This week we've learned what we suspected for some time...It's almost certain that one of our children has a dairy allergy, as well as a sensitivity to high fructose corn syrup. We had two bad, bad weeks, and after we removed the dairy, we had the best week we've had in...I don't even remember how long. So this discovery, while not what we'd prefer for our little one, is a relief. Having a good week has been awesome.
Nevertheless, dealing with a food allergy (or sensitivity of any kind) is really overwhelming. Cooking is already--bar none--the most stressful part of my homemaking job. Cooking food that my family likes, that doesn't contain ingredients we already try to avoid, that doesn't keep me in the kitchen all day long, on a budget, is daunting. Add no dairy whatsoever to the mix, and it gets really challenging. Well, I'll just be honest, I'm stressed out about food already, and when this came up I was so overwhelmed I had a good cry.
But this is a time when I'm so thankful to live in the information age. I was expressing my frustration to God the thought popped into my mind to check food blogs. A quick google for "dairy free blogs" turned up treasure troves of information. Twenty minutes reading the wisdom of people who have been there put me in a much more cheerful frame of mind.
Here are a few:
Kids Food Allergies Blog
Sakura's Baking Blog
Go Dairy Free
6 comments:
I can so relate to how you are feeling. My family has dairy allergies too, in addition to wheat. I've cried into my computer keyboard several times as I looked for some help online. I have a post in my blog's "food" category about eating dairy free. One of the best strategies is to look for recipes that are already dairy-free instead of looking for dairy substitutes that won't taste right. Then you can gradually add substitutes back in later.
The best non-dairy butter is called Soy Garden by Earth Balance. One of my readers told me about it and it's really good.
I'm glad I could be of help. In my mind, dairy is one of the toughest allergies around -- because it is in so many things. (If your child has a dairy allergy -- be sure to check for casein, a milk protein, that is used to bind so many things, like hot dogs for example.) Best of luck to you on your journey. If I can be of help, don't hesitate to ask.
Steph,
Have you noticed if the child is ok with cultured dairy products such as cheese or yogurt? gabe is allergic to milk, but is ok with anything cultured. I can mix water with yogurt to replace milk in recipes...
You might try goats milk too. Most people who are lactose intollerant/allergic to milk can drink goats milk. The best way to get it is fresh from a goat dairy or a friend with goats, but it's also available int he grocery store. I get it for Gabe to drink.
Ryan's dad and my dad are both allergic to milk, so Gabe didn't stand a chance... poor guy!
I'm allergic to corn, which means high fructose corn syrup is a no. I'm not highly allergic, but it makes my hands break out in wart-looking spots for several days, and if it builds up in my system I end up with excema. I've learned to stay away from processed foods and bake at home whenever possible. If they are allergic to the corn syrup, watch for other corn ingredients!
Hello,
My son is allergic to soy, peanuts, eggs, wheat and dairy. I started a website, www.spewdfree.com to help other people with food allergies. SPEWD Free has a food allergy blog and recipes that are free of soy, peanuts, eggs, wheat and dairy. I thought you might be interested because of your children's food allergies.
Thanks,
Heather
Thanks so much for your kind words, all of you. I'm feeling hopeful.
Dash and I are both dairy allergic if you need any suggestions feel free to ask.
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