Living Gluten Free... Or at least trying to!

Hard, but not impossible, eliminating gluten from everyday diet can be quit the task.

After numerous years of trial and error with my son's digestive system, we've finally discovered that he is in fact gluten intolerant.

It was really hard at first to convince a 10 year old child that he cannot eat his favorite bread and peanut butter anymore, in fact most cereals are out too. The only way I noticed that made an impact was by letting him eat a little once in a while and getting him to realize on his own that gluten gives him a mean belly ache. Little by little after every gluten meal, I would hear “ohhhh I'm not eating pizza again” or “oh no more hamburgers”. Of course everyday I would try a new recipe that would bring him the same joy as eating his old favorites. At first rice pasta was seen as disgusting, but then when I served it for everyone and didn't tell him, well we all started liking it! I also keep a batch of gluten free crepe batter handy for a fast substitute to bread. Ham and broccoli or spinach and cheese toppings rolled up in a crepe, is not only fast but also more nutritious than the average sandwich.

A few interesting points I've learned about gluten in the system and this can be true whether you are intolerant or not.

• Excessive gluten (keep in mind in our Western Culture it is used in a whole lot of food) can lead to fatigue
• Constant fatigue can lead to laziness.
• Laziness can lead to inactivity.
• Inactivity can lead to depression.

What an awful vicious cycle! And I must say I noticed it within my son's attitude.

We are now well on our way to a gluten free diet, and well hey! It's not so bad after all...

sources

http://glutenfreeworks.com/gluten-disorders/gluten-sensitivity/

http://www.naturalnews.com/031660_gluten-free_diet_health.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gluten

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Quinoa, alternative baby food cereal

Quinoa, the sacred food of the Incas, once referred to as the "Mother Seed".

It is in fact part of the same family as beets chard and spinach. Very nutritious, gluten free, and a delicious alternative to rice, pasta and potatoes for supper.

Quinoa is high in protein (12 to 18%) and like oats, it contains a balanced set of essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source, unusual coming from a plant.

It is also a great source of dietary fiber and phosphorus. As if that wasn't enough, it is high in magnesium and iron as well.

It's also easy on the stomach making it great as a starter baby food cereal/vegetable.


FOR BABY FOOD:

Cook quinoa according to package instructions.

It may be a little bitter for Baby so try pureeing it with any other fruit or veggie you have on the menu.

My Baby's personal favorite? Pears and quinoa... I even make a little more for myself. 

A whole lot of pumpkin for your buck!

99 cents = a lot of sense =

1- 20 lbs pumpkin

12 pumpkin puree baby food meals

2 pumpkin pies

1 jar full of nutritious pumpkin seeds (dried and salted with sea salt)

and a wonderful Halloween decoration

not to mention a few hours of carving fun for a 10 year old :)