Hi! It’s Rozelyn here and welcome to The Frugalista Mom’s Allergy Friendly Home. A lifestyle blog that aims to help people with allergies live a normal and even a healthier life on a budget.
I started this blog in September 2012, a week after my child #3 was properly diagnosed with multiple food allergies. (Eventually, I had the other 3 children tested and guess what? They do have multiple food allergies as well.) As if preparing healthy food for 4 young children and making them actual eat wasn’t challenging enough, how about making everything Wheat, Egg, Dairy, Soy, Nut and Peanut Free?
Armed with the cooking skills I got from my dad and lola (grandma) who are both excellent home cooks, my passion for delicious food and determination to make our family’s transition as positive for all 6 of us as possible, I took the plunge to the unknown. It’s just finding alternatives. How hard can it be?
Then reality sink in. Drive thru and deliveries are no longer my friend. I would spend 2 hours grocery shopping, reading all the labels to make sure each item is food allergy friendly and will only end up with just 2- 3 items in my cart. If I am lucky enough to find a safe brand or food, instead of jumping for joy, I would smirk and say “Are you kidding me? This is 5 times the amount I am willing to spend for this.” Yup, I used to be a big time Coupon lady too.
When I finally had the courage to put that expensive gluten, soy, nut and peanut free vegan food in my cart, 1, 2, 3 or even all 4 of my children will refuse to eat it. Why? They would complain that the food tasted bland, funny or even plain yucky. Mind you, these kids are big eaters, food adventurers and not at all picky. I’m pretty sure you can all relate with that scenario right?
Anyway, after a lot of meltdowns, happy dances, questions and developments posted on Facebook, (Thank God I have such loving and supporting friends!), many encouraged me to start writing so that I can help others who are going through the same thing as I am. Some who aren’t concerned about food allergies even asked for the recipes I was able to come up with.
Who knew this journey on allergies will also be fun, exciting and even filled with wonderful memories? If you have allergies or special food requirements, looking for new recipes, trying to be healthy, or simply curious, feel free to hang around.
As we always say in our home, “Living with food allergies is not all about what you can’t have, it’s about what you CAN have.”
The reason for all of these.
PS. I love to hear from you. If you have questions, comments or anything you like to share, please send a message at thefrugalistamom@gmail.com