[LEFT BOTTOM]

Dieting and Food Allergies

RATE: 
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 2.33 (3 Votes)

Another positive aspect to dieting with food allergies concerns the lifestyle simplification required by those with allergies. Most processed foods (i.e. those high in sugar and fat) or "junk" foods (mass-produced, preservative-laden or chemical-processed boxed, bagged, canned) have a greater amount of ingredients than those of healthier, organic options (simple and unprocessed foods). An individual with food allergies will usually be forced to eliminate the less healthy foods because they have a greater "risk factor".

Although some food allergies may eliminate "good" foods (such as nuts, shellfish, and a few others), it seems that the majority of restrictive diets simply eliminate "bad" foods. In addition, it is possible to substitute alternatives for the "good" foods that may be eliminated.

For instance, although my diet eliminates dairy, which contains calcium, a nutrient especially essential for women, I am able to take calcium supplements and substitute some soy alternatives (which are higher in protein) to make up for any calcium deficiency. My diet also forces me to eat foods which are higher in "good" fats (i.e. nuts, shellfish, lean meat) and to eliminate unhealthy sugars and chemicals.

As previously mentioned, an individual with food allergies is also forced to plan ahead; a skill which is essential to any dieter. When traveling or eating out, I have learned to pack healthy (healthy out of necessity, not only choice!) or "emergency" snack bags so that I am prepared.