Because it is so difficult for people to wrap their heads around, and because people tend to think it is a fad or a new diet craze, I simply start with, "my child has life threatening food allergies, and we wish to avoid going to the hospital or worse, so he/she will not partake in any meals outside of the one's I've prepared." While I know it sounds extreme, I've tried everything else, with no success or much justification. Those statements seem to get through and convey the severity of the condition. The questions that follow have been of a much different nature than when we have tried to gloss over it.

It's difficult. When they've cooked, I tell them how good it looks and how I wish I could indulge. "If I were just on a diet, I would fall off the wagon tonight just to try your dish. But it's much more serious than that. I hope you won't be offended that I can't try it." I don't go into detail as to "what" will happen, unless they ask.

Very S L O W L Y. ha ha ha!

I can't touch any of the onion family and it has been a nightmare trying to get people to understand that I cannot eat them. they are put in so many foods that I have to check everything first.

The easiest way is to discuss it ahead of time with your host or hostess and offer to bring something along that you can eat, as a contribution to the meal and then dish up only what you can eat. Trust me, your contribution is always valued, as it takes some load off your hostess. And if you want to explain to people, just tell them that eating a specific item might cause your heart to stop and your breathing to seize. They won't force you to eat then. I used to carry my own decaffeinated coffee in my bag as I was allergic to caffeine due to a drug allergy causing anaphylaxis.