In the News

I got this from another group I belong to and thought I'd pass it along:

In the News

The Johns Hopkins Children's Center on Facebook sent out the follow link on an upcoming episode on Nickelodeon, Sept 27th.
It features/references Dr. Wood.
http://www.nick.com/all_nick/tv_supersites/nick_news/stories_weekly.jhtml?pollId=470824536&wstory=0

Oprah.com, addressing the increase in food allergies in our children.
http://www.oprah.com/article/relationships/parenting/20090918-orig-food-allergies-children

FAAN responds to Slate article by Meredith Broussard
http://foodallergy.org/media/HotTopics/slate.html

Protein post-workout drink options

As I've been looking for more ways to increase my protein (without dairy and soy), I have run across a few options for a quick post-workout drink.

1. 1/4-1/3 c egg whites (you can buy pasteurized egg whites for safety) + 1 c orange juice or pineapple juice. Blend together. You can add fresh fruit and ice to make a thicker drink (banana, strawberries, blueberries, etc.)

2. Buy a pea, hemp, or rice based protein mix from a health food store or online at www.vitacost.com.

Soy allergy invades our dairy-free home

I went to the allergist last week and found out that I have developed a soy allergy. It was a 3+ on the skin prick test (the same size as the histamine test). I suspected it because my throat got a lump in it after eating soy yogurt and started tightening. I felt the same thing after drinking a cup of soymilk...lump in throat, tight chest, difficulty swallowing. I know that adults developing allergies was possible, however, I never thought it would happen to me, especially since we suffer with so many dairy allergies in our home. I found myself angry, bitter, and then devastated this past week. That said, I am determined to make lemonade. There are many people out there who suffer from both a dairy and a soy allergy, and if they can do it, then so can I! Since soy has been a major source of protein for me since I currently can't have dairy (it upsets my nursing baby), I will begin by finding ways to get my protein needs met. Although the cookbook that I wrote contains soy in many of the recipes, most are easily adaptable to be both dairy-free and soy-free. I will list the adaptations on my website as soon as I can. One success we had was a Lemon Barbecue Grilled Chicken dish (delicious!!!). I will post the recipe on my website www.milkallergycompanion.com under the "Free Recipes" section.

I did a little bit of research on www.calorieking.com to find out the nutritional content of various milk substitutes. It looks like almond milk can vary immensely depending upon brand. I included goat's milk, but since I don't know if goat's milk is safe for children with a dairy allergy, I am going to do more research before introducing it into their diet. I don't want to introduce something that will hurt my anaphylactic son.

Here's the list:

*Food Item:* Serving Size: Protein (g): Carbohydrate (g): Calories: Fat (g): Dietary Fiber (g):

*Almond Milk (West Soy)* 1 c; 9; 5; 90; 4.5; 4

*Almond Milk (Blue Diamond)* 1 c; 1; 8; 60; 2.5; 1

*Almond Dream* 1 c; 1; 6; 50; 2.5; 0.5

*Hemp Bliss, Manitoba Harvest* 1 c; 5; 7; 110; 7; 1

*Oat Milk, Pacific Foods* 1 c; 4; 24; 130; 2.5; 2

*Goat’s Milk, whole* 1 c; 8.7; 11; 169; 10; 0

*Goat’s Milk, Low-fat* 1 c; 7.4; 9.4; 89; 2.4; 0

*Rice Milk* 1 c; 1; 23; 120; 2.5; 0

Almond milk by West Soy and Low-fat Goat's Milk seem to have the best nutrients and highest protein sources, however, if they taste bad then it's back to square one! I do love Rice Milk, just wish it had more protein:) I'll continue to blog more as I gain more experience with a soy allergy. From what I've read so far, there's a good chance that I can still have Soy Lecithin and Soy Oil, although I still need to do a little bit more research:)

Quick and healthy dairy-free snack ideas

Here is a list of some balanced snacks that are healthy and dairy-free (with a protein and a produce and sometimes a whole grain):

- 1/4 c almonds with a fruit smoothie and toast, if desired
- Chicken salad with Triscuits and veggie sticks
- Apple slices dipped in peanut butter
- Kashi Bar (granola...check for dairy!!!) with grapes
- Deli-meat roll-up, veggies dipped in hummus, and fruit
- 1/4 c walnuts with apples and celery (or make a Waldorf salad)
- Fruit smoothie with a scoop of dairy-free protein powder added
- 1/4 cup cashews with 3 c popcorn and grapes
- Hummus and Triscuits, 1/4 c nuts, fresh fruit
- Beef Jerky with fresh fruit or natural fruit leather

Even though there are dairy allergies, it is still possible to eat a balanced meal:) If you have any more quick snack ideas, feel free to post them here!!!!

Quick and portable LUNCH ideas that are dairy-free!

Here is a list of some quick and easy lunch ideas that are dairy-free and balanced (including a whole grain, produce, and protein). Keep in mind that we do not have any nut allergies, and that I am aware that many children who have dairy allergies are also allergic to nuts. Also, ALWAYS double check the labels to ensure that they are dairy-free!!! To make these meals portable, I use little tupperware containers (there are so many sizes now) or ziplock bags. I typically drink water with all my meals, but you can also get 100% juice boxes to go with them. You can also add dried fruit or nuts.

- Whole wheat tortilla with peanut butter and sliced banana rolled into a wrap (so simple, tasty, and satisfying!)
- Chicken salad (cooked, finely chopped chicken with dairy-free mayonnaise - you can use the canned chicken), 6 Triscuits (I LOVE the flavored kind...olive oil and cracked pepper, fire roasted tomato, rosemary and olive oil...), Veggie sticks and hummus as dip
- Black beans or refried beans, whole wheat tortilla, salsa, and lettuce with a side of fruit
- Whole wheat tortilla with hummus, sliced turkey or chicken, lettuce or baby spinach, and tomato or salsa rolled into a wrap (These wraps came in very handy on a picnic, and I was amazed at how tasty the hummus was used instead of mayonnaise. I pre-made them and put them into ziplock bags. I then had water and little natural applesauce cups with disposable plastic spoons. These worked perfectly at the park and were filling.)
- Calzone or empanada (kind of like a pizza pocket without the cheese...I like to make them ahead of time and freeze them for a quick meal. If making the empanadas, put some of the spaghetti sauce on the inside so that it's not as messy), Salad or veggie sticks
- Whole wheat bread (I like using the little Arnold's rounds as a special treat. They are a fun shape and you can make a sandwich with them or make a quick pizza using sauce and any toppings you want), Tuna or Egg Salad, carrots and grapes
- Chili (in a tupperware) and cornbread (make your own, dairy-free)
- Pasta served with a spaghetti meat sauce with a fruit or vegetable on the side
- Classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich with fruit or veggie sticks

If you have any more quick lunch ideas, please feel free to post them here! The more, the merrier!!!

Working with a fussy baby

I have quickly learned that going dairy-free doesn't solve everything for my 2 month old nursing baby. We have tried gripe water and Mylicon, however, she still spit up a lot and was fussy. We finally took her back to the pediatrician and we suspect reflux. We were prescribed Zantac and it has seemed to help quite a lot. Because of that, I decided to try some ice cream and chocolate cake. The next day, she screamed all day and spit up all day, even with the Zantac. She also broke out in a very light rash (not sure what from). So, I'm back off of all dairy while nursing in addition to the Zantac. She still fusses a little bit, but it is much more manageable. My biggest challenge now is trying to get my protein in and calcium in. Having fortified Orange Juice, Soy Milk and Rice Milk has helped a lot. Also, including nuts (thankfully we have no allergies there), beans, and meat (I'm enjoying making chicken salad and eating it with Triscuits) has helped a lot. Cooking from scratch and eating whole foods has its benefits, not only with the budget, but on our health as well:) I just need to look at it as having the glass half full rather than half empty, and in so doing will have a lovely cup of lemonade!