Happy Labor Day! We’re sharing a round-up of resources to help you manage your food allergies smartly while having fun over this long holiday weekend — whether grilling in the backyard, seeking the sun, or just chilling at the park or your favorite hangout with friends.

If Grilling’s Your Thing…

We can’t wait to have friends and family over for a BBQ this weekend. Chef, Martha Morgan (aka Allergy Dragon) serves up recipes for tasty BBQ side dishes that will make it easy to plan and prepare, beyond guacamole and tortilla chips!

Allergy Dragon’s recipes don’t require a gazillion exotic ingredients, are simple to make, gluten-free, top-9-free, and easily adapted for different dietary needs and tastes.

Get the recipes for Allergy Dragon’s ‘Easy Southern Style Cucumber Salad’ and ‘Allergy Friendly Watermelon Salad’ here. They’re a great way to use up fresh herbs like dill, mint, and basil from your kitchen garden. What we love about these recipes is that you can eat them right away or let them marinate for later.

Earlier this year Allergy Dragon joined forces with Red Sneakers for Oakley to teach a virtual ‘BBQ Favorites and Sides’ class to celebrate Food Allergy, Celiac and Asthma Month.

The class covered everything from homemade BBQ Sauce (Yummmm!!), to Red Cabbage Slaw, even a gluten free Kickin’ Pasta Salad with lots of veggies tossed in a creamy dressing with avocado, lime and smoked paprika (so not your mom’s potato salad!) Delicious.

You can get the recipe details from the class here (scroll down to find the recipes) and you can access the class recording of the live class here if you want to watch Allergy Dragon make them.

Say good bye to the same-old, same-old BBQ sides and make your grilled spread a flavor adventure.

If You’re Seeking the Sun…

Protect your skin.

Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen if you’re spending time outdoors over the weekend. Allergic Living meticulously researches allergy-friendly sunscreens each year that will be gentle on your sensitive (reactive) skin while protecting it from the sun’s harsh rays. Even though it’s September, the sun is still strong and can harm delicate skin. Use generously. Re-apply frequently. Allergic Living’s 2024 list of sunscreens featured 19 options to choose from. The list also details where you can buy them. How easy is that? Check it out! (Be sure to triple check the ingredients’ suitability for your specific allergy profile.)

Keep your epinephrine at your fingertips.

If you’re headed out, don’t forget your epinephrine auto-injectors. Epinephrine is the only medication that will stop an anaphylactic reaction that’s gathering steam. The sooner you use it the better the outcomes. Don’t second guess the need. Don’t hesitate.

Carry TWO.

Carry 2 auto-injectors. And if you get pushback on that from your tween, teen, young-adult loved ones, encourage them to read this post from Red Sneakers for Oakley that explains why you need to carry TWO.

Don’t leave your epinephrine broiling in the car.

You have to protect your auto-injectors from overheating for extended periods because high heat causes the medication to degrade. It’s not too late to track down an insulated carry case to protect your epinephrine from soaring temperatures. Frio offers different styles that would work for different size/shape auto-injectors. Check out PracMedic bags, too. Different styles from both of these brands can be found on Amazon with one-day delivery for prime customers.

If Drinking’s Part of Your Weekend Game Plan…

No surprise — when you manage food allergies alcohol can be a bit of a minefield. A quick read of this post by Red Sneakers for Oakley for Allergy Force can help you navigate the alcohol minefield with more confidence, all while having your fun. It’s a matter of planning ahead of time, drinking smart and staying mindful.

Plus don’t miss the details at the end of the post covering tricky places allergens hide in cocktails, wine, and beer. Who knew cocktail froth is made from egg white some of the time? Or, clam juice might lurk in your Bloody Mary or Martini?

Enjoy your Labor Day holiday (and stay safe!)

Have Fun With Eyes Wide Open!

Allergy Force is committed to helping people with food allergies live freely — with less fear, less anxiety, more confidence — through technology and education. The Allergy Force food allergy app is peace of mind in your pocket..

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Images: Vitolda Klein on Unsplash and Allergy Force Canva creation