Food Allergy Awareness Week 2023: How I live safely with a Shellfish Allergy

This week is Food Allergy Awareness Week May 14 to May 20, 2023.

I developed a shellfish allergy 15 years ago and believe me, it was sad and disappointing because I loved shellfish! I had to give up eating shellfish which included shrimp, crab, lobster, etc.

Avoiding shellfish is my new way of life, so I’m sharing How I live safely with a shellfish allergy.

I will not eat casseroles, egg rolls, salads, dips, etc. outside my home until I find out if they contain shellfish. I recently attended a Bridal Shower and I asked if the egg rolls contained shellfish. I always ask the chef or host because at parties I’ve seen lobster macaroni and cheese, crab butter, shrimp salad, etc.

I am extremely careful while eating at restaurants that serve shellfish. I always let the server know I have a shellfish allergy. I also request the chef clean the grill or pan before preparing my meat! Thankfully, I can still eat fish.

If I’m uncomfortable in the restaurant, to remain safe I will order a vegetarian plate. I have no problem ordering a vegetarian plate especially since I’m a flexitarian (semi-vegetarian).

I enjoy traveling and I’m very careful while visiting cities by the ocean and Gulf of Mexico that serve a lot of shellfish like San Francisco, Virginia Beach, New Orleans, etc. By the way, the last time I visited New Orleans I enjoyed a delicious bowl of “chicken” gumbo.

Livin’ with my shellfish allergy can be challenging at times. However, I truly believe it is extremely challenging for individuals who are livin’ with nut allergies because nuts are added to a lot of foods especially desserts. So they need to read “Food Labels” every time they buy and eat food – No exceptions!!

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Learn about food allergies @ aafa.org and foodallergy.org Also, discuss your food allergy with your doctor or health care provider and follow their orders.

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