Tomorrow is the first day of school for my older two. Hard to believe! The summer has flown by and it just doesn't really seem that we did all that much. Was relaxing but perhaps too boring for my kids? I must say they didn't complain much about being bored. So that's a good thing, in my book.
I probably gained ten pounds just from eating this weekend. Friday for lunch I treated the kids to Chick-fil-a. Then Friday evening we went to a friend's to celebrate her dh's birthday. Saturday afternoon we went to a different friend's to participate in their fund-raising lemonade stand for child leukemia and stayed for bbq afterwards. More good food and treats!
Today we had a cookout with Mia's new preschool class. Lots of good food! I think we all ate off and on for three hours LOL!
To celebrate back to school we treat the kids to a dinner out the night before school begins. They chose Cheeburger Cheeburger because we see the commercials on TV a lot. Looks fun and entertaining and a friend said the fries and onion rings were good, as well as the milk shakes.
It's a fun 50's type of place with burgers, malts, shakes, soads, fries, etc. They have formica tales and a counter with round stools. Kind of reminded me of the show Happy Days.
As you come in the door they have a huge bulletin board with a lot of pictures on it. The sign proclaims that if you eat a pounder burger you can get your picture taken with a gigantic stuffed burger with the fixings and have it pasted on the board for all to see what a pig you are to eat all that food. For the record, it's actually 20 ounces of meat, a big more than a pound.
And if that's not bad enough, they even have a "junior" edition for those 12 and under -- a mere half-pound of meat. Oy! Is that something you really want your child to aspire to do? Just today I was heard a report on the radio talking about the children that are grossly overweight and how schools now need to buy new equipment to accommodate children that cannot use what they currently have.
How are we supposed to address these issues when everywhere we turn there are advertisements for food that command "bigger is better"? Extra large value meals, prizes for eating the largest burger, all you can eat buffets, super large frozen meals.
Just to summarize, I was not all that impressed with our dinner. There was a man who, in fact, ate the pound burger. Their waiter came over with said stuffed burger and digital camera, proudly and loudly proclaiming to the entire restaurant that this man did eat 20 ounces of beef while everyone clapped and cheered. We clapped too but now I'm not sure why.
Our service was exceptionally show due to a large party that probably took up half the restaurant. We were lucky to get the waitress that had the large party so we were there for 90 minutes and spent at least half that waiting. At least the kids were well-behaved, however, no one ate much. I felt the food was okay but not something I intend to race back for.
So I keep in the back of my mind when I hear the news reports commenting on the awful consequences of obesity and the realities of eating in America.
Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
Feeling Discouraged
It's been 3 weeks or so since I've talked with the ped about Madison's allergy issues. I've been reading boards, perusing magazines, talking with people and buying products. It's frustrating spending hours poring over ingredient labels and recipes, spending extra money on special products and then having my girl turn up her nose at them.
It's frustrating find products that *almost* fit the bill. It's frustrating that everything on the market, especially in traditional grocery stores, have soy in them. It's incredibly frustrating to break my little girl's heart time and again when I tell her no she cannot have something, and it's always the yummy things.
It's frustrating to go to a gathering or restaurant and try to figure out safe foods. It's frustrating not being able to pop into the drive-thru for a quick meal on the run or throw a pizza or nuggets into the oven for a fast dinner. It's heartbreaking when my son complains that it's her fault we have to spend so much time in the store.
It must be terribly frustrating for my sweet little girl to be denied things she's always eaten and can no longer have. Comfort foods, special treats and sweeties are now off limits to her.
I need to work on finding alternate recipes that are tastey and fun to eat. I need new nuggets, cookies, muffins, pancakes, waffles, just to name a few. I'm getting some lovely recipes and support from some friends. I found a great magazine via J entitled Living Without. I'm sure I'll find more resources as I go along. I'm also kind of mourning the things we won't be having/keeping in the house out of support for Madison.
Within a week after eliminating cow's milk, the rash was about 98% gone. So quickly too! Unfortunately, she had a flare up over the weekend so I'm not sure what triggered it. Hopefully not the goat butter because I can use that in baking. I need it! We'll just keep trucking along. She'll be off soy at least a year and probably cow's milk and eggs as well. I think those were all Class 6 allergans. That's a long time but hopefully that'll give her body a chance to get the allergans out of her system and let it heal. Then we can reintroduce the allergans after that at some point to see which ones cause reactions still. I anticipate that we'll all be a little healthier and have better eating habits a year from now.
It's frustrating find products that *almost* fit the bill. It's frustrating that everything on the market, especially in traditional grocery stores, have soy in them. It's incredibly frustrating to break my little girl's heart time and again when I tell her no she cannot have something, and it's always the yummy things.
It's frustrating to go to a gathering or restaurant and try to figure out safe foods. It's frustrating not being able to pop into the drive-thru for a quick meal on the run or throw a pizza or nuggets into the oven for a fast dinner. It's heartbreaking when my son complains that it's her fault we have to spend so much time in the store.
It must be terribly frustrating for my sweet little girl to be denied things she's always eaten and can no longer have. Comfort foods, special treats and sweeties are now off limits to her.
I need to work on finding alternate recipes that are tastey and fun to eat. I need new nuggets, cookies, muffins, pancakes, waffles, just to name a few. I'm getting some lovely recipes and support from some friends. I found a great magazine via J entitled Living Without. I'm sure I'll find more resources as I go along. I'm also kind of mourning the things we won't be having/keeping in the house out of support for Madison.
Within a week after eliminating cow's milk, the rash was about 98% gone. So quickly too! Unfortunately, she had a flare up over the weekend so I'm not sure what triggered it. Hopefully not the goat butter because I can use that in baking. I need it! We'll just keep trucking along. She'll be off soy at least a year and probably cow's milk and eggs as well. I think those were all Class 6 allergans. That's a long time but hopefully that'll give her body a chance to get the allergans out of her system and let it heal. Then we can reintroduce the allergans after that at some point to see which ones cause reactions still. I anticipate that we'll all be a little healthier and have better eating habits a year from now.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
ADHD Revisited
Coming to you live from my second floor! Finally dialed in to the wireless network with an old laptop. So cool!
So anyhow, I finally got back to the ped. to talk about the allergy bloodwork results that came in. The short result is that she's allergic to over 23 things, including cow's milk, soy, eggs and wheat. She's also allergic to rye but we don't really eat much of that. She's also allergic to green beans, kidney beans and another bean, perhaps white or pinto beans. The soy, eggs and milk were all level six allergans.
I came away from the appointment with a solid plan of attack.
First we begin to eliminate cow's milk/dairy and eggs from her diet. I'm not really sure how to go about this. I mean, when I did a dairy-free diet while nursing it was "easy" as easy as any of that could be. I could eat whatever I needed and continue cooking and feeding my family the same as always. But to eliminate dairy, eggs and soy from our family's diet is going to be difficult and potentially expensive. I know they make all sorts of vegan products but they are so pricey. I'll get rice milk for the girl and I can cook with that. I'm not so sure about finding an egg substitute for baking. I see myself making a lot of things from scratch.
Second, she needed more bloodwork. Since the wheat was so high, we did a celiac bloodwork up. Depending on what it reveals will affect what happens next. But at the very least, we'll need to eliminate wheat as well. We're good for rice, potato and oats. I'm sure I can fashion things from that. I don't think she has celiacs because she's never had problems with her stomach, stools or growth pattern. But you never know, I guess. I should probably do some reading up on that.
Third, we'll meet again in early August to have a strategy meeting before she goes back to school, which is what started all this. I was hoping to be dairy/egg-free by July 1 but looking ahead, I don't think that's a realistic time frame. Dr. S said that it could take a year for some of this stuff to be completely out of her system. I'm hoping that some of it will help her eczema at the very least. At the most, it'll have a positive affect on her behavior/learning capabilities.
I knew some of this was coming, in the back of my head. But now that the reality is here, I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around it. My original thought was to have the entire family eat the same so she didn't feel singled out. But I'm not so sure that's going to be entirely possible. I suppose I should just put it in the Father's hands and fall back on my mantra: one day at a time.
So anyhow, I finally got back to the ped. to talk about the allergy bloodwork results that came in. The short result is that she's allergic to over 23 things, including cow's milk, soy, eggs and wheat. She's also allergic to rye but we don't really eat much of that. She's also allergic to green beans, kidney beans and another bean, perhaps white or pinto beans. The soy, eggs and milk were all level six allergans.
I came away from the appointment with a solid plan of attack.
First we begin to eliminate cow's milk/dairy and eggs from her diet. I'm not really sure how to go about this. I mean, when I did a dairy-free diet while nursing it was "easy" as easy as any of that could be. I could eat whatever I needed and continue cooking and feeding my family the same as always. But to eliminate dairy, eggs and soy from our family's diet is going to be difficult and potentially expensive. I know they make all sorts of vegan products but they are so pricey. I'll get rice milk for the girl and I can cook with that. I'm not so sure about finding an egg substitute for baking. I see myself making a lot of things from scratch.
Second, she needed more bloodwork. Since the wheat was so high, we did a celiac bloodwork up. Depending on what it reveals will affect what happens next. But at the very least, we'll need to eliminate wheat as well. We're good for rice, potato and oats. I'm sure I can fashion things from that. I don't think she has celiacs because she's never had problems with her stomach, stools or growth pattern. But you never know, I guess. I should probably do some reading up on that.
Third, we'll meet again in early August to have a strategy meeting before she goes back to school, which is what started all this. I was hoping to be dairy/egg-free by July 1 but looking ahead, I don't think that's a realistic time frame. Dr. S said that it could take a year for some of this stuff to be completely out of her system. I'm hoping that some of it will help her eczema at the very least. At the most, it'll have a positive affect on her behavior/learning capabilities.
I knew some of this was coming, in the back of my head. But now that the reality is here, I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around it. My original thought was to have the entire family eat the same so she didn't feel singled out. But I'm not so sure that's going to be entirely possible. I suppose I should just put it in the Father's hands and fall back on my mantra: one day at a time.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
The Jury is Out
I finally got around to visiting the new Trader Joe's they opened in town a couple weeks ago. The littles and I went yesterday. I've been waiting months and so excited as I've heard such wonderful things about the prices and quality.
So, I wasn't WOWed. I liked it but it has its pros and cons.
What I liked. The fruits and veggies seemed really fresh and good quality. They had a nice selection of milks. They have all sorts of things we use, i.e. fruits, veggies, cereals, packaged goods, baking goods, meats, lunch meat, cheeses, etc. They even had scones and tea bread. I'm going to ask my friend about these and see if she's tried them. She used to go to the other TJ that's way down the road. Although, I would imagine the baked goods would vary from store to store. They also had some nice prices. Bagged salad for $1.99, the butternut squash was cheaper than at Food Lion, fair price for deli lunch meat even though it's prepackaged and the milk was decently priced as well. The free balloon was a hit as well as the free samples. Although, the free samples were cranberry-based so a bit too tart for my munchkin.
What I didn't like. It's a small store so I'd never be able to get everything in one stop. A lot of stuff is really pricey or smaller packages, i.e. the applesauce cups were $1.79 which is cheaper than Food Lion brand and probably better quality. However, there were only four to a package instead of six. Perhaps it would even out. Most of the packaged goods I saw and household supplies were a lot more. There's not as much variety. I suppose if we had a small family, i.e. 4 people instead of six, I could probably feed my family full-time on the nice organic stuff. However, that is prohibitive, especially with meats and such. Also the veggies were pricey, over $3 for a couple of cucumbers. Albeit, the ones at Food Lion are not always good but at least they're less expensive.
Like I said, I'll try it a few more times and might try to get at least my milk, eggs and whatever veggies are on special. The people were nice and friendly and if get there at the right time, I can park on the side and not have to walk through the parking lot.
On another note, I tried playing a game with Mia yesterday; Candyland. Perhaps she's a bit too young yet. She'll be three in January but didn't quite grasp the concept of the game overall. She moved her gingerbread man to the appropriate colors most of the time but didn't quite get it when you had to move back or got stuck in a bog. I'm hoping to get a few other games for Christmas for her that might be better. Candyland can get long sometimes.
I'd like to get Hi Ho Cherry-oh. She loves to count. I'd also like to get the duck shape game and the new Candyland game. I need to spend more interactive time with her and I don't much like playing toys. At some point Charlotte will be old enough to play with her and they won't want me around LOL! On one hand I look forward to not being so needed but on the other hand it's so sad to see my babies grow up so quickly. I know I can't wait for some days (like yesterday) to be over but other times I wish the clock would slow just a tad.
So, I wasn't WOWed. I liked it but it has its pros and cons.
What I liked. The fruits and veggies seemed really fresh and good quality. They had a nice selection of milks. They have all sorts of things we use, i.e. fruits, veggies, cereals, packaged goods, baking goods, meats, lunch meat, cheeses, etc. They even had scones and tea bread. I'm going to ask my friend about these and see if she's tried them. She used to go to the other TJ that's way down the road. Although, I would imagine the baked goods would vary from store to store. They also had some nice prices. Bagged salad for $1.99, the butternut squash was cheaper than at Food Lion, fair price for deli lunch meat even though it's prepackaged and the milk was decently priced as well. The free balloon was a hit as well as the free samples. Although, the free samples were cranberry-based so a bit too tart for my munchkin.
What I didn't like. It's a small store so I'd never be able to get everything in one stop. A lot of stuff is really pricey or smaller packages, i.e. the applesauce cups were $1.79 which is cheaper than Food Lion brand and probably better quality. However, there were only four to a package instead of six. Perhaps it would even out. Most of the packaged goods I saw and household supplies were a lot more. There's not as much variety. I suppose if we had a small family, i.e. 4 people instead of six, I could probably feed my family full-time on the nice organic stuff. However, that is prohibitive, especially with meats and such. Also the veggies were pricey, over $3 for a couple of cucumbers. Albeit, the ones at Food Lion are not always good but at least they're less expensive.
Like I said, I'll try it a few more times and might try to get at least my milk, eggs and whatever veggies are on special. The people were nice and friendly and if get there at the right time, I can park on the side and not have to walk through the parking lot.
On another note, I tried playing a game with Mia yesterday; Candyland. Perhaps she's a bit too young yet. She'll be three in January but didn't quite grasp the concept of the game overall. She moved her gingerbread man to the appropriate colors most of the time but didn't quite get it when you had to move back or got stuck in a bog. I'm hoping to get a few other games for Christmas for her that might be better. Candyland can get long sometimes.
I'd like to get Hi Ho Cherry-oh. She loves to count. I'd also like to get the duck shape game and the new Candyland game. I need to spend more interactive time with her and I don't much like playing toys. At some point Charlotte will be old enough to play with her and they won't want me around LOL! On one hand I look forward to not being so needed but on the other hand it's so sad to see my babies grow up so quickly. I know I can't wait for some days (like yesterday) to be over but other times I wish the clock would slow just a tad.
Friday, August 17, 2007
MYSTERY SOLVED!!!!!!!!!!!!
DH told me this morning he found the roast. It was still in the grocery bag nestled amongst the Home Depot bags on the kitchen table. He said it was disgusting, all defrosted and drippy. Thankfully, it did not drip out of the bag.
I'm just glad dh found it. :blech:
On another food note, we opened a new milk today. I poured the last bowl of Cocoa Pebbles (breakfast of champions, you know) and took a huge bite. Unfortunately the milk went the way of the roast. I just bought it Monday but didn't realize it was dated 8/15. Milk usually lasts way longer than that but perhaps since it was organic milk it doesn't last much past the due date. Dh fed it to the kids and they ate it. Didn't they notice the funny taste? ew.
Oh, and I found the remote. It was deposited in the VCR where you put the movies
DH told me this morning he found the roast. It was still in the grocery bag nestled amongst the Home Depot bags on the kitchen table. He said it was disgusting, all defrosted and drippy. Thankfully, it did not drip out of the bag.
I'm just glad dh found it. :blech:
On another food note, we opened a new milk today. I poured the last bowl of Cocoa Pebbles (breakfast of champions, you know) and took a huge bite. Unfortunately the milk went the way of the roast. I just bought it Monday but didn't realize it was dated 8/15. Milk usually lasts way longer than that but perhaps since it was organic milk it doesn't last much past the due date. Dh fed it to the kids and they ate it. Didn't they notice the funny taste? ew.
Oh, and I found the remote. It was deposited in the VCR where you put the movies
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Have you ever lost a roast?
Maybe this is a hint to become vegetarian LOL! I remember taking a roast out of the freezer yesterday in a blue grocery sack. I thought I set it aside to put in a dish so it doesn't defrost all over the fridge like the last time. What a nasty mess that was to clean up!
I promptly forgot about the roast.
Today I was looking for said roast and cannot find it. First it makes me irritated because I've lost a not so cheap piece of meat. I usually buy on sale but it's still a waste of money. I'm thinking I tossed it in the trash by mistake but I would think I would have noticed. It's not in the fridge, it's not in the freezer. My dh claims he did nothing with it, nor has he seen it.
My only other conclusion is that Mia carried it off somewhere. I so hope not. I can just imagine the smell and mess of that one. Today she lost my TV remote. Wonder what else will get lost besides my mind?
I promptly forgot about the roast.
Today I was looking for said roast and cannot find it. First it makes me irritated because I've lost a not so cheap piece of meat. I usually buy on sale but it's still a waste of money. I'm thinking I tossed it in the trash by mistake but I would think I would have noticed. It's not in the fridge, it's not in the freezer. My dh claims he did nothing with it, nor has he seen it.
My only other conclusion is that Mia carried it off somewhere. I so hope not. I can just imagine the smell and mess of that one. Today she lost my TV remote. Wonder what else will get lost besides my mind?
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