5 steps to keep food allergies and dietary restrictions from taking over your workday

5 steps to keep food allergies and dietary restrictions from taking over your workday5 steps to keep food allergies and dietary restrictions from taking over your workdayDietary restrictions can often be a barrier in our food-centric culture. Whether theyre religious restrictions - like avoiding caffeine, alcohol, or pork - or allergies, principled choices or health problems, a different diet can sometimes be a barrier to socializing with colleagues. Being vegan, vegetarian or having an intolerance to common foods products like gluten, dairy or soy can pose a challenge when lunch time rolls around at work, but it doesnt always have to be a struggle by any means.As hard as it may be to feel like youre missing out on enjoying everydayfoods at work and at home, there are ways to make sure you get the food you need to keep your energy levels up at lunch, and tostay motivated.1. Know as much as you can about your restrictionsYou have the power to find food you love, and that works for y ou. But first, you have to know what to look for at the supermarket or in the office cafeteria. There are always surprises - things you thought you couldnt have that you really can. Consider talking to a medical professional about your diet options to get a good overview of what to seek out.If youve gone gluten-free,websites like the Mayo Clinic and Celiac Disease Foundationalso provide lists of foods that might work for you and what to watch out for.Also, if your company provides food during the workday, be sure youre as crystal-clear as you can beon the ingredients used so yousteer clear of substances youre avoiding.2. Ask for changesYou dont have to assume that theres no way your diet would be welcome at work. Often, food thats consistent with dietary restrictions can also be healthier for everyone, and many schools and workplaces are incorporating those options. If they arent already, many will listen to what employees ask theres no point, after all, in providing food that peop le cant or wont eat.An exampleCornell University and Kent State opened thefirst certified gluten-free dining halls this academic year, the New York Times reported.Cornell senior Amber Terschak has celiac disease, a corn allergy and Type 1 diabetes.Its a huge relief to know Im never going to become sick because of the food I eat hereJust to be able to eat a grilled cheese again is incredible, she told the publication.3. Make sure you have your own snacks or food ready most daysDietary restrictions can be an adjustment, but if you pack or find foods in the officethat you can wholeheartedly eat and enjoy,lunches at work or out with your team at restaurants are more manageable.TheCeliac Foundation lists specific types of foods that dont have gluten in them, including fruits, vegetables, meat and poultry, dairy, beans, nuts, legumes, seafood and fish, and a variety of grains.But what should you think about when getting your grain fix?Michael F. Picco, M.D. offers advice to someone with C eliac Disease seeking grainson the Mayo Clinics website.When possible, choose foods made with enriched flours for added vitamins and minerals. Whole grains are even better for you. These include brown, black or wild rice, quinoa, amaranth, pure buckwheat, corn, cornmeal, popcorn, millet, gluten-free oats, hirse and teff, Picco writes.4. Make room for desserts and indulgencesRestrictions can be hard to live with, even if we choose them - so its important to vary your diet to avoid feeling as if youre in food prison. For example, being vegan doesnt mean you cant spoil yourself too.Tracey Chang wrote about the path to a vegan diet in forReuters, and featured advice from vegan personal chef Jesse Miner.For sugary cravings, Miner suggests fruit, dark chocolate (most are vegan), sorbets and nondairy (often soy) ice creams, which can be found in grocery stores, Chang wrote.She added that, unlike Oprah Winfreys health challenge undertaken by herself 378 of her employees to go vegan for a w eek, Miner says you should take a minimum of one month to get used to the diet, because a week isnt a long enough time to develop good habits or a routine.5. Find nearby places to grab food that works for youChances are, if your office doesnt provide a whole lot of meals that you can enjoy within your diet, or if youre just in the mood for other options,youre going to want to grab lunch somewhere else.One day when you have a bit of downtime, pick up an outside option from a nearby restaurant or marketplaceon a walk during your lunch break. Just keep in mind that if the food was prepared ahead of time, theres no way to tell that it doesnt contain a substance youre not eating. Ask questions about the menu to make sure you wont get sick. And if you have powerful food allergies, you already know to have an EpiPen on you. For weaker allergies, keep an antihistamine pill on hand, which can be helpful.Having a couple of safe places to order from on busy days can also be a big help when you dont have much time to search for food that you could reallygo for. And when it comes time to suggest a place for lunch with colleagues, you can always invite them along to your favorite place.