Chex Cereal and Traveling the World

I got a kindle yesterday, and I absolutely love it! I was so excited to start using it, I began reading the Sundial book I posted about earlier. I will keep you in the loop as to how I like it :)

So, I was sitting here, in my dorm room listening to music, eating some Gluten Free Rice Chex when I thought I should share with you my appreciation for this cereal. Firstly, I simply love everything about it- I can eat it, no corn syrup, short list of ingredients, gluten free, and of course I love the taste, texture, and how it gets the perfect amount of "soggy" in my rice milk. Plus, it's cheap- perfect for a broke college student!!
I was reading the back of the box, and it read "Gluten free living doesn't have to mean saying no to all of your favorite foods... 'Live in the Yes'" -Chex.

I thought to myself.. now, there has to be someone at Chex that has food allergies, or knows someone who has allergies. Because being able to reply "yes" to a child's question of "Can I eat this?"... is a powerful thing. It makes you feel good inside to be able to simply say 'yes.'

"Live in the yes" (tm) is such a great statement, that I fully agree with. Even though I'm allergic to wheat, gluten, milk, eggs, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and garlic... I strongly dislike making that an option for avoiding experiencing my life to the fullest. For example, one of my biggest dreams is traveling the world. Yes, having so many allergies is going to be extremely tricky... but I'm going to find a way. There's no way I'm letting my allergies get in the way of my dreams and aspirations. I don't think ANYONE should let ANY disability/restriction LIMIT their L-I-F-E. It is YOUR life. LIVE IT TO THE FULLEST, no matter what. You have to make it work. Find a way to make things happen, rather than excusing the possibility that you can/can't do something.

Punch-line of my life:

CARPE DIEM. Seize the day.

Hello everyone! I hope you had a very nice Monday :)

I just received an email, and I think this novel is very special! I haven't read it yet, but I am going to definitely keep an eye out for it! I think it's applicable to many people. Read below for the summary!

Enjoy :)

-Andrea

==========
SUNDIAL, A YOUNG ADULT NOVEL THAT USES FOOD ALLERGY IN A SUBTLE AND PIVOTAL TWIST: IT IS EVIDENCE OF AN EVOLVING SUPER RACE AND ONE THAT MUST PREVAIL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Authors: C.F. Fruzzetti and M.I. Pearsall of Pure Energy Books
Contact: Carolyn Fruzzetti
Phone: 703-798-3744
Email: pureenergybooks@gmail.com
Media links: http://sundialbook.com and http://pureenergybooks.com

Feeling different is nothing new to Whitney Forbes – she has accepted that her psychic abilities set her apart. She thought her biggest problem was determining if there was more to handsome Reid Wallace than just his looks and popularity until it is revealed she has an evolved genetic makeup. Now she finds herself wondering if genocide could happen in America and if she has what it takes to stop it.

SUNDIAL explores choices, social isolation, trust and inner self-growth through an exhilarating story driven by compelling and strong characters.

“When you have a food allergy, taking an unnecessary risk is not an option. It requires vigilance, situational awareness, the confidence to communicate and the ability to surround yourself with trustworthy people,” said co-author M.I. Pearsall, whose daughter has a life-threatening peanut allergy. “These are survivor skills and they can give you an edge when life gets challenging.”

“SUNDIAL increases food allergy awareness as a subplot. This makes the book accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Knowing is half the battle, and by understanding the safety needs of food allergic teens it should reduce their feeling of social isolation and help others know what to do to protect a life,” said co-author C.F. Fruzzetti.

Several parents of food allergic children were beta readers for the novel. Katie Morgan, whose ten-year-old son is allergic to milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts and cottonseed and whose seven-year-old daughter is allergic to peanuts and tree nuts, said, “I’m thrilled to see food allergy as part of a smart young adult novel. I like that while food allergies are an important issue for these teens, it is not the defining factor in their lives. They have to watch what they eat, but otherwise they are teenagers who are capable, athletic and intelligent and ready to take on the world – literally!”

An in-depth book group and educator discussion guide is available at http://sundialbook.com to further promote relevant discussion and awareness of several issues, including food allergy.

True Life: I'm allergic to everything

True Life - MTV Shows

This is one example of why I want to be a Naturopathic Doctor...
:)

I need to find a way to get ahold of this young lady- so she can start an awareness club at her university through FoodAllergyTalk!

You have to watch this!

Please watch, share, and educate!! Thank you

-Andrea

ASU Chapter creates 2011 Walk Team

The ASU Chapter, FoodAllergyTalk [ASU] has created their walk team for the 2011 Walk for Food Allergy, to be held at the Tempe Arts Park in Tempe, Arizona.

Please click here to join their team (all are welcome!) http://www.foodallergywalk.org/site/TR/2011Walks/2011Walks?team_id=64926&pg=team&fr_id=1984

We are walking to support FAAN (The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network). They provide food allergy awareness, advocacy, and education, and they support research for the 12 million Americans, including 3 million children, with a potentially life-threatening food allergy. We encourage you to support this event by joining our team and/or making a donation. Our goal is to raise $1,500!

For more information about the FAAN Walk for Food Allergy, please visit FoodAllergyWalk.org

Thank you for your help in making a difference for those with food allergies!

-Andrea

"The Food Allergy Cookbook"

Hello!

I hope you're all doing amazingly well on this wonderfully [hot] Monday evening. I wanted to pass this informaiton along to you all! I think this will be a great tool to help prepare amazing meals. I have requested that I review the book, as well as conduct an interview- hopefully I will have that information to you all soon! Keep in touch,

-Andrea

PREPARING ALLERGEN-FREE MOUTH-WATERING MEALS WITHOUT THE STRESS? NO BIG DEAL!

THE FOOD ALLERGY COOKBOOK

A Guide to Living with Allergies

and Entertaining with Healthy, Delicious Meals

By Carmel Nelson and Amra Ibrisimovic

Are you turning down social gatherings that revolve around food? Skipping lunch with your co-workers to avoid an awkward explanation? Deserting the dinner table on holidays so you don’t have to reject Aunt Sally’s home-cooked meal? . . . Or are you the one playing host to your friends, some of whom may have food allergies? The husband who lit all the candles, and turned up the Barry White, but doesn’t know exactly what’s safe to cook for a romantic dinner? For all of you, here is your resource to make alternative dining easy and understandable!

Don’t let restricted options consume the joys of cooking! Say “NO!” to cardboard-flavored daily sustenance and brick-hard bread that would be more useful in constructing a house than actually eating. If you or someone you love has food allergies but is passionate about the culinary arts, this is the book for you!The Food Allergy Cookbook contains 101 delectable recipes tested to perfection. Each and every recipe is accompanied by an irresistible, full-length and in color photograph that will make you salivate before even whipping up the treat!

The joint authors, Carmel Nelson and Amra Ibrisimovic, are among the millions of people struggling with food allergies. Over the years, their friendship has fostered support for one another as they discover new ways to live and eat enjoyably. They were disappointed by the lack of resources available on food allergies when they needed it the most, only a few years ago. Now that they are both in the know, they want to share their knowledge with you!

The Food Allergy Cookbook caters to those with dairy, wheat, oats, barley, soy, and corn allergies. It shows that you don’t have to give up your favorites, just alter them! It even comes with a special recipe for a flour mixture to do just that. There are every-day recipes plus entire meal plans for holidays so you don’t have to forfeit entertaining or being a guest. Instead, prepare a to-die-for meal that everyone will love! Don’t be surprised if they ask for the recipe!

Recipes include:

• BBQ dishes such as Chicken Legs and Sloppy Joes
• Savory Stuffed Peppers for the Vegetarian or Bosnian Style
• Comforting classics like Chicken Soup with Dumplings and Chicken Pot Pie
• A full-course Thanksgiving meal consisting of Roasted Turkey with Gravy, a unique Holiday Stuffing, warm Harvest Soup, Cranberry Sauce, Sweet Potato Puree, and for dessert—Pumpkin Pie!
• Sweets for the adventurous eaters—Grand Marnier Cranberry Muffins and Apple Pear Quinoa Crisp—but also the staples— rich Fudge Brownies and Chocolate Chip Cookies!
• Bread Sticks and corn-free Korn Bread
• And many more!

But The Food Allergy Cookbook is not merely a cookbook! It also serves up a list of restaurants with alternative menus, tips on working with your doctor and traveling safely, a lesson on deciphering food labels, and tons of helpful resources. Carmel and Amra will help you concoct healthy and flavorful recipes that finally prove…it IS possible to easily serve, eat and enjoy allergen-free fare. Now go play in the kitchen!

About the Authors:

CARMEL NELSON has worked as a substance abuse counselor and mental health therapist. She has been published in Living Without and Alaska Wellnessmagazines.

AMRA IBRISIMOVIC is a project manager and computer engineer. She emigrated from Bosnia during their civil war and became a U.S. citizen in 2000.

Carmel Nelson and Amra Ibrisimovic are available for interviews, please contact:

Esther Bochner, ebochner@skyhorsepublishing.com

The Food Allergy Book

A Guide to Living with Allergies and Entertaining with Healthy, Delicious Meals

By Carmel Nelson and Amra Ibrisimovic

Skyhorse Publishing Hardcover

On Sale: July 2011

ISBN: 978-1-61608-297-0

Price: $17.95

High school or college student? Help us go International!!

FoodAllergyTalk is partaking in a HUGE CHANGE that is going to blow you away! If you're currently in high school or college, then I'm looking at YOU!  

"FoodAllergyTalk.com has been through many changes over the past 7+ years since I've been working on it-starting when I was in middle school. Please allow me to introduce to you our next mission!
FoodAllergyTalk is the one and only online international support group that is dedicated towards working with Universities and High school students across the U.S. and around the world to create chapters and clubs, which act as support and awareness groups for students in high school and college. These groups are created through FoodAllergyTalk, and together we will form an original, collective international level of support for teens and young adults. " 

-Read more!!

Visit our homepage (or http://www.foodallergytalk.com/startachapterclub.htm ) for the new announcement as FoodAllergyTalk embarks on an INTERNATIONAL mission!!!

Email me with any questions, and if you're interested in starting a club or chapter at YOUR school!
RAN BY STUDENTS | FOR STUDENTS | PREPARING FOR OUR FUTURE
-Andrea

Hardest Experience At College

Hello!

Again, I apologize for not having blogged for some time. I am finally on summer break, and I've been enjoying being able to just relax!

Recently, I was asked a question: "What has been your biggest challenge as a student with food allergy on a college campus?"

That's an interesting question, and one that is entirely relevant to FoodAllergyTalk.com. I would say it's hard to think of just one instance. I could also answer that from two perspectives:

1) As a student, I would say my hardest experience was trying to get the dining halls to cater to my very restricted diet. It took almost a month of constantly approaching the chefs and managers at my dining hall in order to finally get the right people's attention. It took dedication and standing up for myself, but I was finally provided with very wonderful meals that were safe to eat and worth the big bucks I had to spend for the meal plan.

2) As the creator of FoodAllergyTalk, and the founder and president of the FoodAllergyTalk club at [ASU], my biggest challenge there is getting people to take me and my club seriously. It turns out, this may take more time than I even have at ASU, but hopefully soon people will not let out a smile/snicker when I tell them the club that I am a part of. When I, or anybody else, tell people about this club, I want them to know the seriousness off it all. I want them to know that food allergies constantly effect the lives of those who have them, as well as their families and friends. Above all, I want them to realize that it can even be life threatening, and is no laughing matter. Having a support group, people to rely on, and a group that can educate others at ASU and in the community can greatly help those individuals to live a happy and save allergy-free life. As me and my club continues to tackle this challenge, we just have to keep our heads up and stay strong.

Finals Week...

So, it's finals week. This is going to be insane! The fact that I'm almost done with this year keeps me going. I'm having a much deserved break this summer. I need the recharge so I can come to my Junior year with more pizazz, spirit, enthusiasm, and dedication than I've EVER had! Let's go!

P.S.

I would like to say, that if I could live off of these, I would.

Arizona Diamondbacks Peanut Controlled Game!

The 2011 Dbacks Peanut-Free Games are HERE!!

The Arizona Diamondbacks are excited to welcome families, friends,

and D-back fans with food allergies to our Peanut Controlled Night at Chase Field.

Tickets located in our newly renovated Legends Suite!

-----------------------------------------------------
MEMORIAL DAY
THIS MONDAY
MAY 30, 2011
5:10PM

Vs FLORIDA MARLINS
-----------------------------------------------------

To purchase tickets, log on to:

HTTP://DBACKS.TICKETLEAP.COM/2011

PEANUT - CONTROLLED SUITE - $37 PER PERSON

Supported locally by Arizona Food Allergy Alliance, Food Allergy Talk, and Phoenix Allergy Network

Study Dinner at the Library

You know those times when you are so close to something awesome? That's how I felt yesterday, the day before Spring Break! I was stuck at the ASU Hayden Library studying for my physics exam...but now, I'm CELEBRATING! Haha--I'm pretty sure I did well, and now I'm at home anxiously awaiting my first road trip to Cali.

Anyways--when you're in study-mode at ASU, I was able to take a 5 minute break and head right across the library to the Memorial Union to grab some warm rice and a great, [natural] energy drink by Odwalla.

Hopefully I get a chance to blog once I arrive in California... and we'll see how I do w/the food situation! (Which I know won't be that much of a problem--it's not stopping me! :)

-Andrea G.

Healthy, Allergy-free snacks!

This is one of my favorite healthy snacks!

It's a "Three Grain Edamame Salad" from Whole Foods--my favorite place of all time, and it's only about a 10 minute drive from the ASU Tempe campus!  I also love their fresh made "Quinoa" salad--both of which are available in easy-to-go containers!

[don't look too close...that's physics lurking in the background! haha]

Enjoy! :)

College [allergy] food?

Hey everyone!  It's been some time... how's everyone doing???  (leave me comments please! I love hearing from everyone :)

So I was just about to sit down here in my residence hall at ASU, and I read a comment from someone encouraging me to keep posting!  One of my initial goals was to be able to help young adults make the transition to college life (thus, the FoodAllergyTalk [ASU] club!). 

I know there are many people interested in college life with allergies...whether it be parents, young adults, or even kids.  So here is the first step on a sort of documentary of my college life at ASU with food allergies :)

Here's a pic of my most common meal whenever I go out-- "two hamburger patties with no bread, nothing on it, only lettuce and tomato."  That's my spiel for almost anywhere I go, that is, unless I'm feeling like having salad :)

It may not be most fancy thing ever, but what college food is? haha.  Hey, you can't complain when the diner workers know your order.  It makes life easier when you're super stressed from finals/midterms/etc.  Plus, it's nice having ASU's Devils Diner right in your own backyard!

-Andrea