My creative space this last week has been a whole lot of trial and (mostly) error in the kitchen...
Our middle guy has finally had his official allergy testing and let me just say 'overwhelmed' is a massive understatement for this mama and papa!
It seems he has several intolerance's, however, the majority of us do, we just don't know about it. By the end of his appointment we were convinced the 'air' diet might be our only option!
However, after lots of discussion and minor freakouts we were able to break it down. The majority of his intolerance's are fairly minor, not ideal but not necessarily the cause of his problems. The key things we need to avoid are wheat, yeast and dairy. In order to break down the yeast build up in his system which is really the core of his ailments, we also need to eliminate sugar as this is what feeds the yeast, therefore making it very difficult for his body to digest any other nutrients.
In the scheme of things, this was much easier for us to process and work with, though let me tell you I have been completely blown away by the fact that EVERYTHING we purchase has either yeast or sugar no matter how healthy it's supposed to be.
This has been a week of stripping back to raw basics. Our kids don't usually get to have a whole lot of sugary treats anyway, or so we thought. Lunch box treats are home made, the odd fizzy on a special occasion, an ice-cream or lolly at the weekend. So, although these things weren't readily available to them everyday it has been quiet a challenge to eliminate them completely.
For the next 6-8 weeks we are doing everything from scratch, including making our own stock as there is nothing I can find in stores that doesn't contain yeast extract. So far, we've created some very ugly and not very tasty disasters, but we're getting better, and today I made cake and some pretty good looking muffins which have been a bit of a hit, YAY!
It's certainly a great relief to know just what have been the causes of these tummy troubles. The best part is, and I praise him everyday for his incredible attitude, our middle guy is taking this all in his stride and being very matter of fact about it. Bless his little heart!
more creative spaces here at village voices...
However, after lots of discussion and minor freakouts we were able to break it down. The majority of his intolerance's are fairly minor, not ideal but not necessarily the cause of his problems. The key things we need to avoid are wheat, yeast and dairy. In order to break down the yeast build up in his system which is really the core of his ailments, we also need to eliminate sugar as this is what feeds the yeast, therefore making it very difficult for his body to digest any other nutrients.
In the scheme of things, this was much easier for us to process and work with, though let me tell you I have been completely blown away by the fact that EVERYTHING we purchase has either yeast or sugar no matter how healthy it's supposed to be.
This has been a week of stripping back to raw basics. Our kids don't usually get to have a whole lot of sugary treats anyway, or so we thought. Lunch box treats are home made, the odd fizzy on a special occasion, an ice-cream or lolly at the weekend. So, although these things weren't readily available to them everyday it has been quiet a challenge to eliminate them completely.
For the next 6-8 weeks we are doing everything from scratch, including making our own stock as there is nothing I can find in stores that doesn't contain yeast extract. So far, we've created some very ugly and not very tasty disasters, but we're getting better, and today I made cake and some pretty good looking muffins which have been a bit of a hit, YAY!
It's certainly a great relief to know just what have been the causes of these tummy troubles. The best part is, and I praise him everyday for his incredible attitude, our middle guy is taking this all in his stride and being very matter of fact about it. Bless his little heart!
more creative spaces here at village voices...
Doesn't it just break your heart the things our little people have to cope with.But they are so much more resilient than we are at times. Best of luck on your new cooking journey. "Homemade Pantry" by Alana Chernila is a great how to make all your own basics book. Hope all is lovely :)
ReplyDeleteChanging our habits is so hard isn't it? It is good to know exactly why he has been unwell though and very good motivation. It will be so rewarding to see him get healthier as time goes on won't it.
ReplyDeleteIts so great that you now know what is going on -
ReplyDeleteand can do what you can. You must be so proud of
his attitude towards this, what a mature boy!XXX
Wow, that sounds like it's a an interesting pathway to tread! Good luck wiht finding and making all the good stuff for him.
ReplyDeletetry book and website Gluten Free on a Shoestring think most are GF and DF too but you would have to check re the yeast and sugar
ReplyDeleteSome PALEO sites/books may be good too
or the SCD diets
We have been on a similar path Mel and it was such a challenge to begin with. It does get easier though and now we have adapted we're enjoying our new way of eating.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that shocked me was all the 'crap' that was in so called 'healthy' food and realising just how unhealthy baking with white sugar and white is.
You might be interested in the blog 'My darling lemon thyme' Emm is gluten and dairy free and has some amazing recipes.
x
Adapting to a new diet takes time and plenty of trials and errors. You'll soon find some recipes and new routines that will then seem like second nature. I am glad your middle son is taking it in his stride.
ReplyDeleteI have found this blog helpful http://simplysugarandglutenfree.com/.
Best of luck.
x
Good luck with the new challenges you are facing. Looking at the labels of the foods we have in the cupboard can be a real eye opener when you know what you are looking for and thankfully the supermarkets are now catering for people with wheat and dairy intolerance which makes life a little easier. x
ReplyDeleteWell done! The first step has been taken!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was 13 I went on the 6 week elimination diet to find out what I was allergic to and I know it was challenging. I hope you have some successful experiments this weekend xx
Hi Mel, my friend has recently removed all sugar from her diet and has found some very yummy treat recipes for her kids' school lunch boxes. I'll see if I can get some recipes for you ..
ReplyDeleteOh my I have been so busy in my own rambling of everyday life , where was I when you announced you were having a baby...I'm SO excited.....here comes your Mimi.......sorry to hear about your sons allergy but I'm glad you have answers now.
ReplyDeleteTake care, love Heidi
A lot of people have discovered the joy of homemade (REAL) food due to food allergies or intolerances. My favorite is Gluten-Free Girl, who discovered real food after finding out she had celiac. http://www.glutenfreegirl.com The nice thing about doing it yourself is that you have total control over what goes into everything, and you can make ingredient substitutions or make things in a way that works for you. :)
ReplyDeleteVia a tangled web of links I found your lovely blog. Love your photos and especially your crochet. I am a knitter myself, but I always dream of a crochet blanket....
ReplyDeleteReading your post about your boys allergies has reminded me of a recipe I use over and over, because I too am off sugar and grains. It's great as an after school treat. Hope it helps...
http://www.anjasfood4thought.com/2010/11/almond-butter-granola-bars.html
Alex