Mommy: The Gluten Free Guru Attempting to Spend Less Green

Okay, I don't know about the "guru" thing, but I do know a thing or two about gluten free. Boog has been gluten free since October 1, 2012. I decided to try it in September, so I gave myself a month to learn about it and test foods. We officially rolled it out 10/1/2012 to see if it helped in any areas.

I was very surprised and pleased! I wanted to know true results, so I didn't tell my parents or his teachers. Both noticed a difference in his focus. As a matter of fact, Boog self-fed himself with a spoon on October 18th, 2012. I was unbelievably proud.

Gluten free is not a "cure all", nor does it effect every child on the spectrum. What I'm saying is, why not try it? Read up about it and give it a one or two week trial. If you see improvement, try longer. I see Boog as being very sensitive. He's sensitive to sounds, touch, so...why not gluten?

I try whatever I can to help him within reason. Gluten free can be a diet no harm to children as long as you make sure they are getting the nutrition they need from all food groups. Go by the old-school food pyramid and make sure your little one gets what they need. If the diet seems to help, go with it (and please tell me!), if it doesn't, go back to what works (and please tell me!).

Anyhoo, gluten free can be kinda pricey and kids are picky. Here are some staples of our Boog-food and any tips I can think of:


Meat:

- Bacon

- Bologna

- Eggs

- GF Corndogs, chicken nuggets and sausage by Applegate Farms.

- John Morrell Meats. Most are GF, but still check the label. We frequently purchase the hot dogs, ham, and bologna.

Applegate Farms makes it so easy, you can browse their GF products here:

http://www.applegate.com/products

John Morrell has been around a long, long time. That's one reason they're GF. They started out natural and still are.

Check out their great selection  of GF meats here:

http://www.johnmorrell.com/

Veggies:

- Green beans

- English Peas

- Lima beans

Luckily, these days you can get toddler size cups of these veggies that are microwaveable. There's not much I like more than a time-saver when a suddenly starving 

Potatoes: So important they need their own section :)

- Oreida brand fries. Check the packaging, though! There are just a few that are not GF like the
seasoned fries and, unfortunately, the waffle fries. Boog loves waffle fries, so I find that one a bit frustrating.

Snacks:

- Jello. Although, I'm thinking of skipping the red kinds. I've heard a few people mention red dye sensitivity. I need to do more research and find out if it's a real thing or rumor.

- Chips. Many chips are GF thankfully, and it looks like more are becoming GF. Boog likes Cheetos, Ruffles, and sometimes the cheese Doritoes. I believe Cool Ranch isn't GF, so watch out.

Sweets:

Boog really doesn't eat many sweets. I wish I had that in common with him.... anyway, he mostly

likes fruit and a couple cookie types.

Do you have any "quickie" GF foods that your child likes? If so, please post below!

-Boog's Mommy

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