travel

KetoCal® Air Travel Tips

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Traveling-with-KetoCalTraveling for the holidays? We want to make sure you have no trouble taking your KetoCal with you. Here are some tips for air travel with KetoCal:

Ship it ahead of time:

When possible, many families prefer to ship KetoCal to their destination ahead of time. When you purchase KetoCal from Nutricia, shipping is free for orders over $25. You can order by calling 1-800-365-7354. We recommend that you order a week or so in advance so that you don’t have to worry about whether or not your formula will get there in time for your arrival. Be sure to ask your family/friends/hotel staff to store the KetoCal indoors at room temperature (it should not be stored outdoors in cold weather).

Flying with KetoCal:

Medical Necessity Letter: When flying with KetoCal, we recommend that you get a letter from your doctor or dietitian explaining that KetoCal is a medically necessary formula used with the medical ketogenic diet for the management of epilepsy/Glut1DS/PDHD. You may not need it, but it never hurts to have it in case you have any trouble getting your KetoCal through security.

Checked Luggage: If you are packing KetoCal in your checked luggage, it might be useful to include the medical necessity letter in your bag in case it gets searched by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Carry-On Bags: If you are bringing KetoCal in your carry-on bag, be prepared for some additional screening and give yourself extra time so that you aren’t stressed about missing your flight. Be sure to pack a little extra formula in case of flight delays, which are fairly common during peak travel days around the holidays.

As you likely know, there are limits to the quantity of liquids you can carry on when flying (3.4 fluid ounces or 100 milliliters). Luckily, formulas and medically necessary liquids are exempt from this quantity limit, although they require extra screening. As soon as you arrive at security, notify the TSA agent that you are traveling with medically necessary liquid formula. Have the medical necessity letter from your healthcare provider handy in case you need it. If you do not want the formula to go through an X-ray or to be opened, notify the TSA officer. You will have to go through additional screening in this case, so be sure to give yourself extra time.

Powders may also require additional screening at TSA checkpoints. When you arrive at security, notify the TSA officer that you are traveling with medically necessary powdered formula. Have the medical necessity letter from your healthcare provider handy in case you need it.

  • Ice packs: Ice packs, freezer packs, gel packs, and other accessories used to keep your formula cool are allowed through security as long as they are frozen or partially frozen. Like formula, they may require additional screening.

For more information, check out the TSA guidelines for travel with medications, including liquids, and for travel with children, including formula.

Happy Holidays and Safe Travels!

–Mallory

KetoCal is a medical food for the dietary management of intractable epilepsy and is intended for use under medical supervision. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether KetoCal is right for you.

The medical ketogenic diet for epilepsy should be used under medical supervision.

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Summer Traveling while on the Medical Ketogenic Diet

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Today’s guest blog post is by ketogenic dietitian Robyn Blackford, RDN, LDN. Thank you for these helpful and timely tips, Robyn!

Robyn Blackford, RDN, LDN

The beginning of summer is finally here! Are you considering a family trip this summer? Packing up your keto kid for a family trip may seem like a daunting task to accomplish. Whether you are traveling by air or car, here are a few ideas for you to consider as you plan your summer get-away:

  1. Make a checklist. Think of all of the things that you need to pack and things you need to do. Start this list several weeks before the planned trip. This will bring you much needed peace of mind knowing that everything is checked off of the list and you truly have thought of everything!
  2. Label everything. Be specific and label all bags and bowls of food items. It may even be helpful to label the outside with what food it contains and what day and time you plan on serving it. This way it is fool proof when other family members are trying to be helpful and helps you to keep everything straight and organized.
  3. Check your destination. It can be helpful to look into both hotels or rental homes in the area. A hotel may offer some perks, like a concierge and a chef who are happy to meet the needs of your child’s special diet. But, a rental home will have a full kitchen that you can utilize. Be sure to find the closest grocery store and see if they carry your favorite items.
  4. Travel letter from your Keto Center. Many facilities who support the Medical Ketogenic Diet have standard letters that they can provide to families. The travel letter should include that your child is on a special medical diet and that it would be helpful to be able to carry in certain items, such as unrestricted amounts of fluids (cream, oil, water, etc) and a cooler. These letters can be used for air travel as well as amusement parks and water parks that usually restrict customers from bringing in outside food.
  5. TSA guidelines. Familiarize yourself with the rules, so you know what special accommodations your family may need. The TSA Cares website can be very helpful.
  6. Timing is everything. Many websites that give tips on traveling with children suggest that you choose travel times near bedtime. To me, this sounds like the perfect idea, especially for children on a special diet. You can feed your keto kid their meal and then prepare them for a traveling bedtime, whether it be by car or airplane. This is less time you have to think about feeding your child and it’s an easy distraction in your travel plan.
  7. Medical ID or food allergy bracelet. Some families already utilize the medical ID bands for the purpose of seizures, but why not also use it for your ketogenic diet. Listing an allergy to dextrose can be helpful in the event of an emergency during your travels and  help others to be aware of the needs of your child’s medical diet. In general, people take allergies a bit more seriously than diet guidelines.
  8. Easy to pack and eat foods. For easy packing, choose foods that can be stored for a long time in a cooler or even stay fresh outside of a cooler. Consider these foods:
  • Protein foods: nut butters, lunchmeat, cheese sticks, nuts
  • Fat foods: Fat bombs, oil shots, avocados
  • Carb foods: veggies, very low carb breads, berries
  • Drinkable Meal/Snack: KetoCal 4:1 LQ

I hope these tips make your summer travel a little bit easier.  Planning weeks in advance can help you be successful in taking your next family trip.

Find some fun and enjoy your summer!

-Robyn

I was paid by Nutricia for my time in writing this post, however, my opinions are my own.

KetoCal® is a medical food for the dietary management of intractable epilepsy and is intended for use under medical supervision. Talk with your healthcare provider to determine if KetoCal is right for you.

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The Medical Ketogenic Diet: 5 Things To Do Before You Go on a Trip

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Taking a summer trip requires a little more planning when you or a family member is on a special diet. In today’s guest blog post, ketogenic dietitian and keto ambassador Stacey Bessone, RDN, LDN, shares her list of 5 things to do before going on a trip while on the medical ketogenic diet. Thank you for your tips, Stacey!

trip 2Sometimes planning for a trip can be overwhelming, even for people not on a special diet. When you or a family member is on a special diet, such as the medical ketogenic diet, the task can be even more daunting.  Here are a few tips to help preparations so that you do not need a vacation from your vacation.

  1. Plan for the travel portion (there and the way home).

    Try to bring non-perishables and pre-made snacks/meals that can be consumed on the way there AND the way back.  Some suggestions would be a sugar-free jello with whipped cream, avocado or a KetoCal® 4:1 LQ.  Make 2 travel meals/snacks and save one for the return trip.

  1. Plan for airport security.

    Below is a link for items NOT allowed through the check points for carry on.  Liquids need to be less than 3.4 fluid ounces with the exception of medically-necessary liquids, such as special formulas or liquid medications. Let the TSA agent know if you have medically-necessary liquids as these will need to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. You may also consider bringing a letter from your doctor or dietitian explaining the diet and need to carry special food, liquids, or medications.

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/prohibited-items

  1. Research grocery stores in the area you will be visiting.

    This may help with brand names and usual food items that you will want to have menus for. Call your hotel to see if there is grocery delivery and order ahead so that items will be available when you arrive.  Also, most hotels can provide small refrigerators which can be used to store cream, butter and other cold items.

  2. Review menus of local restaurants where you will eat.

    Many restaurants have online menus. This may make it easy to make a plan for ordering and bringing along items needed to compliment the meal. If you are staying or eating in a relative’s or friend’s home, call the host ahead of time to explain the situation.  This way you can make a plan for the host to supply certain foods or the need for you to bring food with you. Always have a fast food meal menu for back up.

  3. Have fun!

    By preparing and making a plan, the medical ketogenic diet can fit into a great vacation. This can be a good time to try new foods that may be part of the experience.  For example, BBQ in the south or fish/seafood near the ocean.  Preparing a menu for these foods and taking some of the steps above can make for an interesting dining experience.

-Stacey

I was paid by Nutricia for my time to write this post, however, my opinions are my own. 

KetoCal® is a medical food for the dietary management of intractable epilepsy and is intended for use under medical supervision. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether KetoCal is right for you.

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