Oh No You DoNut- eat what?

Oh No You DoNut- eat what?

Although I was conceived and born in the 70's, I grew up as an 80's child. Land Before Time was a classic of animation sorts of it's time. Chomper the small T-Rex is a great representation of Charlee the later portion of her 1st year. So from month 9 to 1 year old, Ricky and I would joke that Charlee was our little T-Rex. She loved meat- but would often stay away from other items kids her age would beg for. She would rarely try new foods besides chicken, beef, and fish... We attempted baby led weaning and table foods, but to NO avail she didn't take the hook. 

Then as the Allergist confirmed via skin and blood test to stay away from - Milk, egg, wheat and nuts- as she was highly allergic to milk and egg! That's when things changed. Within about a week- the spark and shine was back in her eyes. The fog that once clouded her eyes, mood and development was lifting. Her ezcema was / is a completely different story. We were also told she was allergic to dogs... We had 3 when she returned home from the hospital from birth and 2 still alive when her allergies were confirmed...All this aside, she began to "beg" for more food- more than she ever had before. This is nothing short of a miracle! Fruits, Veggies, and Meat now consisted of her diet. Basically she's a Vegan/ T-Rex! Which is amazing to watch. I mean, this is the kid who refused to take part in her 1st Brithday cake/ cupcakes. Like many other things she would simply touch and refuse the food... we were told this was a texture thing, a phase of picky eating and nothing regarding food allergies. We had no clue about the allergy. She always had an extra sense about her- refusing foods that she knew she wasn't able to have.

So what does this mean for the family? Well we don't have eggs or milk in the house anymore. Rick and I have had some what of an elimination diet of the two- now using soy or coconut milk to replace the handy cows milk and multiple alternatives to eggs. 

 One of the most common questions I get is: 
Why not go GOATS milk vs. Cow's , it's better than soy? Well those we're may same exact thoughts, after all you read so much about soy being bad for you. I asked the Dr., Dietitian and Allergist the same question. For those whom have a true allergy cow and goat proteins are VERY similar and don't help. I requested coconut, rice, etc. vs. soy and again I was told NO. Due to her age in brain development and her need for higher fat intake - it was the best bet for now. We are even on formula still at 20 months old. Thankfully we're not on the $38 can every 5 days, like we were from month 3 - 12. 

Now insert my selfish emotional roller coaster. 

At the time of diagnosis the realization that my memory of first ice cream, cake with frosting smeared all over or yummy yogurt request were going to look oh so different than what I had imagined. I honestly mourned this notion for about 2 weeks. That's really when I woke up to the realization that this was a blessing. See I prayed daily to GOD that I didn't want Charlee to struggle with food like I had for years. Crash diets, limited calories, binges and so forth- I could see between the negative thoughts that this would turn into something positive!

As the weeks past - Charlee's cravings for nutritious foods began to shine bright. She'd grunt and beg and sign for more - of everything! Asparagus - an absolute favorite was atop of her list!!! I could begin to see God's favor on our sweet Charlee! I could see between the planned out meals that things weren't going to simple, but they could always be worse.

Therefore, I plan out every meal for the week- the only difference- I make sure they don't contain Milk, Egg, Wheat and Nuts... Sample menu coming soon!


Allergy Myth:  "Peanut allergy is the most common food allergy." Peanuts are not the most common food allergy but are included in the top eight most common food allergies, ranking behind milk and egg allergies for children and falling behind milk, egg and shellfish allergies for adults. 

Oh No You DoNut- tell me how to feel about allergies.

Homer? Donuts? What do they have to do with my feelings on allergies?

I think we could all agree that Homer is a simple minded figure. Easily amused and enticed by a mouth watering donut or a duff beer, Homer would be all consumed by such thoughts. {Okay now you know my secret, I've watched the Simpson's a  time or two} I like Homer have enjoyed my share of yummy donuts, tasty enchiladas, and drooled over the thought of something tasty to eat. I like Homer have struggled with weight. I like Homer has had my share of food struggles. I still struggle with my weight postpartum- 20 months later...and still am trying to feel comfortable with food in a new way, nearly 9 months later. I like Homer have been simple minded and believed in the food industry even after reading Food, Inc. Nevertheless, I am slowly changing from Homer to Lisa. As I slowly coming to better understand research and resources in this process of living with someone with food allergies...

I see these allergies as the tides of the ocean from afar - nothing too bad, but then suddenly a wave crashes over me of emotion. Beauty, blessing, anxiety, anger, distress all rolled into a short span of time. Some weeks my planning and cooking schedules seem are well executed while other times, it's a day by day struggle.

As my daughter grows I pray that the allergies hasn't stunted any growth or development. I still flashback into bouts of her being poisoned by her food. Yes, I use the word POISONED!!!  I can still see the lost glimmer and spark that my daughter had begun to develop. I got a glimpse of what food was  slowly doing to her immune system- as if she was on the road to a spectrum disorder. We were told she was delayed gross motor wise at her 9 month appt., she wouldn't take foods like most kids her age... food exploration... what was the H*** was that? Charlee either liked it or steered clear of it!  We were told that she most likely had a sensory cork and that she may need food therapy to help her get accustom to foods... 


Then early June of 2015- we had to cancel our family vacation as we all developed a stomach bug hit our home. Within a few short days- Charlee was in the ER getting fluids and would only eat Chicken and Cheerios... that's it. Her poo had a new odor that I think only mama bears know what I'm talking about... the smell wasn't right. I asked for stool testing when we were at her pediatrician appt. Up to that point all my requests or concerns of her food intake was brushed to the side as a phase or non preference. Even with that specific request, it was made as if it was highly unlikely. I had already made an appt. with a food allergies. From 9 months to 12 months- she would refuse so many new foods it was hard to see if she had a reaction to them. Then we tried a name brand yogurt and cookie for the first time within a short time frame- HIVEs, HIVEs, and more HIVES were the theme. Her eczema was terrible and she was in a MAJOR fog. Early July we were informed that she had a Milk, Egg, Wheat and Nut allergy. She was prescribed her auvi-q and here we are. The road these past 9 months has been a journey that will be explored later on. 


Allergy Fact: The further away from the equator you level- the more likely you are to have allergies....Who knew? Not me...


My hope of this blog is to provide thought provoking "food" for thought to see Food Allergies as I was completely ignorant and oblivious to prior to my daughters diagnosis. I hope to share my personal struggles, celebrations and hurdles with food as I cook within a Milk free, Egg free, Wheat free and Nut Free home. I encourage questions, comments and a new lens to see the inside of Food Allergies.