Home » Food allergies » Page 17

Category: Food allergies

Does one (or all!) of your children have food allergies? Sadly this is no longer a rare thing. More and more kids struggle with food allergies now than ever before.

I’ve been there too. Skin testing, blood work, epi-pens…the works. It can be challenging or down right scary.

But you don’t have to live in fear. And you don’t have to just accept food allergies as a life sentence. There is help!

My son went from over twenty food allergies and an epi-pen to being able to eat just about anything. Even nuts!

There are ways to heal the gut and nourish the body so your child can get back to a normal life. Food allergies have so many underlying causes. Once you figure out the root problem and treat it the body will begin to heal.

Don’t let food allergies define your life. I’m here to help you and your child heal.

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

Real Food Meal Plan Week Of 4/3/16

This week’s real food meal plan and agenda is all about having fun and spending time with the kids…and not going crazy stuck inside.

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

Happy spring break! The kids are all off from school. We’re ready to have fun. And we got about six inches of snow yesterday! In April. It’s just crazy.

This week we’ll be doing lots of fun things and doing a different activity theme every day. We’ll start off with a baking day since Tuesday is my husband’s birthday! He requested a chocolate eclair dessert. So I have to make all of the components and make a couple different varieties so both of the big kids can have some. What ever happened to the simple version where you layer store-bought graham crackers, instant pudding and packaged frosting. Ha!

We will also have a craft day, reading day (visit to the library), a play day (where we don’t have a to-do list) and a cleaning day.

In the kitchen.

I have a lot to get done in the kitchen as we are out of just about everything. My list of projects includes:

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

On the blog.

Be sure to check out last week’s pistachio pea pesto recipe and the latest delicious yogurt from Stonyfield.

Don’t forget today is the final day to take advantage of Grove’s Mrs. Meyer’s spring package. Lots of free stuff!

Time to get moving now. I WAY overslept. Here is our real food meal plan for the week. What are you eating?

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

ROTATION: Each day starts with dinner and goes through lunch the next day. Foods in () are things yet to be tried by at least one child.

Day 1: squash, cabbage, banana (strawberry, pineapple)
Day 1: squash, cabbage, carrot, tapioca, strawberry (cassava)
Day 2: corn, grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, avocado? (amaranth, tomato, orange, watermelon, raspberry)
Day 2: grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, tomato, orange, amaranth, raspberry (avocado)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter (sorghum, beans, kiwi, quinoa)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter, sorghum, quinoa
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, split peas, rice (millet, egg, dairy)
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, olives, peppers, onion, coconut, millet (egg)

Sunday 3
B – toast w/ sunbutter, fruit | sorghum porridge |broth, pork, broccoli
L – cp roast beef, broccoli, garlic noodles
D – sunbutter sandwiches, french fries, beans, spinach
prep: make graham crackers, make pizza crackers, soak flour for bread, prep smoothies
notes:

Monday 4
B – yogurt, granola bars | blueberry spinach smoothies
D – split pea soup, sweet bread OR tomato soup, grilled cheese
prep: make sweet bread, prep smoothies, boil eggs, render lard
notes: cleaning day

Tuesday 1
B – cereal, fruit | pumpkin smoothies
D – grilled steak, roasted asparagus, roasted potato wedges
prep: make pudding, make whipped cream, make dessert, soak quinoa
notes: baking day

Wednesday 2
B – hard boiled egg, toast | TBD
D – beef and broccoli stir fry over qiunoa
prep: soak flour for crackers
notes: craft day

Thursday 3
B – yogurt, granola, fruit | quinoa porridge | leftovers
D – hamburgers, beans, spinach, chips
prep: soak flour for breakfast cookies, make teff crackers, soak teff for porridge
notes: reading day

Friday 4
B – hard boiled egg, toast | teff porridge w/ blueberries
D – breakfast cookies, smoothies, sausage, olives, cucumbers, fruit
prep: bake breakfast cookies, soak tortillas
notes: play day

Saturday 1
B – breakfast cookies, fruit
D – chicken quesadillas, roasted purple cabbage
prep: cook tortillas, make gummies
notes: kids help prep dinner

Stonyfield Grassfed Yogurt and Whole Milk Greek Yogurt Review | Just Take A Bite

Stonyfield Grassfed Yogurt and Whole Milk Greek Yogurt Review

When it comes to the low-fat craze yogurt has been on board for many years. Fear not! Stonyfield is bringing back some healthy fat to your diet with their whole milk Greek yogurt and grassfed yogurt!

Stonyfield Grassfed Yogurt and Whole Milk Greek Yogurt Review | Just Take A Bite

I’m very excited to tell you about some great yogurt today! For once, a company is moving in the RIGHT direction when it comes to offering healthy choices.

Stonyfield is now offering whole milk Greek yogurt and 100% (for REAL) grassfed yogurt.

Every time I see the grocery store shelves lined with Greek yogurt I cringe. I just don’t get it. You’ve taken all the healthy fat out. And boast about how much protein it has. All I see is a major imbalance.

If you want your protein to count you need to eat fat with it. Carbs too! (my kettle corn granola is the perfect addition!)

Stonyfield Grassfed Yogurt and Whole Milk Greek Yogurt Review | Just Take A Bite

But what really got me excited was Stonyfield’s new 100% grassfed yogurt.

Here are some details directly from Stonyfield:

While some products may claim to be made from milk sourced from grassfed cows, that does not necessarily mean that the cows were fed a 100% grassfed diet. Our Organic 100% Grassfed is made with milk from cows, who have eaten all grass, all of the time, even in winter! And we’ve heard they just LOVE the fermented grass they eat in the winter months. To make sure our consumers recognize this difference, we have sought out and gotten independent certification of it – by the PCO. Look for the label on the cup! 

How cool is that?!

We got to try all the different varieties. Since my youngest and I are dairy free I had to trust the opinions of my family.

Stonyfield Grassfed Yogurt and Whole Milk Greek Yogurt Review | Just Take A Bite

Four Year Old

My son tried the whole milk Greek + honey once before his dairy allergy diagnosis. He loved it! And of course he loved the cool container, especially since we never buy individual yogurts unless we are traveling. No complaints, except he wanted more when it was gone.

Seven Year Old

My daughter tried all of them. Her favorite hands down was the grassfed yogurt. Just the right texture and sweetness.

She didn’t care as much for the Greek because it was quite tart. Which is saying a lot since we normally only add a bit of honey or syrup to plain yogurt and aren’t used to sweet things. So I added a touch extra honey to hers.

Husband

My husband enjoyed all of them. Though he too isn’t that crazy about Greek yogurt. It is very thick and tangier than regular yogurt. He thought the sweetness was good in all of them. But would definitely choose the grassfed for overall taste and texture. Really he’d choose the Oh My Yog! over both of these. Have you tried them yet?

Stonyfield Grassfed Yogurt and Whole Milk Greek Yogurt Review | Just Take A Bite

Even though I can’t taste the yogurt I still get to weigh in! Here are my thoughts.

Likes

  • I LOVE that the yogurt is full fat (which we need!).
  • I LOVE that the yogurt is organic and some of it is 100% grassfed.
  • I like the variety of flavors.
  • I like the convenience. We can finally buy a full fat individual size yogurt if we need something when we are on the go.

Dislikes

  • The flavored Greek yogurt containers have a strange design, and it was hard to get the filling out of the little cup. Especially the honey that gets hard when cold. I think it would be better to just make it fruit on the bottom and not deal with the flipping and scraping.
  • All of the yogurts besides the Greek + honey have cornstarch. With a rising number of people with corn allergies that really limits options.
  • Natural flavor – it’s in everything, even organic food. But it is almost the same as artificial flavor and has the same impact on my daughter. It makes her crazy and unable to focus. So in spite of the good quality of the yogurt I can’t let her eat it without consequences.

Stonyfield Grassfed Yogurt and Whole Milk Greek Yogurt Review | Just Take A Bite

Overall I am very happy with the latest yogurts from Stonyfield. Quality dairy that hasn’t had the healthy fat removed. I’m all for it. But we’ll be sticking to the plain yogurt and adding our own sweetener and fruit most of the time to avoid the thickener and natural flavor. That’s life with allergies!

Have you tried any of the latest Stonyfield full fat yogurts? What do you think?

I am working with Stonyfield for this review post. I have been compensated for my time commitment to use these products. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

Pistachio Pea Pesto | Just Take A Bite

Pistachio Pea Pesto

With the return of spring comes color and new life. Add some of both to your meal with this bright and flavorful pistachio pea pesto.

Pistachio Pea Pesto | Just Take A Bite

If there is an easy way to get your kids to eat vegetables it is in a sauce. Put the sauce on pasta or pizza. Instant hit!

This pistachio pea pesto is no exception. Parents love the loads of vegetables and healthy fat from nuts. Kids love the taste and color.

Easy “peasy.”

The really great thing about this pesto is how easy it is to make. Only six ingredients (and the cheese is even optional). Toss them all in the blender and it’s done. No cooking. Just puree and serve. It is easy enough for kids to make themselves!

Mix pistachio pea pesto with your favorite variety of noodles for an easy weeknight meal that can even be made gluten or grain free. Add some extra peas and nuts into the pasta for texture and nutrition. Leftover cooked chicken also makes a great addition for a complete meal.

But the possibilities don’t end there. Make pizza night a little more special with pesto pizza. Make or buy your favorite pizza crust. Top it with pistachio pea pesto and some fresh mozzarella. Bake and serve.

Pistachio Pea Pesto | Just Take A Bite

Whether you are vegetarian or just looking to save a little money on your grocery bill either of these would make a great meatless meal.

The possibilities are endless! Head over to Super Healthy Kids where I’m sharing this easy pistachio pea pesto recipe and more fun ways to use it.

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

Real Food Meal Plan Week of 3/27/16

This week’s real food meal plan focuses on simple meals for a lot of coming and going.

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

The Lord is risen! Christ is risen indeed!!

Happy Easter. I hope you have a blessed day of celebration. We are spending time with extended family.

Only one week until spring break! I’m ready for a break from the usual routine. But before that starts we have to get through a very busy week with doctor appointments, dentist appointments, activities, field trips and errands.

In the kitchen.

My cupboards and fridge are getting quite bare. It’s time to bake and grocery shop. Here is what’s on the kitchen agenda for the week.

On the blog.

Last week I shared the story of how I helped my oldest with mouth breathing. It’s still a work in progress but we have seen a lot of improvement. This week I’ve got a fun, spring recipe coming!

why won't my child eat 728x90

On the menu.

Now for the food. Super simple is the name of the game this week. And doing our best as always to stick to our rotation diet. We tried eggs again for my son but the verdict is still out. So we’ll take them out again and see what happens. My youngest tried sunbutter. I think it’s going well. It was hard to tell because she was also a little sick (again!) this week.

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

Are you gearing up for spring break? Ready for grilling and lighter foods yet? Here is our real food meal plan for the week. What are you eating?

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

ROTATION: Each day starts with dinner and goes through lunch the next day. Foods in () are things yet to be tried by at least one child.

Day 1: squash, cabbage, banana (strawberry, pineapple)
Day 1: squash, cabbage, carrot, tapioca, strawberry (cassava)
Day 2: corn, grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, avocado? (amaranth, tomato, orange, watermelon, raspberry)
Day 2: grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, tomato, orange, amaranth, raspberry (avocado)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter (sorghum, beans, kiwi, quinoa)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter, sorghum, quinoa
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, split peas, rice (millet, egg, dairy)
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, olives, peppers, onion, coconut, millet (egg)

Sunday 4
B – yogurt, granola, fruit | blueberry spinach smoothies
L – at party
D – leftovers
prep:
notes:

Monday 1
B – cereal, fruit | cinnamon sugar pumpkin bowls
D – spaghetti, carrots, garlic toast
prep: soak flour for muffins, soak flour for breakfast cookies
notes:

Tuesday 2
B – strawberry yogurt | leftovers
D – chili, muffins
prep: bake muffins, bake breakfast cookies
notes: ready any time

Wednesday 3
B – breakfast cookies, gummies | leftovers
D – crockpot roast turkey, roasted potatoes, zucchini, spinach
prep: soak teff, soak flour for muffins
notes: prep ahead

Thursday 4
B – yogurt, granola bar | teff porridge with blueberries
D – pumpkin soup, muffins
prep: soak flour for coffee cake, make pumpkin yogurt, bake muffins
notes: early/easy clean up

Friday 1
B – cereal, fruit | pumpkin yogurt with cherries, muffins
D – coffee cake, sausage, squash, fruit salad
prep: bake coffee cake
notes:

Saturday 2
B – coffee cake, sausage, squash, fruit
D – pan seared salmon, baked sweet potatoes, roasted cauliflower
prep: make pizza crackers
notes: kids help prep dinner

Check out this week's real food menu plus some big news and updates.

Real Food Meal Plan Week Of 3/20/16

This week’s real food meal plan and agenda focus on changes of the season and personal life. Don’t miss some important news.

Check out this week's real food menu plus some big news and updates.

Spring has finally arrived! And with it comes lots of change. For our family it could be some BIG changes.

But just as we now sit and wait for spring weather to arrive we sit and wait for God’s plans for our family to unfold.

With these changes will come a lot of busyness in an already more than busy life. Which my body is not really up for. So I am taking a step back from my work. I need to focus on my kids right now and walking through this time of transition.

I’ll still be here. I’ll still post my meal plans every week. I’ll still be sharing things. But not at the same pace as usual. I hope you will still come alongside me and share this journey of healing, nourishing and feeding our children.

In the kitchen.

Now back to the task at hand…food! I’m not really sure what this week will bring so I’m trying not to plan too many projects. But my son is servant of the week at school. So we have to bring snack all week, which will require some extra work on my part. We don’t have the option of just picking up a box of crackers at the store. It’s all homemade. Here is what is on the kitchen project list so far:

Check out this week's real food menu plus some big news and updates.

On the blog.

Last week was a BIG week on the blog as I launched my first book. It is my hope that many people will be blessed by my story.

why won't my child eat 150x225

I also shared some great stuff last week – how a rotation diet helps with allergies, how I got my one year old to eat again and a fun recipe for pumpkin yogurt.

On the menu.

Like I said, this week is a bit uncertain for us. So I’m planning easy meals while trying to stick to our rotation.

Here is our real food meal plan. What are you eating this week?

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

ROTATION: Each day starts with dinner and goes through lunch the next day. Foods in () are things yet to be tried by at least one child.

Day 1: squash, cabbage, banana (strawberry, pineapple)
Day 1: squash, cabbage, carrot, tapioca, strawberry (cassava)
Day 2: corn, grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, avocado? (amaranth, tomato, orange, watermelon, raspberry)
Day 2: grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, tomato, orange, amaranth, raspberry (avocado)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach (sunbutter, sorghum, beans, peas, kiwi, quinoa)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter, sorghum, quinoa
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, split peas, rice (millet, egg, dairy)
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, olives, peppers, onion, coconut, millet (egg)

Sunday 1
B – cereal, fruit | salad | cinnamon pumpkin cups
L – pork burgers, carrots, chips
D –  pizza, squash, sauerkraut
prep: make pizza dough, prep smoothies, soak flour for crackers
notes: introduce peas

Monday 2
B – yogurt, granola, fruit | squash cherry smoothies
D – honey herb chicken, cauli-rice, broccoli
prep: make gummies, soak flour for muffins, boil eggs, make crackers
notes:

Tuesday 3
B – hard boiled egg, toast | leftovers
D – asparagus soup, zucchini muffins
prep: prep smoothies, soak oats
notes: ready any time

Wednesday 4
B – oatmeal | quinoa bars, blueberry spinach smoothies
D – pumpkin egg muffins, toast w/ jam, peas
prep: make pumpkin yogurt
notes:

Thursday 1
B – yogurt, granola bars | pumpkin yogurt w/ cherries
D – crockpot rice and beans, roasted purple cabbage
prep: soak flour for pancakes, prep smoothies
notes: early/easy clean up

Friday 2
B – cereal, fruit | strawberry smoothie | leftovers
D – pancakes, bacon, roasted cauliflower
prep: 
notes:

Saturday 3
B – pancakes, bacon | broccoli
D – TBD kids’ choice
prep: 
notes: easy prep and clean up

In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. It will not change the cost of any products or services for you.

Allergen Free No Cook Pumpkin Yogurt | Just Take A Bite

Allergen Free No Cook Pumpkin Yogurt

No need to give up yogurt just because you have allergies! This pumpkin yogurt only takes five minutes to prep and still packs a nutritional punch with protein and probiotics.

Allergen Free No Cook Pumpkin Yogurt | Just Take A Bite

I’ve been dairy free for 18 months now, ever since my youngest was about a month old. This is not the first time I’ve had to go dairy free. But no matter how many times and no matter how long it lasts it’s never easy.

I LOVE dairy. Love it.

One of the things I miss most is yogurt. I used it eat it almost daily for breakfast or lunch. Add some granola…my happy place.

For most people there are some decent options to replace dairy yogurt – coconut, almond, etc. But those are all out for me too. We have that many allergies. So I’ve just gone without yogurt.

Until now.

Allergen Free No Cook Pumpkin Yogurt | Just Take A Bite

Problem solved.

My youngest it starting to notice when her siblings have yogurt and she keeps asking for it. Oh, how I’d love to give it to her!! It breaks my heart to have to say no. I feel so mean since she doesn’t understand why.

Why Won't My Child Eat Banner Image 400x335

 

So I came up with a solution.

I created pumpkin yogurt. It is creamy and slightly sweet. It has lots of protein from both grass-fed collagen and gelatin plus a healthy dose of probiotics (this is the one we use). Just like the real thing.

An added bonus is you also get a big helping of vegetables!

Allergen Free No Cook Pumpkin Yogurt | Just Take A Bite

The first time I made pumpkin yogurt I added fruit and some crumbled homemade graham crackers. I was instantly taken back to my happy place. Finally! I can have yogurt again!

My little one loves it too. I gave her a small dish. Her response: “mrrrr” (more). That is all I needed to hear.

To my surprise even my four year old loves it. When I first told him I made pumpkin yogurt he made the “don’t come near me with that stuff” face. But after he tried it he had to have a second dish! Maybe me calling it pumpkin PIE yogurt helped a little.

Allergen Free No Cook Pumpkin Yogurt | Just Take A Bite

More than just great taste.

Not only is pumpkin yogurt a nutritious breakfast it is also so easy to make!

  1. Mix all of the ingredients in a blender.
  2. Pour the mixture in a jar.
  3. Let it culture for about eight hours.

That’s it.

Pumpkin yogurt makes a great breakfast, lunch or snack. Eat it plain or add your favorite fruit and crunchy topping. It is perfect for school lunches too.

Have you had to say goodbye to yogurt due to allergies?

Even if you can’t have dairy…or coconut…or nuts…or rice…you don’t have to give up yogurt. Pumpkin yogurt is allergen friendy, easy to make and oh so delicious!

why won't my child eat 728x90

Want to learn more about feeding children with allergies?

Check out my book Why Won’t My Child Eat?! It’s packed with feeding strategies, tips on pinpointing reactions and allergen friendly recipes.

Allergen Free No Cook Pumpkin Yogurt | Just Take A Bite

Allergen Free No Cook Pumpkin Yogurt
Serves 3
A creamy pumpkin yogurt that is free of common allergens.
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Ingredients
  1. 3/4 cup cooked pumpkin (canned or fresh)
  2. 1 cup water
  3. 1 Tbsp. grass-fed collagen
  4. 1 Tbsp. sweetener (honey, maple syrup, cane sugar)
  5. 1/4 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  6. 1/4 tsp. cinnamon (optional)
  7. 1 1/2 tsp. grass-fed gelatin
  8. 1 capsule powdered probiotic
Instructions
  1. Combine the pumpkin, water, collagen, sweetener, salt and cinnamon in a blender.
  2. Blend on high until smooth.
  3. Add the gelatin and probiotic.
  4. Blend for about 10 seconds.
  5. Pour the mixture into a glass jar with a lid.
  6. Put the jar in a warm place for 8-10 hours.
  7. Put in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
  8. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Notes
  1. Setting the mixture on a counter that gets sunlight or on a stovetop with the oven on or in an unheated oven with the light on works well for culturing the yogurt.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/
  In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. It will not change the cost of any products or services for you.

This post is linked to Savoring Saturdays.

How I Got My One Year Old To Eat Again | Just Take A Bite

How to Get an Undereater to Enjoy Food!

By my third child I thought I knew plenty about feeding challenges. I was wrong. The hardest was yet to come. I’m excited to share our story and how I got my one year old to eat again, plus a special recipe that literally saved her life.

How I Got My One Year Old To Eat Again | Just Take A Bite

Every parent wants their kids to be good eaters, right?

No complaining. No throwing food. No refusing to eat vegetables. It’s a reasonable desire.

Of course most kids do go through phases of eating more or less, phases of liking and refusing certain foods, phases of wanting to make their own food choices and willingly eating whatever you serve. Love it or hate it, that’s life.

I’m thankful that it seems to get easier to handle with each child…at least a little.

But what if your child just won’t eat?

At all? Every. Single. Day?

Emotions turn from annoyance to anxiety. I’ve been there. And I know I’m not alone.

Why Won't My Child Eat 300x250

How Allergies Impact Feeding Challenges

As allergies are on the rise so are eating struggles. Especially for young children.

Think about it for a minute. If you eat something that upsets your stomach, do you feel like eating? Are you a little hesitant to eat that food again?

Now imagine if you are so young you can’t even verbalize how you feel. And your mom tries to feed you the same food over and over (because we’re told to keep trying, eventually they’ll like it) that you know will give you a stomach ache or reflux or even swelling.

What is your solution? Refusal to eat. Period.

Feeding a young child that is developing allergies is an important and sometimes stressful task. As a parent your only feedback is watching for reactions, assuming you even know to look for them! Along the way your child may just stop eating out of fear or because she simply does not feel good.

How I Got My One Year Old To Eat Again | Just Take A Bite

Having a Child that Refuses to Eat

I lived this struggle for over two years as my daughter slowly developed more and more allergies.

When we first introduced solids she seemed to enjoy most things she tried. But gradually she started eating less and less until she stopped eating.

We managed to get by for a while because she was nursing full time. But as we approached her first birthday I knew something had to change. A one year old should be eating more than three bites of solid food a day.

This was my third child. I knew all the tricks. I tried different flavors and textures. I tried distracting her. I fed her in a chair or while we were playing. Really. I had tried it all.

But she still wouldn’t eat. We hit a low point.

She wasn’t gaining weight. She wasn’t getting enough nourishment.

At thirteen months old I knew I had to change our situation or take her to the doctor.

Hope for Reluctant Eaters!

There is hope even for kids that refuse to eat anything! Want to hear more about how we turned it around?

—->>>> Head over to Kitchen Stewardship!

I’m sharing how I got my one-year-old to finally eat again. Plus I’ve got a fun recipe for squash “milk” that is perfect for kids with allergies. Even I drink it!

Looking for more? Check out my book Why Won’t My Child Eat?! where I share all of the tips and tricks I’ve learned over the last twelve years with foiur kids, each with different feeding challenges. It is possible to turn any child into a good eater and to do it with real, nourishing food. The new, revised 2nd edition will walk you through the process of spotting food reactions, calming the body, and restoring the joy of nourishing food. You’ll go from reluctant eater to thriving little foodie!

This post is linked to Savoring Saturdays.

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

Real Food Meal Plan Week Of 3/13/16

This week’s real food meal plan and agenda are all about simplicity, birthday celebration and book launch!!!

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

Is it really March 13? I’m freaking out just a little bit. Tomorrow I have the privilege of sharing our story and sharing my passion with you as I launch my first book called Why Won’t My Child Eat?!

I suppose it’s fitting that my son was up half the night with stomach pain, likely due to an allergic reaction. Add that to losing an hour from the time change. We’re all going to need our Sunday nap today!

I’ll confess that I’m scrambling this week to figure out meal plans as I’ve been busy all weekend hosting family and having an early birthday celebration (for me!). I got all sorts of fun, new kitchen gadgets and photo props. I can’t wait to use it all.

In the kitchen.

I am still trying to play catch up with baking and stocking the pantry with safe foods for my youngest two. As I figure out our new rotation diet (more on that tomorrow!!) I can tailor my baking to it. Here is what is on the agenda so far.

why won't my child eat 728x90

On the blog.

Tomorrow is the day! Book day birthday. Be on the lookout for a great post about rotation diets and grab your copy of my new book. I’ve also got a couple allergen friendly, kid friendly recipes coming.

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

On the menu.

As always I’m aiming for simple meals. I’m even serving mostly leftovers for my birthday dinner. Less work is a great gift to myself. Especially after working hard all weekend to prepare big meals.

Here is this week’s real food meal plan. What are you eating this week?

Enjoy your week and don’t forget to come back tomorrow to get your copy of Why Won’t My Child Eat?!

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

 

ROTATION: Each day starts with dinner and goes through lunch the next day. Foods in () are things yet to be tried by at least one child.

Day 1: squash, cabbage, banana (strawberry, pineapple)
Day 1: squash, cabbage, carrot, tapioca, strawberry (cassava)
Day 2: corn, grapes, cauliflower?, brussels sprouts, broccoli, avocado (amaranth, tomato, orange, watermelon, raspberry)
Day 2: grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, tomato, orange, amaranth, raspberry (avocado)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach (sunbutter, sorghum, beans, peas, kiwi, quinoa)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter, sorghum, quinoa
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, split peas, rice (millet, egg, dairy)
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, olives, peppers, onion, coconut, millet (egg)

Sunday 2
B – scones, toast with sunbutter, fruit, yogurt | squash, pork, scone
L – cp roast beef, mashed potatoes, carrots
D – hot dogs, veggies with dip, crackers with cheese
prep: make gummies, soak flour for graham crackers
notes: 

Monday 3
B – yogurt, granola | muffin, raspberries | beef, brussels sprouts
D – pork roast, roasted squash, baked potatoes
prep: soak flour for muffins, soak flour for porridge, make graham crackers
notes:

Tuesday 4
B – cereal, fruit | teff porridge
D – pumpkin soup, pumpkin muffins
prep: bake muffins
notes: ready any time

Wednesday 1
B – muffins, fruit, gummies |soup, muffin
D – Shepherd’s pie, pearsauce
prep: make smoothies, soak quinoa
notes:

Thursday 2
B – yogurt, granola bars | squash cherry smoothies
D – sloppy joes, roasted cauliflower and brussels sprouts, french fries
prep: make quinoa bars, soak flour for crackers, soak flour for pancakes
notes: early/easy clean up

Friday 3
B – quinoa bars, fruit | beef, brussels sprouts
D – pancakes, bacon, beans, fruit
prep: make teff crackers
notes: introduce beans

Saturday 4
B – pancakes, eggs | spinach, crackers
D – tacos, fruit
prep:  make tortillas, kids help
notes: introduce avocado

In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. It will not change the cost of any products or services for you.

Everything Free Chocolate Cranberry Cookies | Just Take A Bite

Everything Free Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

No need to give up special treats just because you have allergies. These everything free chocolate cranberry cookies are free of gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, corn, soy and coconut but they taste amazing!

Everything Free Chocolate Cranberry Cookies | Just Take A Bite

I’m always on the lookout for allergen friendly recipes. But usually when a recipe says allergen friendly there is still something in it that my kids can’t have. So I have to be creative and do a lot of substituting. It also means I don’t bake many treats.

Sometimes you just need a cookie.

But we were all in the mood for cookies. So I came up with these everything free chocolate cranberry cookies. And since my son is allergic to cocoa his weren’t even chocolate chip. He just had cranberry cookies.

Everything Free Chocolate Cranberry Cookies | Just Take A Bite

Being egg and dairy free I didn’t really think they’d turn out that well.

Amazing results.

To my amazement they were so good. Actually the best cookie I have tasted in a long time. I think we ate a whole batch (half recipe) in about a day. I could have eaten them all myself…but I didn’t think my kids would be very happy about that.

Tallow is my secret.

I used tallow for the fat, which is about the best replacement for butter. Any softened fat will work including lard, palm shortening and butter. Even sunbutter could work. I generally don’t use coconut oil for cookies because they tend to all apart.

I replaced the eggs with grass-fed gelatin and water. They held together perfectly!

My favorite chocolate is Enjoy Life chocolate chips. No dairy, nuts or eggs.

Everything Free Chocolate Cranberry Cookies | Just Take A Bite

Truly free of everything.

Even in my family with about a million different allergies we could all enjoy these everything free chocolate cranberry cookies. Which means they really are free of just about everything! Try putting your own spin on them by using any dried fruit, spices or even carob chips. Dried cherries would be delicious!

I think I need to make a double batch now to keep some stashed in the freezer. It’s nice to have an easy, truly allergen friendly treat on hand.

Are you searching for an allergen friendly cookie that actually tastes good?

The search is over! Everyone will love these everything free chocolate cranberry cookies, whether they have allergies or not!

Everything Free Chocolate Cranberry Cookies | Just Take A Bite

Everything Free Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Yields 30
An allergen friendly, easy-to-make cookie.
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Ingredients
  1. 1/2 cup organic cane sugar
  2. 1/2 cup fat of choice, room temperature (tallow, lard, butter, palm shortening) OR sunbutter
  3. 4 tsp. grass-fed gelatin
  4. 1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp. hot water
  5. 1/4 cup honey
  6. 1 1/2 cups brown rice flour (or sorghum)
  7. 1/2 cup teff flour
  8. 1 tsp. baking soda
  9. 1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  10. 1/2 cup optional add-ins: chocolate chips, dried fruit
Instructions
  1. Heat oven to 350*F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silpat.
  2. Cream the sugar and softened fat.
  3. Dissolve the gelatin in the hot water.
  4. Add the gelatin water and honey to the creamed mixture. Beat well.
  5. Add the flour, baking soda and salt. Beat well.
  6. Stir in any add-ins.
  7. Scoop 2 Tbsp. mounds of dough, an inch apart, onto prepared baking sheets.
  8. Bake 20 minutes.
Notes
  1. Store the cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 10 days or in the freezer for up to a year.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/
This post is linked to Savoring Saturdays.

In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. It will not change the cost of any products or services for you.

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

Real Food Meal Plan Week of 3/6/16

This week’s real food meal plan and agenda focus on birthday treats and hosting guests. And the one week countdown until my book launch!

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

We’re all healthy! I’m not even sure I should say that out loud. It seems too good to be true.

We’ve also got some warm weather on the way this week. It’s like an early birthday present for me.

So hopefully this week we can get a lot done and spend some time outside.

Food introductions.

So far my youngest is doing quite well with most of the foods we’ve tried. We’ve added bananas, rice and avocado back into her (my) diet! The white and sweet potatoes did not go well. I think I’ll still stick to root free for now. Next up to try is sunbutter. I’m so excited!!

My son, on the other hand, has not been doing so well with new foods. And it’s back to our guessing game. I’m giving him a few days off rice and then trying it one more time. But I have a feeling it’s back out, which is a big disappointment for all of us. It’s time to get more serious about healing measures for him.

In the kitchen.

I’ve got some delicious work in the kitchen this week as I prepare birthday desserts and create some new recipes. My kitchen projects include:

  • strawberry kiwi gummies (new recipe)
  • allergy syrup
  • pumpkin yogurt (recipe coming soon)
  • ice cream
  • scones (two varieties)
  • cupcakes (two varieties)

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

On the blog.

Last week I shared some delicious recipes you don’t want to miss – Soaked Teff Crackers and Rainbow Egg Muffins. Tomorrow I’ve got another delicious and very allergen friendly recipe for you.

Don’t forget – you can purchase my book Why Won’t My Child Eat?! NOW.

On the menu.

This week’s real food meal plan is all about simple, simple, simple and sticking with rotation. Plus we’re hosting family and celebrating my birthday!

What’s on your menu this week?

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

ROTATION: Each day starts with dinner and goes through lunch the next day. Foods in () are things yet to be tried. There is a separate rotation for two children.

Day 1: squash, cabbage, banana (carrot, beet, cassava, tapioca, strawberry)
Day 1: squash, cabbage, carrot, tapioca, strawberry (cassava)
Day 2: corn, grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, avocado (amaranth, tomato, orange)
Day 2: grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, tomato, orange, amaranth (avocado)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach (sunbutter, sorghum, beans, peas, kiwi, quinoa)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter, sorghum, quinoa
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, split peas, rice (millet, egg, dairy)
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, olives, peppers, onion, coconut, millet (egg)

Sunday 3
B – coffee cake, yogurt | pancake w/ sunbutter | beef jerky, cauliflower, broccoli
L – cp roast chicken, seasoned rice, broccoli
D – sunbutter and peach jam sandwiches, roasted asparagus, spinach, chips
prep: make gummies, prep smoothies, make allergy syrup
notes: introduce sunbutter?

Monday 4
B – pancake muffins, yogurt | spinach blueberry smoothies
D – goulash, garlic toast, corn, salad
prep: make pumpkin yogurt, make ice cream
notes: retry rice

Tuesday 1
B – yogurt, granola | cm yogurt w/ cherries | pumpkin yogurt w/ cherries
D – squash soup, scones
prep: make scones (2 kinds, double batches), boil eggs
notes: ready any time

Wednesday 2
B –  hard boiled egg, toast | squash cherry smoothies
D – cp pork chops, roasted cauliflower and brussels sprouts, roasted potato wedges
prep: bake cupcakes
notes:

Thursday 3
B – cereal, fruit | roasted vegetables, pork
D – cp meatballs, roasted asparagus, french fries
prep:
notes: early/easy clean up/me out for dinner

Friday 4
B – toast w/ sunbutter | meatballs, spinach
D – split pea soup, crackers w/ cheese
prep: prep smoothies
notes: clean

Saturday 1
B –  parfaits| cm yogurt, blueberries | pumpkin smoothie
L – chicken vegetable soup, scones, veggies + dip, crackers + cheese, fruit | leftover pea soup
D – cp pork roast, seasoned rice, roasted squash, broccoli, fruit salad
prep: frost cupcakes, prep fruits and veggies
notes: 

In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. It will not change the cost of any products or services for you.