Back in May we found out that Jacob is allergic to wheat, eggs, and milk. The 3 main staples found in every stinking food item on the shelf at your local grocery store and the majority of your favorite meals.
At first this news was overwhelming and we attempted to try everything we could to reduce the amount of wheat and eggs that he took in while figuring out how to substitute these ingredients. We did however, cut out regular milk and switched him to soy milk which made a huge difference. At this point we hadn't gotten really strict about changing his diet.
Then, in July he was hospitalized again. At this point we learned that his allergies to those specific food items, dust, and mold are quite severe. So severe in fact that they could be fatal if triggered in the wrong manner. These allergies are also the cause of his asthma (allergy induced asthma). We knew then that we had no choice but to start making changes to his environment to eliminate the dust, but also to his diet.
The environmental changes were easy-get rid of the lab who shed her entire coat daily, get rid of the carpet in the high traffic areas, and dust the house daily. We are still looking for air puification systems for the house, and new AC filters that will help with allergens in the air.
The diet changes may sound like a simple task, but this was no small feat. I challenge you to go to your local grocery store and try to stock up on enough foods to make a meal that do not host these three ingredients: wheat, milk, eggs. Good luck and my hat goes off to you if you are able to do so.
I, on the other hand, was clueless. I was someone who typically could open up a cookbook and go! That is not so simple when you are learning how to substitute all the main ingredients and staples needed to prepare your normal dishes.
Having a child with food allergies and learning to eat allergen free was, at first, a very stressful and expensive new way of life. I learned very quickly how to adapt by reading several blogs, websites, ordering several cookbooks, and having a lot of patience. I haven't quite learned how to do this and save money. Shopping at speciality stores can cause your pocketbook to scream with every grocery store trip.
If you have a child with food allergies I encourage you to try EVERYTHING! It is the only way to go!
I have listed below a few blogs/webistes I read daily for extra help in the kitchen and life with a food allergen kid in general. Also, below you will find my list of highly reccommeded cookbooks. These books have been complete lifesavers for us!
Blogs/Websites:
Chef In You
The Spunky Coconut
The Sensitive Pantry
Lexie's Kitchen
Learning to Eat Allergy-Free
Adventures of a Gluten Free Mom
Kids With Food Allergies Foundation
Magazines:
Simply Free The Magazine
Cookbooks:
Sophie-Safe Cooking: A Collection of Family Friendly Recipes that are Free of Milk, Eggs, Wheat, Soy, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Fish and Shellfish
Learning to Bake Allergen-Free: A Crash Course for Busy Parents on Baking without Wheat, Gluten, Dairy, Eggs, Soy or Nuts
The Whole Foods Allergy Cookbook: Two Hundred Gourmet & Homestyle Recipes for the Food Allergic Family
Allergy Proof Recipes for Kids: More Than 150 Recipes That are All Wheat-Free, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Egg-Free and Low in Sugar
Another MAJOR helper in our house is eMeals (click on the link in the sidebar or the bottom of this blog). This is a meal planning service that plans meals and even lunches. There are several different meal plans to fit all different types of diets and family sizes. I have subscriped to their clean eating, and gluten free family meal plans as well as their lunch plans and have loved them! The meal plans cover 7 days and the lunch plans cover 5 days. They plan each meal for you along with sides and desserts. Each plan comes with a prepared grocery in order by location of the store. You also get to pick the store of your choice! It really is an incredible planning service and I highly reccomend it if you are looking for help planning out your weekly meals/lunches.
Having a child with food allergies can be very overwheling and frustrating at first. I am still getting the hang of it, but with these incredible resources I have been able to overcome that frustration and try new things!
My new favorite grocery stores are Natural Grocerers, Sprouts, and I am just patiently waiting for Trader Joe's to open here in Dallas.
I am very excited when I find new things to try that will accomodate our allergen free way of eating now days! The more I find, the more I will share!
Here's to happy eating!
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