Getting Started

I first started this whole process by doing some research.  I learned about organics, additives & preservatives, and how this could all relate to a kiddo on the Autism Spectrum.  Here are the main points I learned:

1.  You would not BELIEVE all the *#@! we put into our bodies when we eat out or "pop" something into the microwave!  It makes sense: restaurants are in the business of making money.  So, the quality of food they buy is often so poor that the general public can't even purchase it at the store!  Plus, they need it to last as long as possible in order to cut costs & ship it all over the country.  Thats why its often loaded with chemicals & preservatives.  They use these same chemicals & preservatives in "quick fix meals" for the same reason.  You could make a huge difference in your health by just cooking with fresh ingredients at home! Many of these chemicals are linked to all kinds of diseases and behavioral issues in adults & children.

2.  Everyone is different and so are their allergies!  I decided to try the process of elimination to test and see what foods Caleb was sensitive to.  This works by eliminating one thing from the diet (we did dairy) for a week and then reintroducing it to see what happens.  REALLY EYE OPENING.  I actually thought about what allergies run in our family to help decide what to try first.  I also did this while waiting for my gluten-casein free cookbooks to arrive in the mail.

3.  Some people have a major allergy to gluten (celiac disease) and this can be found by a blood test.  These folks cant have any gluten ever.  Others just have a sensitivity to it and the effects can vary (it probably wont show up in a blood test).  These types of allergies can change with time but can also cause some pretty serious side effects.

4. Food allergies can help explain picky eaters and food addictions.  These folks only want to eat what gives them that "high" and they will reject the more healthy foods that do not.  The high experienced may not just be a sugar rush but an actual chemical reaction in the brain.  These chemical reactions can explain irrational behavior and a child's inability to function normally. 

A GREAT resource for education and a beginning cookbook is "The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook" by Dr. Pam Compart and Dana Laake.

So, the process began with Almond Milk,  Earth Balance Organic Butter, and Daiya cheese (I think this is gross but Caleb eats it)  I actually ended up switching to Soy Milk because I noticed a rash with the almond milk and no reaction to the Soy.  I also started using organic fruits, veggies, and meats.

I lost 8 lbs. in two weeks myself just by joining in the process!

PS....Lactose Free does not equal Casein Free.  Its actually got to say Dairy Free or Casein Free.

I will provide a list tomorrow of basic foods that are yummy and those not to waste money on!