To go along with my smoothie post from a couple of days ago, I thought I'd add a link to this GREAT idea I found on another blog. If you are adding yogurt to your smoothies, you can freeze the yogurt in ice cube trays to easily divide it into appropriate serving sizes! This is one of those times when I really wonder "why didn't I ever think of that?". None of our local grocery stores carry soy yogurt, so I tend to stock up on it whenever I can get to Whole Foods Market...which is about an hour away from my house. And since I buy quite a few at a time, I'm always worried that it will expire before we use it all. This just seems like the perfect solution!
http://www.thetidynest.com/2010/09/freezer-smoothies.html
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Recipe of the Week
Smoothies are a big hit in this house. I make one for the boys pretty much every day, sometimes twice a day...especially since I'm trying to get as many calories into Brody as possible per the endocrinologist's orders. A smoothie beats out water as far as calories go any day! ;-) Plus it's a great way to get a couple servings of fruit into your child's diet!
Strawberry-Orange Smoothie
1 cup OJ
1/2 pkg (16 oz) frozen strawberries
1/2 pkg (3.4 oz) Jell-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding (yes, this is dairy free!)
Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth. Serve immediately. Makes 2 servings, 1 cup each. You can substitute the pudding mix for a different flavor if you choose...banana perhaps?
That's just a simple quick smoothie I make occasionally, but lately when I'm really trying to get some extra calories into the Ninja Boy I've been making this much more calorie-dense smoothie...
Fruit Smoothie
1/2 pkg (16 oz) frozen strawberries
1/4 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 of a frozen banana
2 Tbsp vanilla soy yogurt
1/2 pkg. (3.4 oz) Jell-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
1 1/2 cup soy milk (I use half soy and half almond milk)
Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth. Add more soy milk if too thick. When I remember sometimes I will also add in 1 Tbsp of ground flax seed for a good source of Omega-3!
After I pour a cup for my older son, then I add a scoop of DuoCal powder and blend again for Brody's portion. Gotta add those extra calories any way I possibly can!
Strawberry-Orange Smoothie
1 cup OJ
1/2 pkg (16 oz) frozen strawberries
1/2 pkg (3.4 oz) Jell-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding (yes, this is dairy free!)
Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth. Serve immediately. Makes 2 servings, 1 cup each. You can substitute the pudding mix for a different flavor if you choose...banana perhaps?
That's just a simple quick smoothie I make occasionally, but lately when I'm really trying to get some extra calories into the Ninja Boy I've been making this much more calorie-dense smoothie...
Fruit Smoothie
1/2 pkg (16 oz) frozen strawberries
1/4 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 of a frozen banana
2 Tbsp vanilla soy yogurt
1/2 pkg. (3.4 oz) Jell-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
1 1/2 cup soy milk (I use half soy and half almond milk)
Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth. Add more soy milk if too thick. When I remember sometimes I will also add in 1 Tbsp of ground flax seed for a good source of Omega-3!
After I pour a cup for my older son, then I add a scoop of DuoCal powder and blend again for Brody's portion. Gotta add those extra calories any way I possibly can!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Food Allergy Printables
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Is Your School Allergy Ready?
FAAN recently sent out to its members this wonderful online training course geared towards managing food allergies and anaphylaxis in the school setting. Check it out and then send the link on to your child's principal and teachers! http://allergyready.com/
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Recipe of the Week
I'm going to try my best to add a new recipe each week that is free of milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, and shellfish. Although now that Brody tolerates baked-in egg, the recipe might include that. We'll see how long I can keep it up between working and being a busy mom...it might end up being a Recipe of the Month instead! ;-)
So the first recipe is going to be egg-free french toast! I'm waiting patiently for the day when Body completely outgrows his egg allergy so we can feast on real french toast every day if we so choose, but for now, this recipe tastes very close to the real deal in my opinion!
Egg-Free French Toast
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup rice or soy milk (now that Brody can eat almonds, we have been using almond milk for most everything!)
2 tsp vanilla
3 Tbsp vanilla soy yogurt
a dash of cinnamon
Whisk all ingredients together. Dip safe bread into mixture and cook on preheated oiled skillet on medium heat. Cook about 2-3 minutes per side. Serve with maple syrup or sprinkle with powdered sugar. Yummy!!
So the first recipe is going to be egg-free french toast! I'm waiting patiently for the day when Body completely outgrows his egg allergy so we can feast on real french toast every day if we so choose, but for now, this recipe tastes very close to the real deal in my opinion!
Egg-Free French Toast
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup rice or soy milk (now that Brody can eat almonds, we have been using almond milk for most everything!)
2 tsp vanilla
3 Tbsp vanilla soy yogurt
a dash of cinnamon
Whisk all ingredients together. Dip safe bread into mixture and cook on preheated oiled skillet on medium heat. Cook about 2-3 minutes per side. Serve with maple syrup or sprinkle with powdered sugar. Yummy!!
Where has the time gone?
What a busy summer we had! Time to catch up on some blogging! Let’s see, some of the things that have gone on since I last posted include:
• Brody continues to eat baked-in egg. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this means he will eventually outgrow his egg allergy completely…but it hasn’t happened yet.
• Brody passed in-office trials to almonds and hazelnuts!! I still have a hard time believing this one! His RAST for almond and hazelnut has always been quite low and this year when Dr. G did an SPT for each they were negative. I can’t even explain how bizarre and terrifying it was to sit in the doctor’s office and watch Brody eat something that has always been considered poison for his body before! But thank goodness all went well and Brody now eats almonds and Barney Butter (almond butter) almost every day. He wasn’t as impressed with the taste of hazelnuts for some reason, so I guess I’ll have to start sneaking those into cookies once in a while.
• I taught a couple cake decorating classes over the summer for the members of our local food allergy support group, the Food Allergy Association of Wisconsin. I know how frustrating it is to not be able to just order a big beautiful cake from a bakery for my son’s birthday, so I’m more than happy to teach other parents how to make one themselves too!
• Brody had an appointment with a pediatric endocrinologist last month to discuss growth hormone shots because he is so small compared to all of his friends and it really bothers him. Unfortunately we were told he doesn’t qualify for the shots because he is not under the 5th percentile on the height chart. He is currently at the 13th percentile and she is fairly certain that his short stature is mostly due to the fact that he has been on steroids for his asthma and eczema pretty much his entire life. But the doctor was very concerned about his weight and she was worried that if he doesn’t start gaining weight then that might affect his height growth even more. The doctor suggested I basically fill him with as many calories as possible every day and then go back for another appointment this fall for a weight check. She said she is hoping that the extra calories might help him grow taller too. So I’ve been on a hunt for high-calorie foods/recipes! He’s eating lots of hamburgers and bacon and I’ve been making him slurp down a smoothie every day consisting of strawberries, blueberries, banana, soy yogurt, soy milk, almond milk, and DuoCal powder (a tasteless powder that just adds extra calories to whatever food you mix it into). He likes the smoothie, but I think he’s tired of having to drink it every single day. I also add the DuoCal powder to pretty much everything I cook/bake. The only problem with that is that my husband and I certainly don’t need the extra calories, so I try my best to remember to only add it to his portions.
• We found a new restaurant that Brody can safely eat at…well new for us anyway! Red Robin lets you request allergen-specific menu information through their website. For each allergen you ask about, you will receive a list of items that you could safely order. The trick is when you request information for more than one allergen, you have to take the time to cross reference every item from each list they send you. So as I sat on my bed surrounded by multiple pages of lists for milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, and shellfish-free menu items and with my highlighter in hand, I discovered that Brody could order a bacon hamburger (no bun, no seasoning) or a grilled chicken breast (no bun, no mayo) and all you can eat steak fries! Brody decided on the burger (we took our own bun) and he was thrilled! I’m determined to find a couple more sit down restaurants that I am comfortable with Brody eating at because as he gets older he will eventually want to eat out with friends and needs to know how to order safe food for himself and feel comfortable doing it.
• Perhaps the biggest news is that I am now the mother of a high schooler and a middle schooler! How did that happen? It just doesn’t seem like it was 9 years ago that Josh was just starting Kindergarten and Brody was only 2. My babies sure are growing up fast! I met with the middle school principal, 6th grade teachers and staff the week before school started to discuss Brody’s food allergies. I’m feeling fairly comfortable with the teachers looking out for Brody…the principal not so much. Anyone who jokingly makes a stupid comment like “I guess I should cancel that peanut factory tour” while I’m explaining that Brody’s allergies are life-threatening is not someone I plan on being friends with. And while my husband was waiting for the lasers to start shooting out of my eyes when the principal made this comment, I held my emotions together for the sheer fact that Brody will be in this school for 3 years and I need to pick my battles carefully so nothing is taken out on him. Very frustrating to say the least!
So that pretty much describes my summer, other than a couple of family trips here and there. Feels like it flew by…again. Hopefully this school year will be fun, productive, and reaction-free!
• Brody continues to eat baked-in egg. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this means he will eventually outgrow his egg allergy completely…but it hasn’t happened yet.
• Brody passed in-office trials to almonds and hazelnuts!! I still have a hard time believing this one! His RAST for almond and hazelnut has always been quite low and this year when Dr. G did an SPT for each they were negative. I can’t even explain how bizarre and terrifying it was to sit in the doctor’s office and watch Brody eat something that has always been considered poison for his body before! But thank goodness all went well and Brody now eats almonds and Barney Butter (almond butter) almost every day. He wasn’t as impressed with the taste of hazelnuts for some reason, so I guess I’ll have to start sneaking those into cookies once in a while.
• I taught a couple cake decorating classes over the summer for the members of our local food allergy support group, the Food Allergy Association of Wisconsin. I know how frustrating it is to not be able to just order a big beautiful cake from a bakery for my son’s birthday, so I’m more than happy to teach other parents how to make one themselves too!
• Brody had an appointment with a pediatric endocrinologist last month to discuss growth hormone shots because he is so small compared to all of his friends and it really bothers him. Unfortunately we were told he doesn’t qualify for the shots because he is not under the 5th percentile on the height chart. He is currently at the 13th percentile and she is fairly certain that his short stature is mostly due to the fact that he has been on steroids for his asthma and eczema pretty much his entire life. But the doctor was very concerned about his weight and she was worried that if he doesn’t start gaining weight then that might affect his height growth even more. The doctor suggested I basically fill him with as many calories as possible every day and then go back for another appointment this fall for a weight check. She said she is hoping that the extra calories might help him grow taller too. So I’ve been on a hunt for high-calorie foods/recipes! He’s eating lots of hamburgers and bacon and I’ve been making him slurp down a smoothie every day consisting of strawberries, blueberries, banana, soy yogurt, soy milk, almond milk, and DuoCal powder (a tasteless powder that just adds extra calories to whatever food you mix it into). He likes the smoothie, but I think he’s tired of having to drink it every single day. I also add the DuoCal powder to pretty much everything I cook/bake. The only problem with that is that my husband and I certainly don’t need the extra calories, so I try my best to remember to only add it to his portions.
• We found a new restaurant that Brody can safely eat at…well new for us anyway! Red Robin lets you request allergen-specific menu information through their website. For each allergen you ask about, you will receive a list of items that you could safely order. The trick is when you request information for more than one allergen, you have to take the time to cross reference every item from each list they send you. So as I sat on my bed surrounded by multiple pages of lists for milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, and shellfish-free menu items and with my highlighter in hand, I discovered that Brody could order a bacon hamburger (no bun, no seasoning) or a grilled chicken breast (no bun, no mayo) and all you can eat steak fries! Brody decided on the burger (we took our own bun) and he was thrilled! I’m determined to find a couple more sit down restaurants that I am comfortable with Brody eating at because as he gets older he will eventually want to eat out with friends and needs to know how to order safe food for himself and feel comfortable doing it.
• Perhaps the biggest news is that I am now the mother of a high schooler and a middle schooler! How did that happen? It just doesn’t seem like it was 9 years ago that Josh was just starting Kindergarten and Brody was only 2. My babies sure are growing up fast! I met with the middle school principal, 6th grade teachers and staff the week before school started to discuss Brody’s food allergies. I’m feeling fairly comfortable with the teachers looking out for Brody…the principal not so much. Anyone who jokingly makes a stupid comment like “I guess I should cancel that peanut factory tour” while I’m explaining that Brody’s allergies are life-threatening is not someone I plan on being friends with. And while my husband was waiting for the lasers to start shooting out of my eyes when the principal made this comment, I held my emotions together for the sheer fact that Brody will be in this school for 3 years and I need to pick my battles carefully so nothing is taken out on him. Very frustrating to say the least!
So that pretty much describes my summer, other than a couple of family trips here and there. Feels like it flew by…again. Hopefully this school year will be fun, productive, and reaction-free!
Monday, May 9, 2011
EpiPen and Inhaler Carriers
Here is an updated list of EpiPen and/or inhaler carriers I have found on the web. My son's favorite EpiPen carrier at the moment is the Spibelt. He is very active and we have found that this belt not only stays in place while he is running without bouncing around much, but it is also made of extremely stretchy material and can expand to hold 2 EpiPens or an EpiPen and inhaler plus a few Benadryl FastMelts. You can also order an extra "pocket" to attach to the Spibelt to hold an inhaler, cell phone, or other items.
EpiPen Carriers
@RiskRescue
http://www.atriskrescue.com/kit.html
Adorn handbag and messenger bag
http://www.adorndesigns.com/
Allergy Haven
http://www.allergyhaven.com/c/epi-pen
AllergyPack
http://www.allergypack.com/
Ana-Tote
http://www.allstarsales.ca/index.html?lang=en-us&target=d17.html
E-belt
http://www.ebelt.ca/
Epi-Access
http://www.epiaccess.ca/en/single.htm
Epinephrine Mate
https://www.foodallergy.org/
EpiPuppy
http://www.epipuppy.com/
FRIO wallets (keep medications cool)
http://www.coolerconcept.com/pages/prod2.htm
KozyEpi EpiPen and Puffer Pouches
http://www.kozyepi.com/
Medipouch
http://www.medipouch.com/
Omaxcare Leg Buddy & Asthma Pal
http://www.omaxcare.com/
Safety Sack
http://www.safetysack.com/
Peace of Mind Allergy Solutions (Custom made EpiPen carriers)
http://www.peaceofmindallergy.com/index.php
Take In Case
http://www.takeincase.com/
ActiveAide
http://www.activeaide.com/us/
Concealed EpiPen (Waist Pal, Waist Buddy, Leg Buddy)
http://www.concealedepipen.com/index.html
SpiBelt
http://www.spibelt.com/
Allergy Essentials
http://www.allergyessentialsusa.com/
TuffBaggs
http://www.tuffbaggs.com/product/epipen.html
Allergy Apparel (epipen & inhaler carriers)
http://www.allergyapparel.com/
Felted EpiPen Carrier/Case
http://www.etsy.com/listing/15695867/epipen-carriercase-felted-in-dark-pink
Autoinjector Duo Pouch w/ badge
http://www.bluebearaware.com/Black_Autoinjector_Pouch_p/s09-kz06.htm
Epi-Access Teacher Case
http://www.epiaccess.ca/en/teachers.htm
Icy Diamond Totes
http://www.icydiamondtotes.com/
Epi-Ready
http://www.epi-ready.com/
One Spot Allergy
http://www.onespotallergy.com/EpiPen-Holders-E-Belts-For-Food-Allergy-Anaphylaxis-s/20.htm
Protectube (waterproof case)
http://www.achooallergy.com/acc-protectube.asp
Waterproof bags
http://www.rei.com/product/752383
http://www.allstarsales.ca/index1.html
http://www.onespotallergy.com/Waterproof-EpiPen-Holder-p/osa0030.htm
Inhaler Carriers
PuffaPouch
http://www.puffapouch.com/
Respire
http://www.respirecases.com/index.aspx
Forget-Med-Not
http://forgetmednot.com/
Inhaler Wallet
http://www.lifesolutionsplus.com/inhaler-wallet-p-468.html
Inhaler Mate
http://www.inhalermate.com/index.php
The Doser
http://www.doser.com/index.html
Mitzy
http://www.mitzy.com.au/
Airpocket
http://www.amazon.com/Airpocket-Original-Quick-Draw-Inhaler/dp/B003LMB2NI
Med-Ready Puffer Tote
http://www.achooallergy.com/med-ready-tote.asp
EpiPen Carriers
@RiskRescue
http://www.atriskrescue.com/kit.html
Adorn handbag and messenger bag
http://www.adorndesigns.com/
Allergy Haven
http://www.allergyhaven.com/c/epi-pen
AllergyPack
http://www.allergypack.com/
Ana-Tote
http://www.allstarsales.ca/index.html?lang=en-us&target=d17.html
E-belt
http://www.ebelt.ca/
Epi-Access
http://www.epiaccess.ca/en/single.htm
Epinephrine Mate
https://www.foodallergy.org/
EpiPuppy
http://www.epipuppy.com/
FRIO wallets (keep medications cool)
http://www.coolerconcept.com/pages/prod2.htm
KozyEpi EpiPen and Puffer Pouches
http://www.kozyepi.com/
Medipouch
http://www.medipouch.com/
Omaxcare Leg Buddy & Asthma Pal
http://www.omaxcare.com/
Safety Sack
http://www.safetysack.com/
Peace of Mind Allergy Solutions (Custom made EpiPen carriers)
http://www.peaceofmindallergy.com/index.php
Take In Case
http://www.takeincase.com/
ActiveAide
http://www.activeaide.com/us/
Concealed EpiPen (Waist Pal, Waist Buddy, Leg Buddy)
http://www.concealedepipen.com/index.html
SpiBelt
http://www.spibelt.com/
Allergy Essentials
http://www.allergyessentialsusa.com/
TuffBaggs
http://www.tuffbaggs.com/product/epipen.html
Allergy Apparel (epipen & inhaler carriers)
http://www.allergyapparel.com/
Felted EpiPen Carrier/Case
http://www.etsy.com/listing/15695867/epipen-carriercase-felted-in-dark-pink
Autoinjector Duo Pouch w/ badge
http://www.bluebearaware.com/Black_Autoinjector_Pouch_p/s09-kz06.htm
Epi-Access Teacher Case
http://www.epiaccess.ca/en/teachers.htm
Icy Diamond Totes
http://www.icydiamondtotes.com/
Epi-Ready
http://www.epi-ready.com/
One Spot Allergy
http://www.onespotallergy.com/EpiPen-Holders-E-Belts-For-Food-Allergy-Anaphylaxis-s/20.htm
Protectube (waterproof case)
http://www.achooallergy.com/acc-protectube.asp
Waterproof bags
http://www.rei.com/product/752383
http://www.allstarsales.ca/index1.html
http://www.onespotallergy.com/Waterproof-EpiPen-Holder-p/osa0030.htm
Inhaler Carriers
PuffaPouch
http://www.puffapouch.com/
Respire
http://www.respirecases.com/index.aspx
Forget-Med-Not
http://forgetmednot.com/
Inhaler Wallet
http://www.lifesolutionsplus.com/inhaler-wallet-p-468.html
Inhaler Mate
http://www.inhalermate.com/index.php
The Doser
http://www.doser.com/index.html
Mitzy
http://www.mitzy.com.au/
Airpocket
http://www.amazon.com/Airpocket-Original-Quick-Draw-Inhaler/dp/B003LMB2NI
Med-Ready Puffer Tote
http://www.achooallergy.com/med-ready-tote.asp
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