Nutrition News
Hartford Public Schools
Department of Food Services
and Nutrition Education
Vol. IX, Issue III, 2001-2002
Food Allergies- Myths and
Realities
Surveys show that almost one third of all adults believe they have a food
allergy. But in reality, the most conservative estimates indicate two percent
of the population in the United States are food allergic. Children are
more susceptible than adults to food allergy. Up to five percent of all
children have some type of food allergy. However, common allergens such
as eggs and milk are typically outgrown by the age of five.
The eight most common food allergens in people are: peanuts, tree nuts
(almonds, pecans, and walnuts) dairy, soy, wheat, eggs, fish and shellfish
(shrimp and crab).
Although a food allergy is rare, it is a serious condition and should be
diagnosed by a board certified allergist. A food allergy is a reaction
of the body's immune system to a certain component, usually a protein,
in a food or ingredient. The reactions can be uncomfortable and might include
vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes or runny nose, sneezing, coughing and wheezing
and may occur within hours or days after eating. However, anaphylaxis,
a more serious and life threatening reaction may occur. Anaphylaxis is
a rapidly occurring reaction that often involves hives and swelling, enlarging
of the larynx with a choking sensation, wheezing, severe vomiting, diarrhea
and even shock.
Adverse reactions to food or an intolerance are more common. Intolerance
reactions are generally localized, transient and rarely life threatening.
An example of a food intolerance is lactose intolerance. A lactose intolerance
may result in a bloated feeling or flatulence after consuming milk or diary
products whereas a milk allergy can have life threatening consequences
and the person must avoid all milk proteins.
The Best Weight Loss Advice
Be prepared for snack attacks - always have low
calorie snacks available when you are hungry.
Don't go anywhere without your water bottle - Drink half
your weight in water. That means if you weight 150 pounds you should drink
75 ounces (almost 10 cups) of water every day.
Make it convenient - Exercise should be convenient and easy
to do. Rev it up- eating too little can slow your metabolism as your body
adapts to living on less food. Exercise speeds up your metabolism. Listen
to your body- Stop eating when you are full.
Bank your calories for later - save your calories for eating
out and special occasions by having lighter meals during the day. The best
way to do this is to drink a lot of water, and cut back on portion sizes
by filling up on all the fruits and vegetables you should be eating anyway.
The Food Service Department News
Read Across America - during the month of March, the staff
celebrated Read Across America by inviting in school celebrities to read
to students during breakfast. If you were a celebrity reader, thank you
for encouraging children to come to breakfast.
Celebrate Spring - Although it snowed,we celebrated the new
season with the excitement of things to come with a new breakfast item
at breakfast. Some of the staff designed bulletin boards with the spring
theme. Clark Elementary School won first place for their outstanding "Celebrate
Spring" Bulletin Board. Please visit the cafeteria and look at their bulletin
boards.
Coming Events
May is multi-cultural month and a special menu is planned in the schools
with kitchens.
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