Professional Documents
Culture Documents
96b8a91a 69fd 4e5b A190 17e3718b907e - Food Allergies and Substitutions
96b8a91a 69fd 4e5b A190 17e3718b907e - Food Allergies and Substitutions
A food allergy is when the body’s immune system mistakenly targets an allergen (harmless food
protein) as a threat and attacks it. Even a small amount of the allergen can trigger signs and
symptoms of an allergic reaction.
An allergic reaction is the result of the body’s immune system attacking an allergen. Some
people may have less severe reactions than others but all reactions should be taken seriously
because they can possibly escalate to life-threatening situations.
What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe and sudden reaction that can be life-threatening. Some symptoms of
anaphylaxis are swelling of the airway, inability to breathe and sudden drops in blood pressure.
This type of allergic reaction is incredibly dangerous and needs to be treated immediately with
rescue medications.
A food intolerance is very different from a food allergy. A food intolerance is when somebody’s
digestive system has difficulty processing a certain food. Food intolerances, while not
life-threatening still should be taken seriously (take the same precautions as you would with
severe allergies), because they can have similar unpleasant side effects.
Food Allergies - Medications
What are some common medications?
-Antihistamines: stops the effects of histamines, helps manage symptoms (hives, swelling, etc.).
(Diphenhydramine: Benadryl, Q-dryl; Hydroxyzine: Atarax, Vistaril)
*Do not use unprescribed medications and follow dosages mentioned in the action plan*
1. Identify symptoms.
3. Call 911.
Discussion Pointers:
-clarify that food allergies are normal and avoid frightening the scouts, but make sure that the
girls know that food allergies are something to be taken seriously, and that they can be life
threatening
Optional:
*Be sure to create a healthy discussion with your troop and avoid discriminating and
shaming anyone*
Food Allergies - Reading Labels
Key Words:
Shellfish: kamaboko.
Although allergies can prevent the consumption of certain foods, there are plenty of substitutes
that can be used in cooking and baking.
Peanut: seeds, tree nuts (if the allergy allows), sunflower or other nut butters
Fish: there are not many substitutes for fish, but you could have meat instead
A big part of Girl Scouts is troop meetings and camping trips, and for the most part, there is food
involved at both gatherings. It is crucial to check and verify that the foods you’re serving are
safe. It is a good rule of thumb to avoid serving food that contains anything that members of
your troop are allergic to.
-be sure to re-read and keep labels before serving food or if you can, have the girls with
allergies re-read the labels.
-make planning safe meals for camping trips a fun troop activity! At the meeting before the trip,
plan your meals.
-verify with the parents that the meals you are serving are safe for their children.
-make sure your girls are washing their hands before and after they eat to reduce the risk of
cross-contamination
Weelicious Granola Bars (you can substitute flour for nut, oat, soy, rice or coconut flour and omit
the chocolate chips or substitute it for dried fruit)
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the oat mixture and stir to combine.
5. Place granola mixture on a parchment lined baking sheet and shape into a rectangle, about
13 x 9 x 1 inch thick.
*You can crush the bars up after cooling them, and they work well as a granola.*
Lunch:
Taco Salad (you can substitute the flour tortilla chips for corn tortilla chips and omit the cheese
and sour cream)
-olive oil
-roasted salsa
-cilantro
-lettuce
-tortilla chips
-mexican cheese
-tomatoes
-avocado
-sour cream
1. Crumble in beef in chunks. Let sear until browned on bottom, about 3 minutes then
turn and break up beef and continue to cookie until cooked through.
2. Drain fat from beef then stir in salsa, chili powder and cumin. Season with salt and
pepper to taste and heat through, about 1 minute.
3. Layer lettuce among individual plates. Top with chips, beef mixture, cheese,
tomatoes, avocado and sour cream.
Dinner:
Pasta with Tomato Sauce (you can substitute the pasta for gluten-free pasta and omit the
cheese)
-pasta
-tomato sauce
-parmesan cheese
-cilantro (optional)
Dessert:
S’mores (you can substitute the graham crackers for gluten free graham crackers and the
chocolate for dairy free chocolate)
-chocolate
-graham crackers
-marshmallow
*Our Girl Scout troop has made all the recipes above and we highly recommend them
even if you don't have food allergies in your troop*