Peanuts & Treenuts

I have a peanut and tree nut allergy, and it’s something I’ve had to think about basically my whole life. For me, it’s not just “don’t eat peanuts.” It’s checking every label, every time, even if I’ve eaten the same snack before. Ingredients change, and I can’t risk assuming something is safe. Eating out is probably the most stressful part. I have to ask questions about cross-contamination, shared equipment, and ingredients, which can feel awkward, especially when I’m with friends and don’t want to make it a big deal. But at the end of the day, my health is more important than feeling embarrassed. Even small amounts of peanuts or tree nuts can cause a serious reaction for me, so I always carry my epinephrine auto-injector just in case. Social events can be hard too. A lot of desserts and snacks have nuts, and sometimes people don’t realize how serious cross-contamination can be. I’ve had moments where I just skip food altogether because it feels safer. There’s always this small level of anxiety in the back of my mind when food is involved. At the same time, living with this allergy has made me more responsible and aware. I’ve learned how to advocate for myself and speak up when I need to.