Food Allergies - psychology of eating


Do we eat with our senses? With our eyes-sight, nose-smell and finally through our sense of taste? We have to enjoy the way our food is presented, the same meal served again and again will soon evoke boredom!!

The emotions related to eating a meal can bring back childhood memories, a loving moment or a distasteful experience.

For a child with multiple food allergies life can be tricky, navigating their way through school canteens, birthday parties etc...and as a mum...it certainly is difficult coming up with a variety of recipe choices for breakfast, snack time, lunch, dinner and desserts..life is definitely a challenge.

In fact, in our house there is minimal pre-packaged or canned food, almost everything is made FRESH from scratch....whether it is a batch of waffles, mango pudding or enchiladas...all is served without eggs, nuts and fish/seafood - my son's main allergens.

My son enjoys designing his own recipes whether its a bowl of nachos with salsa, a simple sandwich, shepherds pie or his latest creation a Tony Roma's inspired Hickory Roasted Chicken...and Rocky Road for dessert... its all about experimentation and avoiding the threshold allergen trigger levels.

Once the child gets an allergic reaction a memory is entrenched and if the child is old enough it can affect their future food experiences.

Our job as parents involves providing a safe, environment filled with wonderful sights, smells and tastes related to food and removing the fear factor which is embedded deeply in children with food allergies.

This fear is related to the symptoms which are triggered after a reaction, whether it is severe cramps, hives, diahorrea or an asthma attack, there is a risk which is associated when trying new food items.

The psychology of eating is a serious issue and as Chefs we parents need to design, create and re-create an enjoyable, safe, tasty, nutritious food experience for our children each time we set foot in our kitchen!

Good Luck parents and may you be continually inspired each day!

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