We've Got This::Gluten-Free
Our journey to a healthier lifestyle/way of eating began at the end of October in 2012. I can't believe it has been that long- we have eaten "this and not that", cut down on sugar, moved to a more plant based way of eating (we're still carnivores over here, but I can see eating less and less meat over time), learned to love walking, taken hikes, ... it is a few steps forward and one step back type of journey, but moving forward all the time.
We recently went to a doctor, who suggested some dietary changes and a few supplements that might help with some medical issues two sons are having.
It is suggested that for SIX weeks, my boys are to eat gluten-free, sugar-free (no added processed sugar), minimally processed, and minimum dairy.
I know there are many who have gone before me- I read your blogs, I scoured pinterest for find your best pins, and I have even picked up a cookbook or two. But I am surprised how actually difficult it can be.
My biggest source of frustration has been picking up a loaf of gluten free bread (or other product) and reading all the ingredients in it that I would never want my child to eat.
Lesson #1 is gluten-free does not equal healthy!
Lesson #2- Eating good old fashion cooking usually meets all of those dietary requirements-
Just plain herb roasted chickens- we have also been encouraged to purchase organic pasture raised (I think that is the term), so these babies are expensive, but they fed our family a two complete dinners. This one, served with LOTS of steamed broccoli and steamed baby red potatoes.
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/04/herb-roasted-whole-chicken/
By the way, if you don't know it, steamed red potatoes are delicious! Forget all the butter and stuff- they are great all by themselves.
Those two chickens had enough leftovers to make this as well-
http://easiestglutenfreerecipes.com/gluten-free-chicken-pot-pie-recipe/
It needs some tweaking to be dairy free and I want to make my own gluten-free bisquick type mix as the box one has some less than desirable ingredients. But it was tasty! I wish I had a picture for you. It was pretty too!
And, we had enough leftover after that to make some chicken quesadillas (with just a dab of cheese to hold them together). We are still experimenting with tortillas to find a really good tasting gluten-free one.
Sticking to basics with very little added or processed ingredients seems to be the easiest way to go. I say this as someone who appreciates being able to open a box or can now and again.
For a sweet treat, Mark made these homemade popsicles from coconut milk, berries, and spinach leaves (dark leafy greens are high on the recommended list of things to eat).
Green smoothies are a lifesaver (more dark leafy greens!). James, especially, enjoys his and will create his own when given the chance.
Our most recent success- bread!! For honest to goodness sandwiches! You don't have to be eating gluten free to love this. I wish I could share the smell with you- heavenly!
http://againstallgrain.com/2012/05/21/grain-free-white-bread-paleo-and-scd/
So that is where we are right now. We are still fiddling around trying to find what works for us. I imagine we will go longer than 6 weeks because it will take a bit more time to get things up and running.
Lesson #3 has been to start with small steps.
Step one was to completely eliminate all sugar (that seemed like the easiest and most clear cut to do).
Step two was to eliminate the obvious dairy-milk and ice cream- and to reduce the rest as much as possible.
Step three has been to research and implement gluten-free whenever possible, but to not freak out that we are a ways off yet (but making good strides).
To answer Patty's question in the comments- I love the "Eat This, Not That" books. The most useful thing about them is the nutritional information- it is easy to go straight to the two page layouts and peruse the book, but the information in the beginning is very useful. The actual food suggestions they make are often just "better" suggestions not necessarily the healthiest option. But it really helped my boys take charge of some of the decisions that they make in eating and armed them with useful information. I think the books are worth it- "Kids Eat This Not That" is my least favorite. My favorite title is the "Eat This, Not That 2013" (I think that is the title- I'll double check and correct if not).
http://tribeof11.blogspot.com/search/label/Eat%20This%20Not%20That
We recently went to a doctor, who suggested some dietary changes and a few supplements that might help with some medical issues two sons are having.
It is suggested that for SIX weeks, my boys are to eat gluten-free, sugar-free (no added processed sugar), minimally processed, and minimum dairy.
I know there are many who have gone before me- I read your blogs, I scoured pinterest for find your best pins, and I have even picked up a cookbook or two. But I am surprised how actually difficult it can be.
My biggest source of frustration has been picking up a loaf of gluten free bread (or other product) and reading all the ingredients in it that I would never want my child to eat.
Lesson #1 is gluten-free does not equal healthy!
Lesson #2- Eating good old fashion cooking usually meets all of those dietary requirements-
Just plain herb roasted chickens- we have also been encouraged to purchase organic pasture raised (I think that is the term), so these babies are expensive, but they fed our family a two complete dinners. This one, served with LOTS of steamed broccoli and steamed baby red potatoes.
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/04/herb-roasted-whole-chicken/
By the way, if you don't know it, steamed red potatoes are delicious! Forget all the butter and stuff- they are great all by themselves.
Those two chickens had enough leftovers to make this as well-
http://easiestglutenfreerecipes.com/gluten-free-chicken-pot-pie-recipe/
It needs some tweaking to be dairy free and I want to make my own gluten-free bisquick type mix as the box one has some less than desirable ingredients. But it was tasty! I wish I had a picture for you. It was pretty too!
And, we had enough leftover after that to make some chicken quesadillas (with just a dab of cheese to hold them together). We are still experimenting with tortillas to find a really good tasting gluten-free one.
Sticking to basics with very little added or processed ingredients seems to be the easiest way to go. I say this as someone who appreciates being able to open a box or can now and again.
For a sweet treat, Mark made these homemade popsicles from coconut milk, berries, and spinach leaves (dark leafy greens are high on the recommended list of things to eat).
Green smoothies are a lifesaver (more dark leafy greens!). James, especially, enjoys his and will create his own when given the chance.
The popsicle and most of our other smoothie recipes are from
Some are offered free and some I think you can purchase recipe cards for.
Our most recent success- bread!! For honest to goodness sandwiches! You don't have to be eating gluten free to love this. I wish I could share the smell with you- heavenly!
http://againstallgrain.com/2012/05/21/grain-free-white-bread-paleo-and-scd/
So that is where we are right now. We are still fiddling around trying to find what works for us. I imagine we will go longer than 6 weeks because it will take a bit more time to get things up and running.
Lesson #3 has been to start with small steps.
Step one was to completely eliminate all sugar (that seemed like the easiest and most clear cut to do).
Step two was to eliminate the obvious dairy-milk and ice cream- and to reduce the rest as much as possible.
Step three has been to research and implement gluten-free whenever possible, but to not freak out that we are a ways off yet (but making good strides).
To answer Patty's question in the comments- I love the "Eat This, Not That" books. The most useful thing about them is the nutritional information- it is easy to go straight to the two page layouts and peruse the book, but the information in the beginning is very useful. The actual food suggestions they make are often just "better" suggestions not necessarily the healthiest option. But it really helped my boys take charge of some of the decisions that they make in eating and armed them with useful information. I think the books are worth it- "Kids Eat This Not That" is my least favorite. My favorite title is the "Eat This, Not That 2013" (I think that is the title- I'll double check and correct if not).
http://tribeof11.blogspot.com/search/label/Eat%20This%20Not%20That
Good for y'all!! How did you like that book, "Eat This and Not That"? What are your thoughts. I need ideas and can never think of them when I need to, which is most of the time! I'd appreciate your thoughts on a review. (Was it worth the $ to read it?)
ReplyDeleteLaurie, I'm so sorry about all you've been through after the immunizations! It looks like you are on such a wonderful path, though. I am intrigued and inspired by all of these different healthy ways of eating that I hear about via blogs and Pinterest. To be honest, I get very confused about what is best to do. I really like your book suggestion so maybe that would be a good place to start,? I am turning 48 this year and I really don't feel that great. Sometimes my aching joints and muscles feel like I'm 80! I often wonder if tweaking my diet would help. Thank you for sharing your links and success!
ReplyDelete