergy Management
41| Can Food Allergy Kids Have A Normal, Well-Balanced Life?
43| Managing Food Freedom Envy So You Can Go From Allergy Anxiety to Peace
 
Links and Statistic Sources:
If someone suffers anaphylaxis, the Case Fatality Rate is about .3%* (See below for how the Case Fatality Rate is calculated). That mortality rate is about the same as 1 in every 333 cases of anaphylaxis.
 
Of course, we never want to even THINK about being that .3%, but these are important numbers to know because the statistics ARE ON OUR SIDE. 
 
For example, the odds of tragedy from anaphylaxis, if it occurs, are MUCH LESS than the odds of tragedy in a car crash (which is 1 in 93 vs. 1 in 333 for anaphylaxis)**, yet we never think twice about driving!  Instead, we take precautions and use safety measures to make it safer.  
* Source: https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(13)02738-3/fulltext#:~:text=The%20overwhelming%20major.... 
** Source: National Safety Council https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/all-injuries/preventable-death-overview/odds-of-dying/ 
 
How Case Fatality Rate is Calculated: 
Case Fatality Rate is calculated by dividing the number of deaths from a specified disease over a defined period by the number of individuals diagnosed with the disease during that time; the resulting ratio is then multiplied by 100 to yield a percentage.
Source: https://www.britannica.com/science/case-fatality-rate
 

44| Christmas Traditions That Make Food Allergy Kids Feel Special

Hey Food Allergy Mama,
As moms, we all want to build traditions that aren’t just rituals we follow every year—but ones that truly create lasting mmories, right? It’s those magical moments that bring real joy and deep connection to our families.
But here’s the challenge—so many Christmas traditions revolve around food! From decorating cookies to building gingerbread houses or sipping hot chocolate by the fire, it can feel like a challenge for us food allergy moms. We work hard to keep our kids safe, but let’s be real—it’s exhausting trying to find safe alternatives for everything. 
Not only that but missing out on all the goodies can exclude our food allergy kids from SO MANY activities.
But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Today, I’m sharing some amazing non-food Christmas traditions that will fill your holidays with joy and help create memories your kids will cherish for years to come—without exclusion or stress! Ready to dive in? Grab your favorite drink, and, let’s get to it!
I'm cheering for you!
Corinna
NEXT STEPS:
 
Subscribe to this podcast, and give it a review.  Your review makes the podcast easier to find for families that need it.
Get Food Allergy Help:
Join the Food Allergy Travel Workshop
Join the Get Over The Fear of Trying New Foods Workshop.
Grab the School Food Allergy Template & School Success Pack
Grab the 90-Minute Variety Booster.
Join the Dining Out With Food Allergies Workshop
Grab the Social Event Survival Pack
 
Get The Free Resources:
Newly Diagnosed Checklist: https://www.friendlypantry.com/new 
Food Allergy Kids Empowerment Guide(for kids aged 2-7): https://www.friendlypantry.com/empowerment
 
Read The Blog
 
Listen To Related Episodes:
1| From Mistakes To Food Allergy Awareness-Why I Created This Podcast
2| 7 Food Allergy Myths & Errors I've Made, And What To Do Instead
13| What I Wish I Knew Sooner About Living With Food Allergies
 

43| Managing Food Freedom Envy So You Can Go From Allergy Anxiety To Peace

Hey Food Allergy Mom,
If you're a mom navigating the daily challenges of food allergies, you know how tough it can be—especially when those feelings of frustration or resentment start creeping in. 
Maybe you're tired of seeing others stop for takeout on a whim, or your heart aches at the sight of your child crying because they can’t have the same birthday cake as everyone else; you're not alone, and today’s episode is just for you.
We’re tackling something many food allergy moms face but rarely talk about—envy. Whether it’s the resentment of the restrictions, being left out of social events or feeling jealous that another mom can put anything in her grocery cart without a glance at the label, we’ll dive deep into understanding why these feelings come up, why it’s important to manage them, and more importantly, how to move past them. 
Stick around for some real talk, and actionable steps that will help you shift from resentment to resilience, and help your child do the same!
Let’s get to it!
Corinna
NEXT STEPS
Subscribe to this podcast, and give it a review.  Your review makes the podcast easier to find for families that need it.
 
Join the Food Allergy Travel Workshop
Join the Get Over The Fear of Trying New Foods Workshop.
Grab the School Food Allergy Template & School Success Pack
Grab the 90-Minute Variety Booster.
Join the Dining Out With Food Allergies Workshop
Grab the Social Event Survival Pack
Get The Free Resources:
Newly Diagnosed Checklist: https://www.friendlypantry.com/newly-diagnosed-with-food-allergies-guide
Food Allergy Kids Empowerment Guide(for kids aged 2-7): https://www.friendlypantry.com/fa-kids-empowerment-guide
Read The Blog
Listen to Related Episodes:
15| How Busy Moms Can Increase Food Allergy Awareness Every Day
35|10 Powerful Tips to Simplify Food Allergy Management
30| 3 Tips To Make Oral Food Challenges Less Stressful
 
Resources Mentioned in this Show:
A Happy Healthy Mind 6-Week Devotional by Cindy Stewart
Quote from Karen Swartz, M.D Director of Mood Disorders Adult Consultation Clinic, John Hopkins Medicine
 
 

42| What It's Like Not To Worry About Cross Contact & May Contain Allergen Labeling

Hey Food Allergy Mama,
I know many of you might be struggling with cross-contact and not only avoid foods that contain your allergen, BUT also foods that say “may contain traces of allergen”.  ​Also, some of you might be considering some sort of food allergy treatment like Xolair, OIT, or TIP, and one of the benefits of these treatments is that you don’t have to worry about small traces of your allergen.Yes, navigating cross-contact can feel like playing food roulette with our kids' safety. But what if you didn’t have to live in fear of traces of allergen and every ‘may contain’ label?What would that REALLY LOOK LIKE in everyday life?I thought you might want to know what it’s like not to have to worry about cross-contact and may contain allergen labeling because that may help you decide if treatment is right for your family.We started doing OIT about 7 years ago.  About a year and a half ago, we got to the point where we didn’t have to worry about “may contain traces of peanuts and tree nuts” anymore.Our whole world flipped upside down, in a good way!Even so, some fears have been hard to overcome, and surprisingly, some things changed less than I thought they would.So if you’re wondering what it looks like to be “in-between” where you can have traces of allergen, but no more than that, this episode is for you!So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let's get to it. I'm cheering for you!
Corinna
NEXT STEPS:
Subscribe to this podcast, and give it a review.  Your review makes the podcast easier to find for families that need it.
Get Food Allergy Help From Me With These Workshops & Templates:
Join the Food Allergy Travel Workshop
Join the Get Over The Fear of Trying New Foods Workshop.
Grab the School Food Allergy Template & School Success Pack
Grab the 90-Minute Variety Booster.
Join the Dining Out With Food Allergies Workshop
Grab the Social Event Survival Pack
 
Get The Free Resources:
Newly Diagnosed Checklist: https://www.friendlypantry.com/newly-diagnosed-with-food-allergies-guide
Food Allergy Kids Empowerment Guide(for kids aged 2-7): https://www.friendlypantry.com/fa-kids-empowerment-guide
Read The Blog
Listen to Related Episodes:
9| 10 Tips To Save Big on Allergy-Friendly Food
11| Navigating Birthday Parties With Food Allergies Like a Pro: Your 3-Step Guide
12| 3 Dealbreakers When Dining Out With Food Allergies
16|Find The Type Of Food Allergy Travel That's Perfect For Your Family
22| Oral Immunotherapy Through A Mom's Eyes
25| 3 Mistakes I Made With Food Allergy Safety At School & How To Avoid Them
 
 

41| Can Food Allergy Kids Have A Normal Life?

Hey Food Allergy Mama,
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, Can my food allergy kid really live a normal, well-balanced life? then you’re in the right place. 
This is one of those questions that hits hard, right? I mean, it’s something we food allergy moms think about all the time—especially at diagnosis.
I still remember that moment so clearly. My mind was spinning with thoughts like, ‘Wait, does this mean no birthday cake? No cookie decorating at Christmas? No pizza at sleepovers?’ It felt like a tidal wave of emotions because until you’re in the thick of it, you don’t realize just how deeply food is woven into every part of our kids’ lives. It’s at every event, every celebration, every little moment.
That was 17 years ago, but I’ve revisited that question again and again. And if you’re anything like me, you probably have too. So today, I’m sharing my personal stories, my real-life reflections, and the life lessons I’ve learned along the way. 
Whether you're brand new to the food allergy journey or have been navigating it for a while, this episode is packed with insights that’ll make you feel seen, heard, and hopefully a little more empowered. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let's get to it.
I'm cheering for you!
Corinna
NEXT STEPS:
Subscribe to this podcast, and if it helped you, give it a 5-star review.  Your review makes the podcast easier to find for families that need it!
Grab the Social Event Survival Pack
Get the free resources:
Newly Diagnosed Checklist: https://www.friendlypantry.com/newly-diagnosed-with-food-allergies-guide
Food Allergy Kids Empowerment Guide(for kids aged 2-7): https://www.friendlypantry.com/fa-kids-empowerment-guide
Read The Blog:
Can Food Allergy Kids Have A Normal Life?
Listen To Related Episodes:
1| From Mistakes To Food Allergy Awareness-Why I created The Podcast
4| Truth Bomb: Why Educating Teachers About Food Allergies is Crucial, Whether You Have a 504 Allergy Plan or Not
6|The Top Secret Food Allergy Information Every Allergy Family Needs
19| Kindergarten Readiness: A Food Allergy Parent’s Essential Guide
27|Your Allergy Action Plan For School: 6 Essential Tips
 
 
 

40| Allergy Blood Test Prep: How To Make It Less Scary

Hey Food Allergy Mama,
I used to dread the regular blood tests that our Allergist would request at our food allergy follow-ups.  Scared kids, watching my child go through pain, and all the crying and consoling. They seemed to cause so much stress for my kids and it was a struggle every time. I mean it’s just something they had to do, but I always wondered if there was a way to make it easier.
Honestly, it wasn’t until my girls were MUCH older that I realized there are steps you can take to make the process of a blood draw or blood test easier. Even though I can’t turn back time and make things easier for my kids, I can help you! 
So if you have an allergy blood test in your future, don’t miss this episode, I'm cheering for you!
Corinna
NEXT STEPS:
Subscribe to this podcast, and give it a review.  Your review makes the podcast easier to find for families that need it.
 
Join the Get Over The Fear of Trying New Foods Workshop.
Grab the School Food Allergy Template & School Success Pack
Grab the 90-Minute Variety Booster.
Join the Dining Out With Food Allergies Workshop
Join the Food Allergy Travel Workshop
Grab the Social Event Survival Pack
 
Get the free resources:
Newly Diagnosed Checklist: https://www.friendlypantry.com/newly-diagnosed-with-food-allergies-guide
Food Allergy Kids Empowerment Guide(for kids aged 2-7): https://www.friendlypantry.com/fa-kids-empowerment-guide
Read The Blog:
How To Calm A Child For An Allergy Blood Test
Listen to Related Episodes:
33| Birthday Parties With Allergies: Educating Hosts Without Awkwardness
30| 3 Tips To Make Oral Food Challenges Less Stressful
19| Kindergarten Readiness: A Food Allergy Parent’s Essential Guide
13| What I Wish I Knew Sooner About Living With Food Allergies
 
 
 

39| The 8 Most Popular Teal Pumpkin Project Ideas of All Time

Hey Food Allergy Mama,
As Halloween creeps closer, I know you may be feeling a mix of excitement and worry. But what if this year could be different? What if we could turn Halloween into an allergy-friendly celebration where your kids feel safe and included?
In today’s episode, we’re talking about the Teal Pumpkin Project—an amazing movement that makes Halloween fun without the food risk. 
Not only will we dive into why it’s so important, and some tips to make it work for your family, but I’m also going to share some fresh, creative ideas to make your home the go-to spot for allergy-friendly goodies. 
I’ll share some super creative and easy ideas to make your teal pumpkin stand out this year. We’ve got you covered with inspiration that your kids—and your neighbors—will love, without the stress!
I'm cheering for you!
Corinna
NEXT STEPS: 
Subscribe to this podcast, and give it a review.  Your review makes the podcast easier to find for families that need it.
Grab the Social Event Survival Pack
Get the free resources:
Newly Diagnosed Checklist: https://www.friendlypantry.com/newly-diagnosed-with-food-allergies-guide
Food Allergy Kids Empowerment Guide(for kids aged 2-7): https://www.friendlypantry.com/fa-kids-empowerment-guide
 
Read The Blog:
The 8 Best Non-Edible Halloween Treats For Teal Pumpkin Project
 
Listen To Related Episodes:
15| How Busy Moms Can Increase Food Allergy Awareness Every Day
11| Navigating Birthday Parties With Food Allergies Like a Pro: Your 3-Step Guide
29|Allergy Alert Bracelets: Should You Have One?
 
Check out the resources mentioned in this show:
Teal Pumpkin Project House Map

38| Allergy Mom's Survival Guide To Halloween With Food Allergies

Hey Food Allergy Mama,
Halloween is supposed to be fun, right? But for moms like us, it can feel like a minefield—hidden allergens in every treat, trick-or-treating anxiety, and trying to make sure your child is included without being put at risk. It’s a lot!
In this episode, we'll cover practical tips to keep your little ones safe while still making Halloween magical. I’ll share my strategies, insights, and some creative alternatives to the typical candy haul. Plus, I’ll give you a few ideas to help you plan a worry-free celebration.
So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s make this Halloween one your kids will love—and you’ll feel good about.
I'm cheering for you!
Corinna
NEXT STEPS:
Subscribe to this podcast, and give it a review.  Your review makes the podcast easier to find for families that need it.
Grab the Social Event Survival Pack
Get the free resources:
Newly Diagnosed Checklist: https://www.friendlypantry.com/newly-diagnosed-with-food-allergies-guide
Food Allergy Kids Empowerment Guide(for kids aged 2-7): https://www.friendlypantry.com/fa-kids-empowerment-guide
 
Read The Blog:
 
Listen to Related Episodes:
33| Birthday Parties With Allergies: Educating Hosts W/O Awkwardness
13| What I Wish I Knew Sooner About Living With Food Allergies
11| Navigating Birthday Parties With Food Allergies Like a Pro: Your 3-Step Guide