Maggie is still gluten free... today she was hungry.
Yesterday she wasn't so hungry, I think because she had a nice helping of Eggs for lunch. So far today, she had
Peanut Butter Cereal (Gluten Free)
3 string cheeses
a spoon of peanut butter
1/4 of a grilled cheese on gluten free bread
and a small banana.
it's 4:15. Almost Dinner time. I hope the chicken nuggets turn out good.
I am going to look up how to make gluten free gravy... because, I have noodles and chicken... I can put that together and make a nice little dish... I think.
I'll keep you posted.
She was upset today. She told me on atleast 4 occasions that she knew I didn't love her. This was because I wouldn't let her have an italian ice. .... all four occassions were italian ice related.
I think we will have to make some nice cold fun to eat treats tonight. The jello was great... until Tactile Terri decided she wanted to feel it squish between her fingers... Perhaps, i will put it higher.
HEY, can you freeze jello? What happens? how does it taste? Google here I come.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Trying Gluten Free Homemade Chicken Nuggets
First.... I bought gluten free frozen nuggets and almost vomitted when I microwaved them. I may retry in the oven... but it's not looking good.
Last night I made an oven stuffer roaster.
Today, I have taken the big chunks of white meat and dipped them in dry gluten free pancake mix (with some garlic powder and salt) then into some egg, then into some gluten crispy corn cereal.
The bonus is the meat is cooked already
The downside... it's not quite as quick as popping the perdue dinosaurs into the microwave..
Last night I made an oven stuffer roaster.
Today, I have taken the big chunks of white meat and dipped them in dry gluten free pancake mix (with some garlic powder and salt) then into some egg, then into some gluten crispy corn cereal.
The bonus is the meat is cooked already
The downside... it's not quite as quick as popping the perdue dinosaurs into the microwave..
Day 4 - Gluten Free
Maggie is doing great.
Her attitude is pleasant and helpful.
She in currently getting over a cough/asthma episode, she has alot of phlem at night, she is taking singulair, asmanex and Qvar for that. She is also taking Zithromax for her sore throat.
She hasn't given me much of a problem with eating the gluten free, her favorite snacks so far are the vegetable chips, italian ice and Glutino pretzels
Her dinner meals are steak and chicken (as usual) she like the spaghetti, but didn't like the Annies Mac and Cheese.
She loves several of the cereals, but she's had them before.
Today she got mad a cried twice, but I still say overall her attitude is better, she isn't scowling.
The other bonus is... She doesn't seem to be that hungry. She isn't constantly asking and begging for food, and when she asks and I say "no" it's almost dinner time, she doesn't have a 15 minute freak fest about how hungry she is.
Catie is doing ok. She doesn't care, she eats pretty well.
Terri is having a hard time. She doesn't like anything anyway. I had to sneak her regular chicken nuggets because I was afraid she hadn't had anything substantial in a long while. Her diet over the last few days has consisted of Eggs, Cheese sticks, gluten free toaster waffles, some ice cream, apples, bananas. She tried the Macaroni and cheese but didn't like it.
Well, we shall see. we shall see
Her attitude is pleasant and helpful.
She in currently getting over a cough/asthma episode, she has alot of phlem at night, she is taking singulair, asmanex and Qvar for that. She is also taking Zithromax for her sore throat.
She hasn't given me much of a problem with eating the gluten free, her favorite snacks so far are the vegetable chips, italian ice and Glutino pretzels
Her dinner meals are steak and chicken (as usual) she like the spaghetti, but didn't like the Annies Mac and Cheese.
She loves several of the cereals, but she's had them before.
Today she got mad a cried twice, but I still say overall her attitude is better, she isn't scowling.
The other bonus is... She doesn't seem to be that hungry. She isn't constantly asking and begging for food, and when she asks and I say "no" it's almost dinner time, she doesn't have a 15 minute freak fest about how hungry she is.
Catie is doing ok. She doesn't care, she eats pretty well.
Terri is having a hard time. She doesn't like anything anyway. I had to sneak her regular chicken nuggets because I was afraid she hadn't had anything substantial in a long while. Her diet over the last few days has consisted of Eggs, Cheese sticks, gluten free toaster waffles, some ice cream, apples, bananas. She tried the Macaroni and cheese but didn't like it.
Well, we shall see. we shall see
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Day Three - Quick Update
No yelling.
I just realized that Maggie hasn't had a temper tantrum since yesterday morning.
In fact, instead of her usually grudgeingly relenting comment "fine", when I ask her to do something (like put her bowl in the sink or get dressed or brush her teeth). She has been pleasant all morning. She also hasn't made her "disapproving sound" in a day, it's a kind of airy humphf sound, when someone asks her to do something or tells her "no"
I guess I would characterize her behavior as... less angry.
Yes, she is battling a cold, however today she woke up no fever, just soar throat. AND no lethargy. So, I don't know if the behavior change is the cold she is battling or the GLuten free... but I gotta tell ya... She's been sick before and it never seemed to change her behavior like this.
We shall see
We shall see
I just realized that Maggie hasn't had a temper tantrum since yesterday morning.
In fact, instead of her usually grudgeingly relenting comment "fine", when I ask her to do something (like put her bowl in the sink or get dressed or brush her teeth). She has been pleasant all morning. She also hasn't made her "disapproving sound" in a day, it's a kind of airy humphf sound, when someone asks her to do something or tells her "no"
I guess I would characterize her behavior as... less angry.
Yes, she is battling a cold, however today she woke up no fever, just soar throat. AND no lethargy. So, I don't know if the behavior change is the cold she is battling or the GLuten free... but I gotta tell ya... She's been sick before and it never seemed to change her behavior like this.
We shall see
We shall see
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Going Gluten Free – Top 5 things I Wish Someone Had Told Me
As you know, If you are reading my posts, recently I have decided to try the Elimination Diet for my 7 year old to see if she has a gluten “allergy” (it’s not really an allergy I’m looking for, but more of an intolerance)
One of the most prominent features of a gluten-free diet is that it’s easier to stay gluten-free if you stay away from processed stuff. The more the stuff is processed, the more gluten or “starch” or “emulsifiers” or “vegetable protein” or any of the other things that turn out to be derived from gluten.
Recently I asked a neighborhood Mom about her first year of being gluten free (her husband was diagnosed and after removing gluten from her daughters diet she has noticed a huge change in her behavior) and she provided me with her Top 5 things she wished someone had told her:
Not necessarily in this order
1. It’s not just “bread” people with gluten sensitivities can be cross contaminated by any wheat product.
2. Holding hands with a child that just ate a handful of goldfish, will make your gluten intolerant child sick
3. Playdoh, slime and other toy products contain gluten
4. You can’t use someone elses toaster, breadmaker, cutting boards because there is usually residual gluten
5. That you have to keep updated with celiac.com constantly because companies are always changing their products lists without updating their packaging
Check out Celiac.com and r.o.c.k. (Raising our Celiac kids) for additional information
Special bonus: Her Best Kept Secrets
You can buy gluten free items in bulk on Amazon.com for huge savings.
Many insurance companies will reimburse you for your gluten free groceries if you have proof from a GI that you are actually celiac
I hope you found this info helpful!
One of the most prominent features of a gluten-free diet is that it’s easier to stay gluten-free if you stay away from processed stuff. The more the stuff is processed, the more gluten or “starch” or “emulsifiers” or “vegetable protein” or any of the other things that turn out to be derived from gluten.
Recently I asked a neighborhood Mom about her first year of being gluten free (her husband was diagnosed and after removing gluten from her daughters diet she has noticed a huge change in her behavior) and she provided me with her Top 5 things she wished someone had told her:
Not necessarily in this order
1. It’s not just “bread” people with gluten sensitivities can be cross contaminated by any wheat product.
2. Holding hands with a child that just ate a handful of goldfish, will make your gluten intolerant child sick
3. Playdoh, slime and other toy products contain gluten
4. You can’t use someone elses toaster, breadmaker, cutting boards because there is usually residual gluten
5. That you have to keep updated with celiac.com constantly because companies are always changing their products lists without updating their packaging
Check out Celiac.com and r.o.c.k. (Raising our Celiac kids) for additional information
Special bonus: Her Best Kept Secrets
You can buy gluten free items in bulk on Amazon.com for huge savings.
Many insurance companies will reimburse you for your gluten free groceries if you have proof from a GI that you are actually celiac
I hope you found this info helpful!
Day 1 update
Maggie's weight 109
Attitude, so far so good.
no mini-melt downs (normally she is easily frustrated)
For instance: normally, the mention of her having to take a shower turns into a 5 minute over-reaction of whining and and complaining and conjoling and disagreeing that she smells. (ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha) This morning, I mentioned that she needed to take a shower today and she gave me a simple, "Aw, do I have to?" to which I replied "yes" and she asked if she could take it in a minute, so I said yes.
interesting
Attitude, so far so good.
no mini-melt downs (normally she is easily frustrated)
For instance: normally, the mention of her having to take a shower turns into a 5 minute over-reaction of whining and and complaining and conjoling and disagreeing that she smells. (ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha) This morning, I mentioned that she needed to take a shower today and she gave me a simple, "Aw, do I have to?" to which I replied "yes" and she asked if she could take it in a minute, so I said yes.
interesting
Day 1 - Fluten Free
The Menu:
-Puffin's Peanut Butter Cereal - two chubby thumbs up
-Brown Rice Spaghetti - two chubby thumbs up
-5 cheese sauce - two chubby thumbs up
-Chocolate chip cookies - mixed reactions. When I first made them, they weren't too excited, but when I returned from work... they were all gone!
-corn on the cob - always a favorite
-grilled steak marinated in italian dressing - another favorite
- gluten free pretzels - loved them!
- grapes - always a favorite.
So, that's what was on the menu for yesterday, which was Day 1
Maggie did really well. She had two big bottles of water. And didn't ask for a lot of snack.
When I got home from work yesterday they were all sleeping (napping) when Maggie woke up she had a 102.8 fever. So, she may not have been hungry because she was working on a virus. I just checked her (5:17am the next day) and her forehead is cool. I'll check her out. It took 3 tbls of tylenol and 4 tbls of motrin to break her fever last night.
Today, I am making the rest of the cookies.
oatmeal
There is steak in the fridge and there are three ears of corn left.
Steak and Corn for lunch
I'm going to try to swing out to Super Stop n Shop today for frozen gluten free pizza.... yipppeeeee
This morning before I leave for work I'm going to weigh and measure Maggie.
Yesterday, as far as I could tell, she had a good attitude about the whole thing... (that was between the moans and groans about her achy body from her fever...)
-Puffin's Peanut Butter Cereal - two chubby thumbs up
-Brown Rice Spaghetti - two chubby thumbs up
-5 cheese sauce - two chubby thumbs up
-Chocolate chip cookies - mixed reactions. When I first made them, they weren't too excited, but when I returned from work... they were all gone!
-corn on the cob - always a favorite
-grilled steak marinated in italian dressing - another favorite
- gluten free pretzels - loved them!
- grapes - always a favorite.
So, that's what was on the menu for yesterday, which was Day 1
Maggie did really well. She had two big bottles of water. And didn't ask for a lot of snack.
When I got home from work yesterday they were all sleeping (napping) when Maggie woke up she had a 102.8 fever. So, she may not have been hungry because she was working on a virus. I just checked her (5:17am the next day) and her forehead is cool. I'll check her out. It took 3 tbls of tylenol and 4 tbls of motrin to break her fever last night.
Today, I am making the rest of the cookies.
oatmeal
There is steak in the fridge and there are three ears of corn left.
Steak and Corn for lunch
I'm going to try to swing out to Super Stop n Shop today for frozen gluten free pizza.... yipppeeeee
This morning before I leave for work I'm going to weigh and measure Maggie.
Yesterday, as far as I could tell, she had a good attitude about the whole thing... (that was between the moans and groans about her achy body from her fever...)
Monday, July 28, 2008
Pre-Dawn on Day One!
Good Morning.
Well, today we start the Gluten Free --- It's not going to be easy.
I went to Trader Joe's and I must admit I was a little disappointed that they didn't have more Gluten Free stuff... I found some spagetti that is made out of rice, and some sauce that doesn't use starch. I got a lot of snacks, apparently they are pretty easy to come by... and Cereal and things like that... but I didn't find any bread.
Here's the good news. I can make my own gluten free bread! (I just heard Mary laugh from here) My neighbor down the street was explaining that her daughter and husband are both "allergic" to gluten. She said she has been baking her own bread for over a year. She said it's the best way to get good gluten free bread. So, she promised to make me a loaf.
Then my sister also offered to let me borrow her bread maker so I could make my own loafs.
Well, this will definitely be an interesting journey....
It's 5:00am now, the kids are still asleep. Maggie is fighting off an asthma episode. Taking her usuals, singulair every night, and asmanex every morning, and we added Xopenex every 4 hours and Qvar in the morning and evening. (oh yeah, that was after rotating Atrovent every other xopenex for 24 hours) Anyway, last night was a much quieter night. She only woke up once coughing. it was perfect timing for a nebulizer treatment anyway.
Looks like we were able to avoid Prednizone this time too. That's awesome. That's twice we didn't have to go with an oral steroid.
I'm really hoping that the gluten free diet will help.
I'll post tonight after the first day...
Well, today we start the Gluten Free --- It's not going to be easy.
I went to Trader Joe's and I must admit I was a little disappointed that they didn't have more Gluten Free stuff... I found some spagetti that is made out of rice, and some sauce that doesn't use starch. I got a lot of snacks, apparently they are pretty easy to come by... and Cereal and things like that... but I didn't find any bread.
Here's the good news. I can make my own gluten free bread! (I just heard Mary laugh from here) My neighbor down the street was explaining that her daughter and husband are both "allergic" to gluten. She said she has been baking her own bread for over a year. She said it's the best way to get good gluten free bread. So, she promised to make me a loaf.
Then my sister also offered to let me borrow her bread maker so I could make my own loafs.
Well, this will definitely be an interesting journey....
It's 5:00am now, the kids are still asleep. Maggie is fighting off an asthma episode. Taking her usuals, singulair every night, and asmanex every morning, and we added Xopenex every 4 hours and Qvar in the morning and evening. (oh yeah, that was after rotating Atrovent every other xopenex for 24 hours) Anyway, last night was a much quieter night. She only woke up once coughing. it was perfect timing for a nebulizer treatment anyway.
Looks like we were able to avoid Prednizone this time too. That's awesome. That's twice we didn't have to go with an oral steroid.
I'm really hoping that the gluten free diet will help.
I'll post tonight after the first day...
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Introduction
Hey Guys...
This is a private blog, that's why I sent out invitations and only people invited can actually view this blog. That makes it easier to write, because I can use names and places and don't have to worry about ---the blogosphere!
Yesterday my sister-in-law Jill was describing a situation where a child about Maggie's age was diagnosed with a gluten allergy. If memory serves me correctly, she explained that the girl went to a nutrionist who started her on an elimination diet. Everything with gluten was replaced with gluten-free products. Here's the story as I remember it and my comparison with Maggie:
The girl (who had always been over-weight) lost weight, but was able to eat the same amount of food. (as you know, Maggie is overweight... currently weighing in at 110 pounds)
The girl used to feel sick after eating and frequently vomited, but with the new gluten free diet no longer feels sick or vomits. (Maggie, has always been a prolific puker and she often complains of a tummy ache after eating. I thought it was because maybe she ate too much, but maybe that's not it. )
Excema - I can't remember if the girl had excema or not, but in my research on gluten allergies, excema is usually linked to allergies, Maggie's finger tips periodically turn to excema ridden blisters. Her finger tips are all shiny from the past episodes.
There was more... but I can't remember it all, especially after I did so much reading about the allergy last night.
Anyway, here are some of the symptons of Gluten Allergy:
What are the symptoms of wheat allergy?
Allergic reactions to wheat (IgE-antibody mediated) usually begins within minutes or a few hours after eating or inhaling wheat. The more common symptoms involve the skin (urticaria [hives], eczema, angioedema [swelling due to allergy]), the gastrointestinal tract (abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, oral allergy syndrome) and the respiratory tract (asthma or allergic rhinitis). In association with exercise, reactions to gliadin or gluten can cause urticaria, angioedema or life-threatening anaphylaxis. As these proteins are present in other cereals, these symptoms may also occur in wheat-allergic individuals due to cross-reactivity.
MORE: -- Here is a List Of Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity
Bloating and Gas troubles -- Maggie
Diarrhea or Constipation -- Maggie
Gastric reflux or Heartburn -- Maggie
Tired, Exhausted, Lethargic
Uncomfortable Tummy -- Maggie
Eating Problems
Lack of Energy -- Maggie
Not Growing Well
Unhappy With Your Weight
Weakness
Chronic Iron Deficiency
Dermatitis, Eczema or Bad Skin -- Maggie
Infertility
Runny Nose and Sinus Problems
Osteoporosis, Bones and Joint Pains -- Maggie (note: Dr's say it is her weight causing her knee pains, and it may still be... but it's interesting that this is actually a symptom)
Feel Depressed And Moody
Find it Hard To Think Clearly
Headaches or Migraines
Poor Sleep
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism
Hyperactivity or Cranky -- Maggie (definitely cranky)
Mental Health Problems
OK, in reviewing ALL of the symptoms, it's possible that every single one of those symptoms could be explained by something else.
Here's the thing. Why not try... right? Why not try for 3 weeks to keep gluten out of her diet and see if there is a change in her behavior, her moods, her weight, her asthma and her excema.
So..... Monday 7/28/08 will be day one.
I will be keeping a daily journal of what she is eating and how she is doing for 3 weeks.
Your comments and questions are welcome!
Wish us luck!
AND as a side note for my sister, you will be happy to know that I will be going to Trader Joes to check out their Gluten Free Products... Sunday (after slagboy picks up the kids) I will head over. I will also be going to WholeFoods in Madison just to see what they have.
Again, wish us luck!
OH YEAH, we are ALL GOING GLUTEN FREE, that way I don't have to worry about anyone sneaking anything in... and did I tell you.... Here's what you have to look for on the label
First, reading all labels on prepared foods is important. Do not eat any foods that contain the following:
· Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
· Flour or cereal products
· Vegetable protein
· Malt and malt flavorings
· Starches (unless specified as corn starch, which does not contain gluten)
· Various flavorings, which can be derived from cereals containing gluten
· Vegetable gum
· Emulsifiers, stabilizers derived from cereals containing gluten
I already checked several things that you wouldn't think had gluten... like the american cheese and the shredded cheddar cheese... GUESS WHAT, they both have starches. Yup.
Anyway, hopefully slaggy will actually pick the kids up on Sunday so I can go to the grocery store and actually read some labels. Otherwise, I'm destined to just buying the things that specifically say: Gluten Free.
This is going to be an interested week. .... Thank Goodness.... Polly-o string cheese appears to be gluten free. (That was a close one)
This is a private blog, that's why I sent out invitations and only people invited can actually view this blog. That makes it easier to write, because I can use names and places and don't have to worry about ---the blogosphere!
Yesterday my sister-in-law Jill was describing a situation where a child about Maggie's age was diagnosed with a gluten allergy. If memory serves me correctly, she explained that the girl went to a nutrionist who started her on an elimination diet. Everything with gluten was replaced with gluten-free products. Here's the story as I remember it and my comparison with Maggie:
The girl (who had always been over-weight) lost weight, but was able to eat the same amount of food. (as you know, Maggie is overweight... currently weighing in at 110 pounds)
The girl used to feel sick after eating and frequently vomited, but with the new gluten free diet no longer feels sick or vomits. (Maggie, has always been a prolific puker and she often complains of a tummy ache after eating. I thought it was because maybe she ate too much, but maybe that's not it. )
Excema - I can't remember if the girl had excema or not, but in my research on gluten allergies, excema is usually linked to allergies, Maggie's finger tips periodically turn to excema ridden blisters. Her finger tips are all shiny from the past episodes.
There was more... but I can't remember it all, especially after I did so much reading about the allergy last night.
Anyway, here are some of the symptons of Gluten Allergy:
What are the symptoms of wheat allergy?
Allergic reactions to wheat (IgE-antibody mediated) usually begins within minutes or a few hours after eating or inhaling wheat. The more common symptoms involve the skin (urticaria [hives], eczema, angioedema [swelling due to allergy]), the gastrointestinal tract (abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, oral allergy syndrome) and the respiratory tract (asthma or allergic rhinitis). In association with exercise, reactions to gliadin or gluten can cause urticaria, angioedema or life-threatening anaphylaxis. As these proteins are present in other cereals, these symptoms may also occur in wheat-allergic individuals due to cross-reactivity.
MORE: -- Here is a List Of Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity
Bloating and Gas troubles -- Maggie
Diarrhea or Constipation -- Maggie
Gastric reflux or Heartburn -- Maggie
Tired, Exhausted, Lethargic
Uncomfortable Tummy -- Maggie
Eating Problems
Lack of Energy -- Maggie
Not Growing Well
Unhappy With Your Weight
Weakness
Chronic Iron Deficiency
Dermatitis, Eczema or Bad Skin -- Maggie
Infertility
Runny Nose and Sinus Problems
Osteoporosis, Bones and Joint Pains -- Maggie (note: Dr's say it is her weight causing her knee pains, and it may still be... but it's interesting that this is actually a symptom)
Feel Depressed And Moody
Find it Hard To Think Clearly
Headaches or Migraines
Poor Sleep
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism
Hyperactivity or Cranky -- Maggie (definitely cranky)
Mental Health Problems
OK, in reviewing ALL of the symptoms, it's possible that every single one of those symptoms could be explained by something else.
Here's the thing. Why not try... right? Why not try for 3 weeks to keep gluten out of her diet and see if there is a change in her behavior, her moods, her weight, her asthma and her excema.
So..... Monday 7/28/08 will be day one.
I will be keeping a daily journal of what she is eating and how she is doing for 3 weeks.
Your comments and questions are welcome!
Wish us luck!
AND as a side note for my sister, you will be happy to know that I will be going to Trader Joes to check out their Gluten Free Products... Sunday (after slagboy picks up the kids) I will head over. I will also be going to WholeFoods in Madison just to see what they have.
Again, wish us luck!
OH YEAH, we are ALL GOING GLUTEN FREE, that way I don't have to worry about anyone sneaking anything in... and did I tell you.... Here's what you have to look for on the label
First, reading all labels on prepared foods is important. Do not eat any foods that contain the following:
· Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
· Flour or cereal products
· Vegetable protein
· Malt and malt flavorings
· Starches (unless specified as corn starch, which does not contain gluten)
· Various flavorings, which can be derived from cereals containing gluten
· Vegetable gum
· Emulsifiers, stabilizers derived from cereals containing gluten
I already checked several things that you wouldn't think had gluten... like the american cheese and the shredded cheddar cheese... GUESS WHAT, they both have starches. Yup.
Anyway, hopefully slaggy will actually pick the kids up on Sunday so I can go to the grocery store and actually read some labels. Otherwise, I'm destined to just buying the things that specifically say: Gluten Free.
This is going to be an interested week. .... Thank Goodness.... Polly-o string cheese appears to be gluten free. (That was a close one)
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