Starting over: cooking around allergies no chicken/fish
Replies
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Vegplotter wrote: »First your daughter:
Take her to a proper specialist who can give her the proper treatment to cure her. I gather they give you minuscule amounts of whatever it is she's allergic to to build her immunity. No one need suffer from these pesky allergies any more.
In the mean time re-possess your kitchen. Give her a microwave in her bedroom and tell her she needs to start dealing with her own diet.
Your husband:
You need to weigh him (I bet he's overweight too?) and ask him to join you on your diet. Remind him (subtly) that when you are slim you will be much more attractive and you'd like him to look attractive too.
Instigate a new rule:
She who cooks gets to decide on supper. If he's hungry he can eat more bread to fill up. If he still goes out for take-away, then you need to down tools and go yourself to a really expensive health food store to make your point!
You are not your daughters or your husbands servant. It's time to take control of your life a bit more.
Stop.
Managing allergies is not about needing to "build her immunity". It is, in fact, quite the opposite - its about reducing the immune response which is too large to certain molecules.
Just terrible advice all around.6 -
This thread is mad! I understand you're living rurally and don't shop often so probably don't stock up on fresh vegetables as they might go bad after 10 days or so, but that's the easiest way to vary your dinners. You could have beef with sweet potato and a salad one night, beef stir fry with peppers and spiced mixed vegetables another night, chili con carne (beef, kidney beans, chili, tomatoes, rice) another night. By playing with your vegetables and spices you have a lot of options around just a few meats. Try salads in summer, soups in winter. For carb options choose quinoa, sweet potato, brown rice, egg-free pasta if you can find it, couscous... Sometimes you can make these dinners in bulk and freeze them (eg chilii con carne mix) so you have access to it when your stocks are low.
I recently received a gift of a book on a plant-based diet. I'm not vegetarian but I eat so many vegetables and the person who gave it to me was so sick of me eat the same things and wanted to encourage variety. If you look up some vegan recipes and then add meat back into them you will eliminate the things she's allergic too and find inspiration for a wide variety of things she can eat.
You're doing great by the way. You can eat the same meals, youll all get there. Daughter's needs come first but they only dictate the foods. You control the portions. weigh things raw, use the barcode scanner, make the right amount for you and allow husband and daughter to eat their fill.
For breakfast I also like Greek yoghurt with chia seeds and fruit (frozen fruit works too), sometimes I add oats. I usually add vanilla protein powder too but that's not for everyone. Bagels topped with either bacon, avocado, cream cheese, or peanut butter can be tasty too if they're not too calorific.
Good luck anyway, you're doing great so far!2 -
I'm sorry I didn't realise your daughter was only seven years old. That's hard luck and I'm sorry the specialists have failed to help.marinesKiwee wrote: »For anyone curious, this website has great information about food allergies, and any current (clinical) research on immunotherapy
https://www.foodallergy.org/facts-and-stats
Thank you for posting this. I have a couple things to talk to my doctor about when i go tomorrow. Two family nights in a row, tonight and two weeks ago. And I'm the only one throwing my guts up. Looking at that and comparing with my familys history it just may be EGD.
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This thread is mad! I understand you're living rurally and don't shop often so probably don't stock up on fresh vegetables as they might go bad after 10 days or so, but that's the easiest way to vary your dinners. You could have beef with sweet potato and a salad one night, beef stir fry with peppers and spiced mixed vegetables another night, chili con carne (beef, kidney beans, chili, tomatoes, rice) another night. By playing with your vegetables and spices you have a lot of options around just a few meats. Try salads in summer, soups in winter. For carb options choose quinoa, sweet potato, brown rice, egg-free pasta if you can find it, couscous... Sometimes you can make these dinners in bulk and freeze them (eg chilii con carne mix) so you have access to it when your stocks are low.
I recently received a gift of a book on a plant-based diet. I'm not vegetarian but I eat so many vegetables and the person who gave it to me was so sick of me eat the same things and wanted to encourage variety. If you look up some vegan recipes and then add meat back into them you will eliminate the things she's allergic too and find inspiration for a wide variety of things she can eat.
You're doing great by the way. You can eat the same meals, youll all get there. Daughter's needs come first but they only dictate the foods. You control the portions. weigh things raw, use the barcode scanner, make the right amount for you and allow husband and daughter to eat their fill.
For breakfast I also like Greek yoghurt with chia seeds and fruit (frozen fruit works too), sometimes I add oats. I usually add vanilla protein powder too but that's not for everyone. Bagels topped with either bacon, avocado, cream cheese, or peanut butter can be tasty too if they're not too calorific.
Good luck anyway, you're doing great so far!
I do a mix of fresh and frozen so I have plenty of veggies. I'll pin some vegan recipes, that's a great idea!0 -
Vegplotter wrote: »
I'm sorry I didn't realise your daughter was only seven years old. That's hard luck and I'm sorry the specialists have failed to help.marinesKiwee wrote: »For anyone curious, this website has great information about food allergies, and any current (clinical) research on immunotherapy
https://www.foodallergy.org/facts-and-stats
Thank you for posting this. I have a couple things to talk to my doctor about when i go tomorrow. Two family nights in a row, tonight and two weeks ago. And I'm the only one throwing my guts up. Looking at that and comparing with my familys history it just may be EGD.
7 or not, it was still lousy advice.8 -
OP - do you have the space to add a second small grill and cooking utensils (dishwasher safe cutting board, tongs, spatula, and a knife/kitchen shears) which would be dedicated for fish and chicken only? If so, an option might be for you to purchase the individual quick frozen packages of fish. The fillets are usually individually packaged, so you can thaw them in the package, take them outside when you're ready to grill, open, season and grill, and then have a picnic outside so you don't contaminate the inside of the house. You could do the same thing with the chicken breasts. This would give you/the rest of the family some variety while still making other items that fit your child's restrictions. Rinse/wash the fish/chicken utensils outside before bringing them back in for through cleaning/disinfecting. Seal all the used packaging up in a ziplock bag while outside and dispose of it in the trash.
My dad loves grilled fish but my mom can't stand the smell of it in the house or the taste so this in their compromise (except for she's okay with it being cooked on the same grill as her chicken breast but he can't use the same spatula/tongs to flip the chicken that he uses for the fish). With some tweaks, it might work for your family's needs.
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michmill98_1 wrote: »OP - do you have the space to add a second small grill and cooking utensils (dishwasher safe cutting board, tongs, spatula, and a knife/kitchen shears) which would be dedicated for fish and chicken only? If so, an option might be for you to purchase the individual quick frozen packages of fish. The fillets are usually individually packaged, so you can thaw them in the package, take them outside when you're ready to grill, open, season and grill, and then have a picnic outside so you don't contaminate the inside of the house. You could do the same thing with the chicken breasts. This would give you/the rest of the family some variety while still making other items that fit your child's restrictions. Rinse/wash the fish/chicken utensils outside before bringing them back in for through cleaning/disinfecting. Seal all the used packaging up in a ziplock bag while outside and dispose of it in the trash.
My dad loves grilled fish but my mom can't stand the smell of it in the house or the taste so this in their compromise (except for she's okay with it being cooked on the same grill as her chicken breast but he can't use the same spatula/tongs to flip the chicken that he uses for the fish). With some tweaks, it might work for your family's needs.
Her child has reactions to just the smell. Cooking it in the house is not an option under any circumstances.3 -
@elphie754 - that is why I suggested a second GRILL! Please reread my post in full - I mentioned to leave the packages sealed until they were outside and ready to put on the grill to cook and even gave a suggestion for disposing of the packaging so that way the smell would not be in the house.0
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I really think the idea of vegan recipes and vegan mixes (like for baking, etc) will help with meal planning and variety. You can always add the meat to the vegan recipe. Don't be afraid of red meat, you can eat it and still lose weight. Vegan recipes and mixes will not contain any meat, egg, or dairy at all, so no worry of cross-contamination with her poultry,fish, or egg allergy. You can also google vegan cheat-sheets to see different food items that can be substituted for things like eggs (I think flax seed in water is one).0
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michmill98_1 wrote: »@elphie754 - that is why I suggested a second GRILL! Please reread my post in full - I mentioned to leave the packages sealed until they were outside and ready to put on the grill to cook and even gave a suggestion for disposing of the packaging so that way the smell would not be in the house.
This can still not be safe. Allergies are serious. People need to realize this and not try to find ways to attempt to get around them.1 -
michmill98_1 wrote: »@elphie754 - that is why I suggested a second GRILL! Please reread my post in full - I mentioned to leave the packages sealed until they were outside and ready to put on the grill to cook and even gave a suggestion for disposing of the packaging so that way the smell would not be in the house.
This can still not be safe. Allergies are serious. People need to realize this and not try to find ways to attempt to get around them.
It would basically make the area outside near the grill deadly. Anywhere smoke residue touches would be a concern. People don't understand these types of hypersensitive allergies.1 -
michmill98_1 wrote: »@elphie754 - that is why I suggested a second GRILL! Please reread my post in full - I mentioned to leave the packages sealed until they were outside and ready to put on the grill to cook and even gave a suggestion for disposing of the packaging so that way the smell would not be in the house.
This won't work for any family with a severely allergic member.
1. Molecules from the food are problematic for the daughter when in the air. They are dangerous if on a fork or plate. They can contaminate counters, the sink, washcloths. Someone with a little food on their hands can leave allergens on door handles or the sofa. I know this because I've dealt with it after developing a severe allergy to peanuts as an adult. My family TRIED the "we'll eat what we want and you just don't" route. That led to 12 severe anaphylactic reactions the first 12 weeks. That's like playing Russian Roulette every single week.
2. No one should have to feel isolated and excluded in their own home. They shouldn't need be afraid to sit at a table of grab a cup of pick up something off the floor. They shouldn't feel like they can't go outside with their family. But for the reasons above, if the allergies are severe enough , that's exactly what happens. And then there's the isolation of not sharing common meals, not by choice but because your family is rude?
The original poster is 100% right not to try and force her child to live in a dangerous and hostile environment. She is being a loving and decent mom. And even if her child was older, eliminating foods that could kill a family member is the right way to go. Shame on the handful of people who have suggested otherwise in this thread.
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Vegplotter wrote: »
I'm sorry I didn't realise your daughter was only seven years old. That's hard luck and I'm sorry the specialists have failed to help.marinesKiwee wrote: »For anyone curious, this website has great information about food allergies, and any current (clinical) research on immunotherapy
https://www.foodallergy.org/facts-and-stats
Thank you for posting this. I have a couple things to talk to my doctor about when i go tomorrow. Two family nights in a row, tonight and two weeks ago. And I'm the only one throwing my guts up. Looking at that and comparing with my familys history it just may be EGD.
At exactly what age DO you think its ok to tell your severely allergic kid that they should fend for themselves with a microwave in their room and that the family shouldn't have to deal with them anymore?4 -
Chili with beans is relatively cheap and low calorie. You can make other Mexican plans for the family like a taco night that would be low enough calorie for you because you can serve options for others to choose from.
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It should be quite possible to have a healthy balanced diet without chicken, fish, or eggs.
Scrambled tofu is a good substitute for scrambled eggs if you are looking for a high protein breakfast, just be sure to drain/press it (I wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and put a heavy plate on it overnight in the refrigerator) and then add whatever seasoning you like - tofu doesn't taste like much, so it will taste like whatever you put on it. I like Worcestershire/cumin/turmeric, or sage/parsley, or basil, season to your/her taste. Be careful with Worcestershire, I think some versions have fish, but there are vegan brands available.
In many baking recipes you can use a tablespoon of mayo (a non egg version like Veganaise) instead of an egg and it will bake up nicely (an old depression era trick).
Goat is a very lean and delicious red meat, not sure if you have tried it. Not usually expensive if you buy the animal and have it processed.
Most people who are allergic to chicken eggs are not allergic to duck eggs because chemically they are very different. I would talk to the doctor, maybe they can test her for duck or duck eggs?0 -
Forget about my suggestion of the second grill. The food allergies that my friends and family members have are not to the severity level of this child's and I was only trying to be helpful by giving an idea that I've seen other's implement and wasn't sure if the OP had thought about that.
That said, I'm wondering how they can handle everyday things like a trip to a store because if the allergy is airborne, how do they avoid it? Most major supermarkets that I've been to have an "open air" seafood counter. Plus you never know who has what residue on their hands when they open a door, push a shopping cart, etc.0 -
You can certainly still lose weight within the restrictions in your household (while maintaining the health/safety of your daughter and your own sanity)... There are lean cuts of both beef and pork that you can eat, and even when you aren't using those particular cuts, you can just eat smaller portions. I love summer time because it means we grill out a ton... We have ribs--I just limit myself to 2 bones and eat a huge portion of veggies. Or on the nights that I make tacos for my husband/son--I make myself a big taco salad (lots of lettuce and salsa fresca and small portions of cheese and seasoned ground beef)... For breakfast--have you looked into meat-free products (Morningstar Farms or Quorn)? Oatmeal?0
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michmill98_1 wrote: »Forget about my suggestion of the second grill. The food allergies that my friends and family members have are not to the severity level of this child's and I was only trying to be helpful by giving an idea that I've seen other's implement and wasn't sure if the OP had thought about that.
That said, I'm wondering how they can handle everyday things like a trip to a store because if the allergy is airborne, how do they avoid it? Most major supermarkets that I've been to have an "open air" seafood counter. Plus you never know who has what residue on their hands when they open a door, push a shopping cart, etc.
Someone else does the shopping.
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michmill98_1 wrote: »Forget about my suggestion of the second grill. The food allergies that my friends and family members have are not to the severity level of this child's and I was only trying to be helpful by giving an idea that I've seen other's implement and wasn't sure if the OP had thought about that.
That said, I'm wondering how they can handle everyday things like a trip to a store because if the allergy is airborne, how do they avoid it? Most major supermarkets that I've been to have an "open air" seafood counter. Plus you never know who has what residue on their hands when they open a door, push a shopping cart, etc.
Carefully.
The 7 year-old probably doesn't do the food shopping.
And then there is soap and water and wipes...1 -
A couple of suggestions - for any baking recipes such as cakes or muffins you could try substituting 1 tsp of cornstarch plus 1 tbsp of water for each egg. In place of salad dressing I mix sour cream with balsamic vinegar add seasonings and a little sweetener if I want it to be sweet - the family all love my broccoli salad made with this dressing. Wishing you the best success for you and your family.1
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Vegplotter wrote: »First your daughter:
Take her to a proper specialist who can give her the proper treatment to cure her. I gather they give you minuscule amounts of whatever it is she's allergic to to build her immunity. No one need suffer from these pesky allergies any more.
In the mean time re-possess your kitchen. Give her a microwave in her bedroom and tell her she needs to start dealing with her own diet.
Your husband:
You need to weigh him (I bet he's overweight too?) and ask him to join you on your diet. Remind him (subtly) that when you are slim you will be much more attractive and you'd like him to look attractive too.
Instigate a new rule:
She who cooks gets to decide on supper. If he's hungry he can eat more bread to fill up. If he still goes out for take-away, then you need to down tools and go yourself to a really expensive health food store to make your point!
You are not your daughters or your husbands servant. It's time to take control of your life a bit more.
Did you really call life threatening allergic reactions "Pesky allergies"?
MFP understatement of the year award winner right here!!
At the risk of getting a strike, you are rude, insensitive, not helpful in any way and possibly psychotic if you think a CHILD with deadly allergies should make their own food and "deal with her own diet." Her mother is trying to keep her alive and your advice is to have a little girl deal with life threatening allergies by cooking food alone in her bedroom.
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Vegplotter wrote: »First your daughter:
Take her to a proper specialist who can give her the proper treatment to cure her. I gather they give you minuscule amounts of whatever it is she's allergic to to build her immunity. No one need suffer from these pesky allergies any more.
In the mean time re-possess your kitchen. Give her a microwave in her bedroom and tell her she needs to start dealing with her own diet.
Your husband:
You need to weigh him (I bet he's overweight too?) and ask him to join you on your diet. Remind him (subtly) that when you are slim you will be much more attractive and you'd like him to look attractive too.
Instigate a new rule:
She who cooks gets to decide on supper. If he's hungry he can eat more bread to fill up. If he still goes out for take-away, then you need to down tools and go yourself to a really expensive health food store to make your point!
You are not your daughters or your husbands servant. It's time to take control of your life a bit more.
How about you deal with your own issues before giving advice? Seems there are lots of them.1 -
Vegplotter wrote: »First your daughter:
Take her to a proper specialist who can give her the proper treatment to cure her. I gather they give you minuscule amounts of whatever it is she's allergic to to build her immunity. No one need suffer from these pesky allergies any more.
In the mean time re-possess your kitchen. Give her a microwave in her bedroom and tell her she needs to start dealing with her own diet.
Your husband:
You need to weigh him (I bet he's overweight too?) and ask him to join you on your diet. Remind him (subtly) that when you are slim you will be much more attractive and you'd like him to look attractive too.
Instigate a new rule:
She who cooks gets to decide on supper. If he's hungry he can eat more bread to fill up. If he still goes out for take-away, then you need to down tools and go yourself to a really expensive health food store to make your point!
You are not your daughters or your husbands servant. It's time to take control of your life a bit more.
What, exactly, is wrong with you?2 -
I think most people have given a lot of good advice, but for breakfast, perhaps try not thinking that there are only certain kinds of "breakfast foods". Eat what you enjoy for breakfast. I don't usually eat breakfast now, but I used to eat a salad for breakfast, or leftovers. Just find something that works for your household. There's no reason there are foods that have to be eaten in the morning only. (Heck, we often have breakfast for dinner.)2
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I think most people have given a lot of good advice, but for breakfast, perhaps try not thinking that there are only certain kinds of "breakfast foods". Eat what you enjoy for breakfast. I don't usually eat breakfast now, but I used to eat a salad for breakfast, or leftovers. Just find something that works for your household. There's no reason there are foods that have to be eaten in the morning only. (Heck, we often have breakfast for dinner.)
Agree 100% - The entire concept of breakfast food is completely illogical. Eat what you like. I often have tuna and cottage cheese on crackers for breakfast.0 -
This can still not be safe. Allergies are serious. People need to realize this and not try to find ways to attempt to get around them.
I can appreciate that allergies are serious. I have been there, done that, lived the epi pens. But let's not be rude. People who have not dealt with life threatening allergies honestly don't understand them and this person gave what she *thought* was a possible option. It was kind of her to share it. She wasn't being rude or insensitive. Some people just don't know. Why respond rudely?
Second, for those of us that have dealt with life threatening allergies and no longer do, it's hard to understand when someone presents them options for fixing them that they shun them and walk away. Having lived in allergy cooking for YEARS, it is no fun. I shake my head at being unwilling to try things even if they are different then what one is use to. BUT, to each his own. I'm not going to be rude to someone about it. I present the option and allow the person to move on. This person presented an option. It won't work. You can move on without being rude to this person. OP seems able to sift through the advice quite well.0 -
ronjsteele1 wrote: »
This can still not be safe. Allergies are serious. People need to realize this and not try to find ways to attempt to get around them.
I can appreciate that allergies are serious. I have been there, done that, lived the epi pens. But let's not be rude. People who have not dealt with life threatening allergies honestly don't understand them and this person gave what she *thought* was a possible option. It was kind of her to share it. She wasn't being rude or insensitive. Some people just don't know. Why respond rudely?
Second, for those of us that have dealt with life threatening allergies and no longer do, it's hard to understand when someone presents them options for fixing them that they shun them and walk away. Having lived in allergy cooking for YEARS, it is no fun. I shake my head at being unwilling to try things even if they are different then what one is use to. BUT, to each his own. I'm not going to be rude to someone about it. I present the option and allow the person to move on. This person presented an option. It won't work. You can move on without being rude to this person. OP seems able to sift through the advice quite well.
People were told they weren't options but continued to try and say they were.
When it comes to safety with allergies, yes I can be blunt and forceful. If people perceive me as being rude assuring my safety, too bad for them. After multiple times winding up intubated and on a ventilator (breathing tube/what most consider life support for those who may not now what that means) I take allergies extremely seriously and safety comes first.
Trying different ideas can KILL them, not even sure why someone would want to try an idea that could kill themselves or a loved one.1
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