ALLERGY ADVENTURE

At Blake’s Seed Based, our mission is to make healthy, allergy-friendly snacks without sacrificing taste. Our founder, Blake Sorensen, has a nut allergy which is why he created a snack company that everyone can enjoy, no matter the food allergy. We're increasing allergy awareness by learning about other people's food allergies and their own #AllergyAdventure.

Here is our interview with Emily McElroy, a college athlete with food allergies and founder of the blog and Instagram page "Em's NutFree Eats." She shares delicious recipes, restaurant guides and recommendations, and allergy-friendly products and reviews.

5 QUESTION WITH EMILY MCELROY

1.  Tell us about yourself and your food allergies. What is your #AllergyAdventure?

 "I was diagnosed with severe peanut and tree nut allergies when I was 2 years old and have managed them the last 19 years. I also manage a severe gluten intolerance and have had to eat a strictly gluten-free diet since I was 14 years old."

2.  What advice can you give someone who has just been diagnosed with food allergies?

 "My advice to someone who has just been diagnosed with food allergies is to try to remember that you're not alone and reach out for support in the allergy community. There are so many amazing allergy blogs and other resources that can help provide advice to those who are newly diagnosed. Don't be afraid to join the community and ask for support. People are always willing to help!" 

 3. What inspired you to become an allergy blogger?

 "During the start of my freshman year of college, I struggled with constant anxiety surrounding my food allergies and developed a pattern of disordered eating. I eventually went to therapy to learn ways to better manage my anxiety and cope with my post-reaction PTSD. During my recovery process, I decided to start my Instagram page and blog "Em's NutFree Eats" to document the restaurants and products I was eating and create a space of positivity surrounding eating with food allergies. I now share easy allergy-friendly recipes and treats, restaurant and bakery reviews, travel guides, and grocery hauls - all targeted to those also managing nut and gluten allergies!"

4. You have created so many delicious, allergy-friendly recipes. What is your favorite one and why?

"My favorite recipe on my blog is my Gluten-Free S'mores Cookie Bars! I love how easy they are to make and that they are free of the top 8 allergens!"

  5. What is your favorite Blake’s Seed Based product and why? 

 "My favorite Blake's Seed Based product is the Chocolate Chip Rice Crispy Treat! It's very hard to find rice crispy treats that are gluten-free, so I love having a safe option, and also love the added mini chocolate chips!"