Cooking for a family of five can feel like an epic journey, especially when food allergies are part of the equation. To say it’s exhausting is an understatement. Picture this: you’re paddling across a vast ocean with your crew, armed with only one paddle and beset by complaints from your little ones. That’s what it feels like every evening in my kitchen.
While some may think I’m exaggerating, my experiences go beyond the usual mom complaints. Years of preparing meals for kids with food allergies, alongside a husband who has his own dietary dislikes, have turned dinner into a minefield. Between my youngest’s recent lactose intolerance diagnosis and the legacy of my two boys’ food intolerances during their early years, dinner prep can feel like a full-time job.
I get it—many parents deal with picky eaters. But in my household, it’s a symphony of dietary restrictions that often feels impossible to navigate. Yes, I’ve embraced the idea of cereal for dinner on occasion, but I still hold onto the hope of sharing a family meal. I meal plan, shop weekly, and somehow manage to whip up three meals daily that cater to everyone’s unique needs. It’s not just about filling bellies; it’s about nurturing a healthy relationship with food for my kids.
Every night is a balancing act. Even with the plethora of allergen-free recipes available online, I find myself too drained to take on elaborate cooking tasks like grinding my own flour or making homemade condiments. It’s common for one family member to be unable to eat what I’ve prepared, which adds another layer of frustration to meal times. The thought of saying, “Just eat what’s in front of you,” feels like a betrayal when I know they miss out on so many foods.
Sometimes, I dream of a tropical island where the only decisions to make are what fruit to eat, without the stress of meal planning. It sounds simple enough: just eat what’s served. Yet, dinners often devolve into negotiations over what can be consumed or last-minute sandwiches for those who can’t eat the main dish. I want my family to be healthy and satisfied, but it often requires Herculean efforts to make it happen.
When out in public, I find myself explaining our dietary needs and apologizing for the inconveniences we may cause. It’s not something I chose, and while it’s not the worst predicament, it is undeniably draining. The burden of crafting a meal that’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and acceptable to picky eaters can sometimes make me consider hiring a personal chef—if only it were financially feasible.
We’ve adapted by packing meals for outings and preparing backup options for those family members who can’t eat what’s on the table. I try to avoid overspending at specialty grocery stores, even though they offer a treasure trove of allergen-free options.
Someday, I’ll be cooking for fewer people and hopefully reminisce fondly about these chaotic years. I look forward to enjoying a simple bowl of cereal for dinner without anyone needing a napkin reminder.