Is it trendy to have a food allergy?

Immediately I think "gluten-free."

Yes, I know lots of people have legitimate food allergies -- I myself have been diagnosed by an allergist as being allergic to corn, peas, peanuts, walnuts, soy and shellfish (and I'm forgetting another one, I swear) -- but has all this just become the cool thing to do? Say you're a gluten-free household because it's the in thing?

A lot of misled consumers think cutting out a food or food group will lead to weight loss, but more than likely it will just lead to a nutritional deficiency. Not to get all orthorexic on you.

Having real food allergies stinks: When was the last time I enjoyed shrimp or lobster? Fresh green spring peas? I carry around an epi pen and an inhaler. On my to-do list is to seek out a "stylish" medical alert bracelet. I always wonder, if I leave my purse in the car and have an attack, will I be able to squeak out "Purse, car, epi pen" before I croak?

Okay, this is turning slightly morbid, like my last post. I get more uppity and anxious after childbirth. Completely natural.

I guess my point is, if you have a food allergy, take it seriously. If you have to feed or care for someone who says they do, too, take it seriously. And if you're eliminating nuts or soy or dairy just because you think it's trendy, think twice.

Seriously.