About Me

Hi! My name is Kristi and I am a mom to two boys who have food allergies. My first son was diagnosed with multiple food allergies when he was 9 months old after eating an egg. I found myself actually feeling afraid to feed him! My husband and I had so much to learn - getting into the habit of reading every single food label, knowing what those ingredients actually are, watching out for cross contamination, substituting ingredients and, most difficult, cooking without...cheese!

My Family at the 2007 FAAN Walk for Food Allergy

OK, so cooking without cheese was the smallest of our challenges BUT altering one's diet can be very challenging when you're set in your ways (and really love pizza!) We've been eating with food allergies (dairy, wheat, egg, peanut, treenut, fish and shellfish free) since 2005. If you're eating with food allergies, you know that it isn't always very easy!

I love food, in fact, I studied it in college! I have a B.S. in Nutrition from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and am a member of the American Dietetic Association. I also really enjoy cooking so I have taken up a new hobby - to come up with foods that are made without the allergens that we are avoiding but still taste good, even good enough to serve to others. I've made a lot of flops, including many "bricks" of bread, but have also come up with some new family favorites.

On our journey with food allergies, my family and I have been helped by so many other people who have gone down the same road. My motivation for creating this website was to pay forward the help that I have received from others and to share my newfound interest in cooking with limitations. I hope that this site becomes a resource frequented by those living with food allergies.

What Will You Find Here?
This site is full of all of the tips, food finds and recipes that I've learned over the past few years while eating with food allergies. Are you wondering where to go first? Here are some suggestions:

• If you're just starting out, be sure to read up on the top 8 most common food allergies. You'll also find lists of foods and ingredients to avoid for each allergen.
• Looking for some substitutes for the allergens that you're avoiding? Check out the Allergy Free Substitutes Page where you'll find my favorites.
• Do you need help planning your meals (now that meals are a bit more complicated)? Read the Meal Planning Page for some suggestions.
• Are you looking for some new "allergy-free" recipes to try? Then head on over to the Allergy Free Recipes Pagefor some ideas.
• Can't find what you're looking for? Don't hesitate to Ask me - I would love to help!

Send me an e-mail with any comments, questions or ideas
Return to the Eating With Food Allergies Home Page