The Feingold Program

I am a SAHM with 2 beautiful daughters, almost 4 and almost 2 and a superb husband currently finishing Chiropractic college. Our girls and I are allergic to wheat, corn, diary and food preservatives and dyes. We basically do the Feingold program without having ever bought the kit. It required some research on my part but is do-able without the kit. I think the kit is just a great resource where all the info you need is put together so you do not have to research the topic yourself. I didn't buy the program because with our other food allergies our food budget had to grow (initially it can be expensive converting a household to wheat and corn free) and my 4 year old has some special needs so it was more economical to research and apply it ourselves. We have seen results. That all said, if you can afford the $100, it would sure save time and energy to just have it all in one place. They may even give you some sample menus, recipes which would be a great bonus. Good luck. I know that preservatives and food colorings have been a part of our childrens (and my)health issues in the past and we are happy to be rid of them.

Hi -

I've been doing the Feingold program since last August due to my sons ADHD - it has made an incredible difference in his hyperactivity. The program eliminates salicylates, preservatives, colorings, and artificial flavorings. It is possible to do the program if you only buy organic meats, veggies, and some fruits, but if you want to expand into packaged foods, the program will list SPECIFIC brands you can buy, restaurant foods you can eat, gives suggestions, recipes, monthly newletters, access to the members only area of their web-site. I was skeptical at first, but after being on the program and the difference it has made in our life, I would pay a lot more. The organization investigates foods and has the manufacturers complete information regarding all ingredients that go into each food - I'm assuming that is the most of the cost. I completely look at the foods we eat in a totally different way, and I can't believe the foods I used to feed my kids! Feel free to e-mail me if you have specific questions. Good luck!

There has been lots of success with the Feingold system in helping children with adhd and autism. You can actually get one of Dr. Feingolds books out of the library. Eliminating sugars, dyes in food, even the smells of markers, etc have helped lots of children.

If you would like more information on other help for hyperactive kids, adhd, let me know.

L. L
Certified Nutrition Consultant

If it is the one I'm thinking of, my mom used it about 25 years ago with my brother. I believe she had a book and a cookbook. I will try and find out for sure. Might want to try your local library and see if they have anything. When my mom used it for my brother, it did make a difference. Like I said, not sure if it is the same thing or not. I will write more if I get any more info on it.

The Feingold Program is a wonderful program that has helped my kids a ton. Not only is it the healthiest diet you can find, it helps SO much with ADHD and FAE which is what my boys have. It gives you lists of the foods on your local grocery store shelves that don't have all of the additives, artificial colors/flavors, preservatives, etc. It's great because I can feed my kids a totally healthy diet without having to read every label up and down. They figure out what all of those funky ingredients are and if they are ok to eat. It tells me what bread, cheese, deli meat, cereal, snacks, gum, ice cream, shampoos, lotions, sunscreens, laundry soaps, etc. are the ones that are all natural.
I have tried doing it on my own and shopping was horrible having to read all of the labels. How great to know the few cereals that are ok and not have to read all of the labels. And you'll be surprised at all of the snack foods too so your son won't have to feel left out.
The money spent was SO worth it, I'd easily pay 3 times that much just to know my kids are SO much healthier and happier. My sons have better attention spans and their behavior has greatly improved. I saw results within a couple of weeks. And when they accidently do get something that they shouldn't have you'll really see that it's working. My son got one of those little red tooth colorant pills on dental health day at preschool and he was so wired up that the teacher almost sent him home and told me that he had a really bad day that day. About that time my son turned around and smiled at me and I saw the pink teeth and he was holding a new toothbrush :o) I asked her "so did you give him one of those red colorant things right away when he got here". All of the sudden her light bulb went off and she said "no wonder, I didn't even think of THAT". Because she knew he was on a special diet. Needless to say, it was a long day for all of us because he was SO hyped up. I looked them up and they have red #26 or something like that in them.
I would say go for it! You'll be SO glad that you did. The first couple of trips to the grocery store will take a while while you find the right foods but once you know what they are you'll find it's even easier than regular shopping. Go through the book ahead of time and write down the things that you recognize (cereals, breads, etc.) so that will make it easier when you get there.
Check this out:
http://www.feingold.org/aap.html
Please email me if you have more questions.
J.
Mom to 4, soon 5 through another adoption, and hopefully more :o) Being green and eating healthy in MN :o)

We tried this program with our son who was three at the time. We did not buy it because of the cost and felt that the information we were able to read about for free gave us a good start.

We ARE believers in this diet. (I posted a question on this site about the same diet. You can see some of the replies I received then too if you click on my name.) Last fall, I would descibe my son as a little boy who was buzzing in his skin because he was so out of control. It took about three weeks for his body to "detox" and then we started to see our sweet, funny little boy emerge.

On a side note, we also found out that he has Sensory Processing problems. But still give lots of credit to eliminating lots of dyes, artificial flavors/colors from his diet.

We don't follow the diet a strict as we used to but still see a big change in behavior if he eats Cheetos or Doritos. Something in the "cheese flavor" makes him nuts.

I wish you the best! Keep us posted on how it is going for you little one.

You can get the same great nurtritional information from a good nutritionist and pay about the same money, but you will have a "contact" for your future questions.

The Feingold program is a good one by no doubt. Definitely look into it or consult a good therapeutic nutritionist.

Amazing program, I saw a huge change in my son's behavior!!! it was worth every penny i just wish I had found it sooner