About Me
- Diane Reis
- I am a wife and mother of 3 amazing children. I have a degree in secondary education from Texas A&M University. After teaching Junior High for a few years,I returned to the family floral business. I now specialize in weddings and events as an event planner and floral designer. My website is www.twodandelions.com. I also have a passion for healthy living which was born out of necessity when our first child was diagnosed with severe food allergies.I began studying nutrition 17 years ago and have found ways to turn around our family's health. I feel blessed to work in an industry of creativity both with my floral design business and educating others about health and nutrition.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Food Allergy Testing
I went with my son last week for another round of testing for his allergies. (I recommend doing this every couple of years to see if there have been any changes.) We found out that he is still highly allergic to peanuts, walnuts and pecans. We will continue the plan that we have put in place for the last 6 years of avoiding all nut products. Thankfully, we have been able to successfully do this and have not had any accidental exposures. I know that my son was a little disappointed over the results but he is a "trooper" and will continue to be careful. At 9 years old, he diligently teaches others about label reading. He is even paying attention to things like sugar and fiber content to make sure that he is eating foods that are good for him.
I signed up to be Home Room mom for his class again this year. I recommend doing this if you can. It definitely helps when it comes to school party planning and making sure that the foods are safe for him to eat. It also gives me the opportunity to get to know other moms and educate them about food allergies. It seems as if almost everyone I meet knows someone that has food allergies.
As the Holidays are quickly approaching, I would encourage everyone to plan out their holiday meals and treats in advance so that you will be prepared when the events arrive. This definitely helps ease the stress. I regularly keep safe cupcakes, already iced, in my freezer to pull out for parties. I also have a special box marked for treats at school that my son's teacher keeps.
If you have any tips that you would like to share, please do so. Remember, you are not on this journey alone and we all benefit by supporting eachother.
I signed up to be Home Room mom for his class again this year. I recommend doing this if you can. It definitely helps when it comes to school party planning and making sure that the foods are safe for him to eat. It also gives me the opportunity to get to know other moms and educate them about food allergies. It seems as if almost everyone I meet knows someone that has food allergies.
As the Holidays are quickly approaching, I would encourage everyone to plan out their holiday meals and treats in advance so that you will be prepared when the events arrive. This definitely helps ease the stress. I regularly keep safe cupcakes, already iced, in my freezer to pull out for parties. I also have a special box marked for treats at school that my son's teacher keeps.
If you have any tips that you would like to share, please do so. Remember, you are not on this journey alone and we all benefit by supporting eachother.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
May 6 Health Event
If you are interested in improving your family's health, please plan to attend this wellness event, featuring guest speaker, David Phillips,M.D. from Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Phillips is an outstanding speaker on nutrition and exercise. The event takes place at Grace Community Church 3215 Old Jacksonville Rd, Tyler, TX at 7:00pm on May 6th. Contact Diane Reis for more information...www.foodteacher@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Food Allergy Meeting
Spring is in the air!! Please mark your calendars for our next Food Allergy Meeting on Thursday, March 25th at 6:30 pm. Our guest speaker will be Dr. Paul Sharkey. Reservations are required. Contact Diane Reis
Sunday, February 7, 2010
One Sweet Holiday - Valentine's Day Ideas
Time to start planning those Valentine's treats? I'll give you a few easy ideas to get you started.
If you have a school age child, be sure to speak to your child's teacher(s) to remind them about the food allergy. Ask the teacher to not allow candy to be opened in the classroom. Be sure to check all candy prior to allowing your child to consume it. You will find that some candies which are purchased in the large bags are safe but in the individual packages are not safe. I found this to be true with Necco candies, the makers of the traditional "Sweethearts"candy. When I e-mailed the company, I was informed that the large bags were safe but the small boxes are produced in a facility that also processes their nut candies. If you are not sure of the ingredients, do not allow your child to consume it.
Be prepared to trade out the treats they recieve for safe treats. These could be non-food items as well. Check the dollar stores now for some inexpensive party favors. I usually try to keep a stash of puzzles, coloring books, bouncy balls, play jewelry, toy cars, etc to trade out for the candy.
Make some of your own candy using safe chocolate. You can find some yummy recipes at www.kidswithfoodallergies.org and www.foodallergy.org. Offer to bring your "safe" goodies to class. Try the cupcake and frosting recipe on this blog. You can also make the safe version of "RiceCrispie Treats" using puffed rice cereal, marshmellows, and Earth's Balance Original Spread.
Make some fun Valentine's Day cards and crafts with your child. Emphasize the non-food activities. This year we made homemade Valentine's Day cards for children at our local hospital.
With a little preparation, Valentine's Day can be a safe and fun celebration.
If you have a school age child, be sure to speak to your child's teacher(s) to remind them about the food allergy. Ask the teacher to not allow candy to be opened in the classroom. Be sure to check all candy prior to allowing your child to consume it. You will find that some candies which are purchased in the large bags are safe but in the individual packages are not safe. I found this to be true with Necco candies, the makers of the traditional "Sweethearts"candy. When I e-mailed the company, I was informed that the large bags were safe but the small boxes are produced in a facility that also processes their nut candies. If you are not sure of the ingredients, do not allow your child to consume it.
Be prepared to trade out the treats they recieve for safe treats. These could be non-food items as well. Check the dollar stores now for some inexpensive party favors. I usually try to keep a stash of puzzles, coloring books, bouncy balls, play jewelry, toy cars, etc to trade out for the candy.
Make some of your own candy using safe chocolate. You can find some yummy recipes at www.kidswithfoodallergies.org and www.foodallergy.org. Offer to bring your "safe" goodies to class. Try the cupcake and frosting recipe on this blog. You can also make the safe version of "RiceCrispie Treats" using puffed rice cereal, marshmellows, and Earth's Balance Original Spread.
Make some fun Valentine's Day cards and crafts with your child. Emphasize the non-food activities. This year we made homemade Valentine's Day cards for children at our local hospital.
With a little preparation, Valentine's Day can be a safe and fun celebration.
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