The good news is Henry's skin has been healing. The bad news is as soon as we veer from his special diet his skin flares up again, so bad it bleeds.
Meal planning is always a goo idea but for me it is now essential. Beyond lunch meat and hot dogs there are few grab and go food options for us. But even meal planning is a challenge - I stare at a blank page and wonder what in the world to plan as there is little overlapping of what these kids should eat and what they actually will. But I plan and prepare gear up for the presentation and stand firm against the crying, whining and insults.
Sometimes a few of the kids will eat no more than one bite. But Henry is happy and hungry for just about anything and typically makes rounds around the table until he's finished what the others have refused to eat. Despite his allergies, he looks very well nourished.
The above meal is homemade falafels, golden beet salad with basil, sauteed spinach with feta and yogurt sauce. Henry does not get the dairy so I served a few small dishes of warm chicken broth for him to drink or dip his falafels in (what toddler doesn't love dipping?)
Today is meal planning day so I thought I'd make a list of what's worked in the past:
Lettuce wrap tacos
Roast chicken
Lamb Kafta meatballs
turnip carrot salad
falafels
buckwheat porridge
Quinoa salad
Pot roast
Any ideas? Anyone? Anything without wheat (or other gluten grains), nuts, seeds, eggs, dairy, nightshade veggies, citrus fruits, corn or soy?
I made black bean burgers last night that were really good and with a few minor tweaks they might work with the restrictions.
ReplyDeleteok you have really got me thinking. On my mission I ate beans and rice every day. So good! I bought a pressure cooker down there which I think you have too and I make them all the time for my family. I alternate between black and pinto and they really are tasty.
ReplyDeleteWhat about the cajun dishes of red beans and rice or jambalaya. My kids love both of those and they are full of yummy things. he can eat rice right? Can he have coconut milk because i have a few good recipes for main dishes and soups with that in it.
What about asain lettuce wraps? made with ground beef/turkey, carrots spices and water chestnuts wrapped up in butter lettuce and dipped in hoisin sauce or whatever sauce you want.
Can he eat fish?
Let me go through my recipes and I'll get back with you with more ideas.
Let me know if you want any of the above recipes.
There is a lady in my stake whose son is allergic to anything gluten as well. She is going to contact you about a whole slew of recipes. She apparently makes an amazing gluten free bread. You are simply amazing to work so hard at making all of these special meals for your family. AMAZING!!!
ReplyDeletebtw, I LOVE to read your blog:-)
What about hot pot? I was thinking of trying to do that someday.. even looked at a youtube video.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the vegetable thai lettuce wraps. Lily actually ate those.
The felafel and beet salad look great!
Oh man. That is one challenge that would surely kill this family. We have some picky eaters.
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking and thinking, but it is hard with your restrictions. I will keep thinking though.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime, check out this blog. This is the kind of food I grew up eating.
http://ameblo.jp/mamagohann/
Food allergies are killer. You are such a wonderful, dedicated mother to change your whole families diet to bless the life of your sweet Henry.
ReplyDeleteI make a bean salad that we, especially my three year old, love.
I make it with a can of black, kidney, and garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed. Then I add veggies, like chopped green pepper, red onion, celery, etc. then I blanch some frozen peas and put that in there too. I guess you would have to omit the tomatoes that we love, but its would still be tasty. Then I use a little bit of vinegar and EVOO mixed together and stir that in for extra flavor.
You'll have to try it and tell us if you like it. :)
Also a super easy way to make beans for your large family is found here: http://helpfulhintsandtips.blogspot.com/2009/07/what-to-do-with-dry-beans.html