More on the Diet Situation July 13, 2007
I had a few comments on my last post about the elimination diet, so I thought I’d blog some more about that. The problem really isn’t that I’m on an elimination diet. The problem is that I’m a picky eater on an elimination diet. It makes things a bit more complicated.
So since dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, nuts, fish, shellfish, and beef are out right now, what do I eat? Well, that would be chicken, pork, fruits, veggies, rice, and potatoes. That sounds like it should be plenty, but it’s hard when you’re used to eating yummy things like pizza, cookies, and even things like hamburgers.
It’s really changed not only how I shop (I’ve got to read every label very carefully) but how I eat. I didn’t use to eat a lot of rice or potatoes, relying more on wheat, but now I eat them every day. I’m really not a veggie lover, and that hasn’t changed, but I make myself eat them nonetheless.
Breakfast is the hardest for me. I eat fruit every morning, but that doesn’t cut it. I can’t have eggs or things made with flour like pancakes or waffles. (I did try some wheat-free, dairy-free, egg-free waffles, but I couldn’t finish them. Yuck.) I don’t like oatmeal, but it would be out anyway since Adam reacts to oatmeal. (He broke out in a rash from Aveeno lotion.) There aren’t a ton of cereals I can eat, but I have found one that’s safe that I like. I eat it dry, though, because I don’t like rice milk. (See, I told you I was picky.) Potatoes and bacon with a side of fruit is my new favorite breakfast.
On Sunday nights I usually make a pot of something that I can eat off for lunches during the week. There’s really not many convenience foods that I can eat, and I can’t really stop to cook during the week, so that’s what I’ve been doing. I’ve made things like chili with pork instead of beef, chicken jambalaya, and beans, rice, and ham. Not exactly what I would call gourmet cuisine, or even things I really like a whole lot, but they get the job done. Dinner is usually pork or chicken with either rice or potatoes and a veggie. It gets repetitive, but that’s just how it is.
I’ve found a few snacks I can eat like safe chips, potato or corn chips made without soybean oil, some varieties of fruit snacks, certain brands of sorbet, and even a couple of different kinds of candy. I have to admit, though, that I would much prefer even just a teeny tiny bite of ice cream. It’s been 5 months since I’ve had dairy, and it’s hard not to crave it.
A couple of weeks ago we took a trip to Whole Paycheck to try to find some alternative foods. We found some things that were top 8 allergen free, but I have to admit that I haven’t liked very many of them. I mean, did I really think that dairy-free, soy-free, nut-free cookies would be edible? Dan liked them, though. I’m learning that I’m not big on the substitute type of foods. I did find one thing that’s not bad, though, and it kind of surprised me: rice pasta. I didn’t expect to like it, but it’s growing on me so now I can at least have some semblance of spaghetti.
So, how do I get enough calories? That’s a tricky one for me especially given the fact that I need more calories because I’m breastfeeding. I guess I don’t always get enough hence the weight loss. I’m trying, though. I have a good metabolism, one that’s used to eating cookies and the like, so I really do have to make myself eat more now that I’m not eating a lot of junk. I also try to do the opposite of what you do when you diet, like drink calories by drinking Gatorade occasionally instead of just water. I also make sure that I eat something right before I go to bed at night.
I just have to keep reminding myself that this is only temporary. One day he’ll either grow out of it or I’ll be done breastfeeding. I’m not sure which will come first, but I’ll be able to eat all of those foods that I crave again eventually. Right now, though, this is what’s best for Adam. That’s the most important thing. (Oh, and the little guy weighed in at 18 lbs, 6 oz and was 26 3/4″ tall at his 6 month checkup today, so I must be doing something right. It’s good to know that he’s thriving despite all of this stuff.)
- Posted in : our main man
- Author : amanda
Comments»
Thanks for all of the information. I don’t think I could handle that for long — it is obvious that you really love your son!! No dairy for 5 months! Wow! When Adam stops breastfeeding you will have to buy a whole gallon of ice cream (and probably make yourself sick!). I’m glad that you found things that work for you. Will Adam most likely have reactions to these foods when he starts eating solids? Is this something they think he will grow out of? Did your doctor help you to figure out what the causes of the reflux might be? (I’m just full of questions… ::)
I have been on a elimination type diet for over a year. My son is allergic to diary, eggs, peanuts, beef and pork. He was also allergic to wheat but grew out of it HURRAAYY. My son is 2 and still nursing. They say that that nursing helps a baby/toddler GI tract become able to treat the allergic substances as food and not allergens. Rice noodles are not bad it is like asian food and sweet potatoes and good for a change of pace. I also am not big on “substitute foods” Brown rice became my good friend LOL. If you are interested I could send you some recipes that we like. We are huge fans of ground turkey. GOOD LUCK
PS I cheated and ate Ice Cream on my birthday. The baby got ezcema and I threw up
Hmm, I’m not breastfeeding, but have trialed an elimination diet, and I am always dairy-free. Just some food suggestions that you might be able to experiment with: coconut milk (makes awesome sauces and smoothies, good calorie/fat too), quinoa and millet (two grains I have come to adore that cook up very fast in a rice cooker), beans (chickpeas, kidney, black), hummus, guacamole … hmm, just some ideas, possibly one will spark something for you! Good luck! - http://www.godairyfree.org
your little guy is just precious. thanks for sharing him with us :)
Sounds like you are doing a lot of things right. He is doing great on breast milk! 18 # at 6 months, wow!
wow ))
its very reasonable article.
Good post.
realy gj
thank you ;)