Hey there, future college rockstar! I'm Matt, the founder of AlleRx. Trust me when I say, I get it. I've lived with multiple food allergies my whole life. I've navigated the ins and outs of school cafeterias, been 'that person' asking the waiter a million questions on a date, and yes, I've had to explain my allergies in every single social setting you can imagine. So, you're heading to college? Exciting, right? But also probably terrifying, especially with food allergies in the mix. Let's break down how you can not just survive, but thrive, in your new adventure.
Mental Health
Keep Calm and Carry On
First things first, it's normal to be anxious. College is a big change, and when you've got food allergies, the stakes feel even higher. Take some deep breaths, give yourself permission to feel your feelings, and let's tackle this together.
Nutrition
Meal Prepping Like a Pro
Trust me, no one wants to be the girl who's stuck with a sad salad while everyone else is enjoying pizza night. Solution? Meal prepping! Invest in some good quality, leak-proof containers, and spend a few hours on the weekend whipping up some of your favorite, allergen-free dishes.
Discover The Allergy-Friendly Cookbook by Liz Pecoraro, MS, RDN.
Social Settings
Learn the Fine Art of 'Food Diplomacy'
Yes, it's a thing. When you're at a party or social gathering, and someone offers you something you're allergic to, graciously declining without making it awkward is key. Rehearse a line or two so you're not caught off guard. Try something like, "Thank you, but I have some dietary restrictions. Cheers!"
Advocacy
Speak Up, Stand Out
You're your best advocate. Learn how to communicate your needs clearly and assertively. It's not just about making sure your food is safe; it's about empowering yourself in a new environment.
Friends
The Allergy Talk
Your true friends won't care about your food allergies; they'll care about you. Having 'the talk' about your allergies might feel uncomfortable, but real friends will appreciate your honesty and will want to keep you safe.
Dating
The Allergy Ice-breaker
"Hey, before we kiss, do you have a list of everything you've eaten in the last 6 hours?" Okay, maybe that's not the best ice-breaker, but addressing the issue is crucial. It's a unique way to gauge someone's level of empathy and maturity.
More Tips
The Power of Community
Seek out others who are going through similar experiences. You'd be surprised how much you can learn from each other.
The Emergency Kit
Always keep an epinephrine auto-injector on hand. Companies like WOLACO offer some fantastic compression gear with sweat-proof pockets that fit all types of epinephrine auto-injectors. Check it out here.
Read more: Embrace an Active, Allergy-Safe Lifestyle: My Experience With WOLACO's Game-Changing Compression Gear
Conclusion
College is a fantastic experience, and having food allergies shouldn't deter you from making the most of it. You've got this, and hey, you've got all of us at AlleRx rooting for you.
For more tips, guidance, and community support, head over to AlleRx.
You're stronger than your allergies. See you on campus!
—Matt, Founder of AlleRx
