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Mental Health: Moving Forward After a Food Allergy Reaction or Being Glutened

Mental Health, Food Allergy, and Celiac Awareness all land in May — and that feels like more than a coincidence. While the community spends 365 days a year working to stay physically safe, we know these conditions carry a significant mental load. We are shining a light on a specific mental health challenge – moving forward after an allergic reaction or being glutened. For our first mental health Insta Live we knew exactly who to invite, Jenna of @thefoodallergytherapist and Alyssa of @allthingsallergies who both personally manage food allergies and have devoted their careers to helping the community. Watch our live or see the abbreviated transcript below.

Mental Health: Recovering From an Allergic Reaction or Being Glutened

It's no coincidence that Mental Health, Food Allergy, and Celiac Awareness all land in May. In the first of our mental health series, we're shining a light on one of the toughest topics: recovering emotionally after experiencing an allergic reaction or being glutened. Because this experience so often comes with shame and a sense of aloneness, we wanted to wrap our arms around our community and remind you — you are not alone. In that spirit, we asked 28 Spokin Ambassadors and friends to share their stories: how they moved forward, their favorite resources, their best advice, and more. Allergic Reaction | Being Glutened

Indiana University Allergy-Friendly Campus Guide

Hi! I’m Eleni and I attend Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. I’m graduating in 2029 and am majoring in Management and Marketing! In the future, I plan to pursue Global Brand Management, and hopefully live abroad in Europe. I manage peanut and tree nut allergies and have shared 12 reviews on the Spokin app. Follow me there @emarousi and on Instagram @elenimarousis!

Lauren’s U.S. Allergy-Friendly Favorites

Hi! I’m Lauren and I’m excited to show off my favorite spots around the U.S including Los Angeles, Montecito, Scottsdale and my hometown of Chicago! These places were great with my multiple allergies and dietary restrictions as I avoid gluten, dairy, peanut, egg, soy, sesame, buckwheat, oats and more! One of my favorite places is Ema where I get garlic almond dip, crispy potatoes and chicken kabobs and for my favorite sweet treat, check out Gati’s Ice Cream in Austin! See my 66 reviews and follow me on the Spokin app @lesswithlaur and on Instagram @lesswithlaur!

Sarah’s Favorite Celiac-Friendly Pizza Spots Around the World

Hi! I’m Sarah, and I’m excited to share my favorite gluten free pizza spots where I’ve safely eaten while managing celiac. For my top picks, if you’re in the mood for deep dish in Chicago, I’d recommend Chicago’s Pizza to get any deep dish flavor. If you’re looking for fun flavors, another favorite is Flatbread Company to get Jimmy’s Free-Range Chicken. And if you want a dedicated gluten free restaurant, you may have to travel to Spain and visit Messie Sin Gluten or Budapest and visit Nongluten. See all 39 reviews I’ve shared, and follow me on the Spokin app at @celiacsarahexp and on Instagram at @celiacsarahexplores!

Nicole’s Favorite Celiac and Allergy-Friendly Froyo Spots

Hi! I’m Nicole, and I’m excited to share my favorite froyo spots in Miami and New York, where I’ve safely eaten while managing celiac and food allergies to tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and sesame. My favorite spot in Miami, where I live, is Myka, where I get tart and mango swirl with berry crumble. I used to live in New York, and my favorite there is Glace! I recommend getting cookies and cream frozen hot chocolate with brown butter vanilla ice cream. See all 101 reviews I’ve shared, and follow me on the Spokin app at @girlwnogluten and on Instagram at @girlwithnogluten_. Miami | New York

Alyssa’s Favorite Nut-Friendly Chicago Spots

Hi! I’m Alyssa and I’m excited to show off my favorite spots in Chicago, Illinois! I have found many safe places to eat in the area while managing my peanut allergy. One of my favorite places to eat is Ramen San where I get the chicken gyoza. And for a sweet treat, check out Del Sur Bakery where I’d recommend the ube oatmeal cream pie. See my 594 reviews and follow me on the Spokin app @alyssabauder and on Instagram @allthingsallergies! Eat | Treat

Lauren’s Favorite Celiac-Friendly San Diego Spots

Hi! I’m Lauren, the creator behind @eat.glutenfreewithme, and I’m so excited to show off my favorite restaurants in my hometown of San Diego, California! It took me a bit of time to find my favorite places to eat, but finally, I have narrowed down the best hidden gems. One of my favorite places is Campfire in Carlsbad, CA where everything is cooked on an open fire. They're known for their roasted brocolli and trust me, you don't want to miss out on it! For a sweet treat, check out Little Fox Cups for the best handmade gluten-free ice cream! Head to the Spokin app for the rest of my celiac-safe San Diego recommendations and follow me on the Spokin app @eatgfwithme and on Instagram @eat.glutenfreewithme!