My daughter was diagnosed last week with multiple food sensitivies which are affecting her overall health and immune system. We need to avoid gluten, wheat, soy, cow's milk, peanuts, soy, green peas, tomato, pineapple and a few other things. On a positive note - she is not allergic to any meats, rice or potatoes. I really want to try to learn to make rice and black beans the way they are served in Mexican restaurants or in Pollo Tropical. I've tried them from the can but they are very bland. I need some Latina mommies to help me with a step by step recipe because I am not a natural cook and need detailed instructions.
Also, if anyone else has any other kid friendly recipes that don't include gluten, milk, cheese, tomatoes, etc - please share.
Thanks in advance!!
be careful with lunch meats and hot dogs. They sometimes have milk in them. I do know that Oscar Mayer turkey is dairy free.
I am not a Latin mommy, but I wanted to just mention that I don't know what kind of test you got, probably a blood test, right? Lots of time, there are tons of false positives when you get a test like that. If it was under the skin test then that is pretty accurate. I would not be surprised that nuts, milk, gluten, ect bother your daughter since they are known as big allergens. But before you over worry, just make sure that things like peas ect really cause an issue for her. I hope I am not totally off base, I just wanted to mention it.
I found a cookbook at Half Priced Books called The Childeren's Allergy Free Cookbook (or something similar) it was only about $8. All recipes are gluten, egg, dairy, peanut, tree nut, soy, and 2 other allgerns free (I forgot the other 2). Go to a bookstore and look at cookbooks there should be something for you. Once you get started the rest will come easy.
I've had numerous food sensitivities as well as allergies and learned that cooking the food often did not cause a reaction when I age it. Raw fruit would cause my mouth and ears to itch but would not if they were cooked.
As far as recipes, I suggest that you give her the food in it's basic state. For example, green beans, broccoli, corn are all good simply steamed. Season with salt and pepper and butter if you wish.
There are many gluten free flours with which you can make baked goods. Rice flower is one. I find them in the health food section of Fred Meyer Grocery Store. The packages contain recipes.
Corn tortillas are gluten free. You can make tacos, quisedellas (misspelled), any number of Mexican recipes using corn instead of flour tortillas and substituting other veggies for tomatoes and use meat for the protein instead of cheese.
I am lactose intolerant and my granddaughter has a milk protein allergy and yet we are able to eat cheese. The process of making the cheese alters the protein in the cheese.
You can find a recipe for black beans and rice and any recipe by googling them.
If you don't have a cookbook I suggest that you look at the many gluten free cookbooks available.
As I've said, I have had many food allergies and sensitivites and my daughter is gluten intolerant and I've found that you can easily cook just by avoiding the foods to which she's sensitive.
As B.B, suggests your daughter may not actually be intolerant. You can test each food by giving her just that food along with ones you know she's OK with and see if she has a reaction. Look up food testing on the Internet to see how to do this. Or better yet, take her to a pediatric allergist to learn more about the sensitivities and how to food test.
You can also get help from a nutritionist who specializes in food allergies and intolerances. Ask your doctor for names.
I would see a Nutritionist.
So that, despite her food sensitivities, she has a balanced diet. Which a Nutritionist, will be able to teach you about and give you information about.
Have the Pediatrician, refer your daughter to one.
As a side note: Kiwi fruit can also cause an allergic reaction. My daughter is allergic to Kiwi fruit. For some, it can even cause swelling of the face/throat/tongue and pain.
