Family Adventures in the Summer: Special Diets Don’t Have to Stop the Fun

Special Diets Don’t Have to Stop the Fun

Summer time! The kids are out of school, the snow has finally melted, the sun is shining brightly and you are ready to enjoy some family adventures at home or away!

Phone/Tablet apps to help you locate allergy friendly foods

If you or a family member has a restricted diet and/or allergies to foods, it is a great idea to plan ahead! There are so many great apps out there now which can help your family to keep safe. These apps help you find restaurants, grocery stores, and other helpful shopping and eating tips.

Heathline.com compiled a list of the best allergy apps from 2016. This site lists if the app costs money, or is free. It also designates if it is available on an iPhone/iPad or Android device. They even list a star value, voted by consumers. Some of the apps even help you with seasonal allergies.

https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/top-iphone-android-apps

Tom’s Guide has apps for a variety of allergies and some are free, too! There is even an app to translate allergens into many different languages. This site also designates which phone/tablet device offers the apps.

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/673-best-allergy-apps.html#s8

Health edeals has also compiled some more apps to help with allergies and intolerances Prices range from free to a few dollars.

https://www.healthedeals.com/articles/5-top-ios-and-android-apps-for-food-allergies-and-intolerances

Allergy Free Restaurants

If you want to stop and stretch and have a meal prepared for you, or even just have a day or night out on the town, it can be difficult to locate restaurants that cater to specialized dietary needs. If the above apps are not helpful, try to see if some of these restaurant chains are located near where you will be traveling or where you live. You might want to plan ahead, print out a list, and check out the menu. Call to be certain that they can accommodate you and see if they are on your traveling path. Don’t forget to check local establishments that are not a chain! Just Google and check the menu online.

Snacks for the Road

If you are traveling by car, stock up on plenty of food in case you are unable to find adequate snacks on the road. Here are some finger friendly ideas.

Non-perishable Gluten Free-Dairy Free suggestions:

Bagel chips (Glutino), Chips (corn, potato, etc.), Nuts, Snack bars, Pretzels (there are many GF brands) Crackers, Granola/cereal, Muffins, Kind Bars, Trail Mix Lara bars, Rice Crackers, Rice Cakes, Popcorn Dried Fruit, Seeds, Fruit Leathers Nut butters in individual packs (Justin’s) Jerky (make sure it is gluten free)

https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/article/popular-gluten-freecasein-free-products/

Pack an ice chest with some perishable snacks.

If you are camping (or even if you stay in a hotel) you can freeze gallon-sized plastic empty juice containers with water ahead of time. They make great ice blocks that last a long time. You can get ice from the hotel once you arrive or use the hotel refrigerator later to continue to keep your items cold.

Here are some perishable suggestions to put into your ice chest for the road:

Fruit and vegetables, Hummus, Hard boiled eggs Yogurts (dairy free, if required), Sushi Sandwiches, Meats

Allergy Friendly Amusement Parks

Most families love amusement park adventures. Don’t let special diets ruin the fun! Many parks are willing to accommodate special food requests. To be 100% sure, always call ahead of time to be sure things will work out.

Disney is the most allergy friendly amusement park. Contact Guest Relations ahead of time to get a list of which places fit your allergy needs. The staff, or cast members, are well versed in allergy necessities. The larger restaurants will have a chef come to your table and take your order, specifying exactly what you can eat. Phone numbers: Florida: 1-407-WDW-DINE California: 1-714-781-DINE.

https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/article/traveling-special-dietary-need/

Legoland- They suggest to speak with the management team. California: has an extensive web page stating which foods with restaurant locations are free of gluten, dairy, nuts, and eggs. They also provide a vegan and vegetarian list.

Florida: has an extensive web page staring which foods at each locations are gluten free, dairy free, egg free, soy free, peanut free, and nut free. They also have a vegan and vegetarian list.

Legoland Discovery Centers allow people to bring their own food into the Cafe, if people have allergies.

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana Their employees are trained to be allergy safe.

https://www.holidayworld.com/park-tickets/food-snacks/

(812) 937-4401937-4401), ext. 3333

For other amusement parks contact Guest Relations and ask what they can do for your special dietary needs. They all should have a list that they can email you.

Have a wonderful and safe summer! Try Burt’s Bees and other natural and organic products for your sunscreen and bug repellent needs.

Barrie Silberberg is the author of The Autism & ADHD Diet: A Step-by- Step Guide To Hope and Healing by Living Gluten Free and Casein Free (GFCF) And Others Interventions. Her website is: www.puttingyourkidsfirst.com

Helpful Articles

• Family Fun Doesn’t Have to Stop Because of Special Diets
• Ways to Advocate for Yourself While on a Special Diet
• Traveling Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs
• Special Diets Do Not Need to Break the Bank!
• Special Diets for a Variety of Disabilities & Disorders
• Most Popular Gluten Free/Casein Free Products and Where to Find Them
• Taking Care of Your Child’s Special Food Needs

This post originally appeared on our May/June 2017 Magazine