Food and Thought

This year has already brought about much change and challenge in many areas. We've begun to watch more closely what we eat and how it affects us. As I've mentioned before, Katie doesn't tolerate gluten or dairy in my breastmilk. My only evidence of this is the screaming she does after I eat something from the aforementioned food groups. I'm thinking eggs may be a culprit too. I was SO blessed to be able to spend some time on the phone with Cinnamon from Knights and Maidens Gathering. She too had dealt with the same problems while breastfeeding her youngest child, Rosie. She has a wealth of information on her site about food allergies and she was able to help me find a few other areas that problem food might be hiding.

While on the phone with her she mentioned a blog on her sidebar titled, Finding Joy. Rachel, the mom of 7 and author of Finding Joy, recently found out what was wrong with her baby boy, Samuel, after a year of fighting for a diagnosis. It ended up being Celiac Disease. I highly suggest you read this post of hers.

I am looking at starting the Elimination Diet in order to figure out and confirm what my body and what Katie's body reacts to. I know for a fact that my body does not like Almond milk and Gluten Free Rice Chex mixed together. Normally we don't eat cereal but eliminating dairy and gluten doesn't leave too many quick, snacky things to eat and this breastfeeding Mama stays hungry.  I'm not sure if it is the combination or one or the other. But I also know that while they tasted really good, my body doesn't like these Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies. Both foods make me feel slightly nauseous and my head to ache. Interesting, very interesting.

Both of the girls, Maggie and Emma, are prone to stomach aches. My pediatrician says it's reflux. I say it's food. So I'm on the lookout for what's ailing them too. My dear husband has common stomach issues too but I'm thinking while he thinks it's a good idea he's not gonna stick with the diet long enough to figure anything out. : ) I know my guy pretty well and when it comes to food he'll just deal with the pain.

*Emma had a stomach yesterday while we were working on remodeling the bathrooms. Both bathtubs were filled with tools and junk so we made her a temporary tub with a storage container and lots of warm water to ease her tummy. Her big sister fed her popcorn to pass the time. : )

And to think I used to think eating healthy was simply eating natural whole foods. Boy can things get complicated quickly. To God be the Glory.