Picky eater

March 10, 2011

Many picky eaters seem to eat only the most glutenous and dairy laden foods.

Have you noticed? Pastas, cheese, cookies, etc. But when a GFCF diet is

implemented, the sensory system changes and they often become better eaters. Of

course other things may improve as well. There are wonderful substitutions for

pasta, cheese, bread, cookies, pizza, and the like. Might be worth a try.

March 10, 2011

What r the substitutions for these foods exactly?I can't take out dairy and gluten because thatIs all he eats. He will not eat other foods as he Goes into a panic at the sight or even the thought ofTrying simething new. It's not always true thatA child will eat when they get hungry enough. He once Went 2 weeks without eating. Also the stress On him is not good as he gets gastritis. I want to do what's bestFor him but I don't know where to start. EveryoneHas a different opinion on what to do but I feelKeeping his anxiety level to a minimumDuring whatever process I try is of the utmost Importance! Please keep the advice coming As I am very thankful for everyones input!DebbieSent from my iPhone

Many picky eaters seem to eat only the most glutenous and dairy laden foods. Have you noticed? Pastas, cheese, cookies, etc. But when a GFCF diet is implemented, the sensory system changes and they often become better eaters. Of course other things may improve as well. There are wonderful substitutions for pasta, cheese, bread, cookies, pizza, and the like. Might be worth a try.

March 10, 2011

I struggled with this too for my son and I'm sure other parents had to and have the same concerns. Another concern is withdrawal, which absolutely happens in some of our kids. Intensified cravings, etc.Check out Talk About Curing Autism website for some tips on how to slowly add foods, replace or even combine foods. Then slowly remove the offending foods while still replacing.I understand the anxiety component and you are right in that some kids have been known to shut down and refuse to eat. We don't want to create any anxiety during this time. I found it helpful for me to address my own anxieties about the diet before implementing it for my son. I thought about every possible situation and how it would affect me and my family. I found this to be truly valuable because once I got over my own anxieties I was much more available and capable of implementing it with my son. I'd first start with a journal of everything he currently eats. I'd download and print Publix and Whole Foods lists of gfcf foods and highlight anything he already eats and highlight in another color anything you think he may be open to. Many food companies are beginning to make gfcf options, at the very least, gf options. If he eats yogurt, you could mix a soy yogurt with his current yogurt. You could mix gfcf chicken nuggets with his current nuggets. Some are really good. You could also start just placing a new food choice along with his current food and let him know it's just going to sit there and he doesn't have to eat it or even look at it. Or let him know it's actually for you. We want him to get comfortable with it in his space, wherever that space is... As close as he permits it... Ask him how close can it be... These are ideas off the top of my head... Check out the book, Just Take a Bite. It's worth the read... Hope this helps!Sent from my iPhone

What r the substitutions for these foods exactly?I can't take out dairy and gluten because thatIs all he eats. He will not eat other foods as he Goes into a panic at the sight or even the thought ofTrying simething new. It's not always true thatA child will eat when they get hungry enough. He once Went 2 weeks without eating. Also the stress On him is not good as he gets gastritis. I want to do what's bestFor him but I don't know where to start. EveryoneHas a different opinion on what to do but I feelKeeping his anxiety level to a minimumDuring whatever process I try is of the utmost Importance! Please keep the advice coming As I am very thankful for everyones input!DebbieSent from my iPhone

Many picky eaters seem to eat only the most glutenous and dairy laden foods. Have you noticed? Pastas, cheese, cookies, etc. But when a GFCF diet is implemented, the sensory system changes and they often become better eaters. Of course other things may improve as well. There are wonderful substitutions for pasta, cheese, bread, cookies, pizza, and the like. Might be worth a try.

March 10, 2011

For instance, there is premade mac and cheese that is gluten free and

dairy free. There are GFCF cookies, pizza (Amy's pizza) etc. Rice

pasta, soy cheese, all would look like stuff he knows already.

>

> What r the substitutions for these foods exactly?

> I can't take out dairy and gluten because that

> Is all he eats. He will not eat other foods as he

> Goes into a panic at the sight or even the thought of

> Trying simething new. It's not always true that

> A child will eat when they get hungry enough. He once

> Went 2 weeks without eating. Also the stress

> On him is not good as he gets gastritis. I want to do what's best

> For him but I don't know where to start. Everyone

> Has a different opinion on what to do but I feel

> Keeping his anxiety level to a minimum

> During whatever process I try is of the utmost

> Importance! Please keep the advice coming

> As I am very thankful for everyones input!

> Debbie

>

> Sent from my iPhone

>

> On Mar 10, 2011, at 8:53 AM, Herskowitz

> wrote:

>

>>

>> Many picky eaters seem to eat only the most glutenous and dairy

>> laden foods. Have you noticed? Pastas, cheese, cookies, etc. But

>> when a GFCF diet is implemented, the sensory system changes and

>> they often become better eaters. Of course other things may improve

>> as well. There are wonderful substitutions for pasta, cheese,

>> bread, cookies, pizza, and the like. Might be worth a try.

>>

>

March 10, 2011

And I know a dietitian in your area who could work with you to teach

you how to substitute

>

> What r the substitutions for these foods exactly?

> I can't take out dairy and gluten because that

> Is all he eats. He will not eat other foods as he

> Goes into a panic at the sight or even the thought of

> Trying simething new. It's not always true that

> A child will eat when they get hungry enough. He once

> Went 2 weeks without eating. Also the stress

> On him is not good as he gets gastritis. I want to do what's best

> For him but I don't know where to start. Everyone

> Has a different opinion on what to do but I feel

> Keeping his anxiety level to a minimum

> During whatever process I try is of the utmost

> Importance! Please keep the advice coming

> As I am very thankful for everyones input!

> Debbie

>

> Sent from my iPhone

>

> On Mar 10, 2011, at 8:53 AM, Herskowitz

> wrote:

>

>>

>> Many picky eaters seem to eat only the most glutenous and dairy

>> laden foods. Have you noticed? Pastas, cheese, cookies, etc. But

>> when a GFCF diet is implemented, the sensory system changes and

>> they often become better eaters. Of course other things may improve

>> as well. There are wonderful substitutions for pasta, cheese,

>> bread, cookies, pizza, and the like. Might be worth a try.

>>

>

March 10, 2011

Can u give me the contact info for the dietician. I'm assuming she has

experience with our kids? Thank you:-)

Debbie

Sent from my iPhone

> And I know a dietitian in your area who could work with you to teach

> you how to substitute

>

>>

>> What r the substitutions for these foods exactly?

>> I can't take out dairy and gluten because that

>> Is all he eats. He will not eat other foods as he

>> Goes into a panic at the sight or even the thought of

>> Trying simething new. It's not always true that

>> A child will eat when they get hungry enough. He once

>> Went 2 weeks without eating. Also the stress

>> On him is not good as he gets gastritis. I want to do what's best

>> For him but I don't know where to start. Everyone

>> Has a different opinion on what to do but I feel

>> Keeping his anxiety level to a minimum

>> During whatever process I try is of the utmost

>> Importance! Please keep the advice coming

>> As I am very thankful for everyones input!

>> Debbie

>>

>> Sent from my iPhone

>>

>> On Mar 10, 2011, at 8:53 AM, Herskowitz

>> wrote:

>>

>>>

>>> Many picky eaters seem to eat only the most glutenous and dairy

>>> laden foods. Have you noticed? Pastas, cheese, cookies, etc. But

>>> when a GFCF diet is implemented, the sensory system changes and

>>> they often become better eaters. Of course other things may improve

>>> as well. There are wonderful substitutions for pasta, cheese,

>>> bread, cookies, pizza, and the like. Might be worth a try.

>>>

>>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

March 10, 2011

This is an issue that is near and dear to my heart. We believe that

dietary intervention can help many medical conditions. My daughter

has been on the GF/CF diet for about 10 yrs, and while we still have

issues, behaviors we want to improve, we have seen many improvements

- most notably major cognitive awareness, including speech, language

and reading. We didn't have the eating issues you have. We do

supplement with nutritional supplements, digestive enzymes and

vitamins, and my daughter is extremely healthy. For us, the benefits

outweigh the negatives.

Many stores and restaurants are now very aware of special dietary

needs. There are even gluten free sections in Publix & Walmart -

shelves & refrigerated dairy section!Â Some Chex cereal is GF.

Some Betty Crocker cake mixes are GF. It's so much more mainstream.

Read the labels. I found the gfcfdiet.com site to be very helpful.

It recommends calling manufacturers to check ingredients, and the

Public Relations Depts can be helpful & informative. Take it

slow - and go by your gut feelings as a mom; you know your child

best.

We kind of believe in the cold turkey approach, feeling that if you

do it gradually, it might never happen. If you feed him close

substitutions that are similar to his food, he might accept it

better. You might discuss these issues with your doctor,

nutritionist, therapist, etc - if they are supportive. [Otherwise,

keep posting your concerns to the list!]

Some substitutes available: corn, rice, potato, millet, etc for

grain. Rice, Coconut, Almond, etc for milk, even ice cream &

yogurt! My dairy-allergic grandsons use Enriched Rich Dream Milk

[with calcium] so they get calcium. We avoid soy, but there's rice,

pea protein, almond, etc cheese [Daiya cheese melts great!]. There

are also mac 'n cheese subs.

When we started GF/CF, we bought every imaginable substitute. Over

time we found she craved the carb [grain] substitutes, so limited

them and focus on a lean protein, vegetable, fruit, nuts & seeds

diet - much easier and meets many people's dietary needs.

Besides traditional grocers, Whole Foods & Tunies are great

[Tunies = Coral Ridge Dr off Westview]; South county may still have

Nutrition Smart - all great stores, in addition to mail order [which

you really do not need], and, as you can see, traditional grocers.

Also some gourmet Kosher products contain potato starch instead of

flour - another option.

We find restaurants are very accommodating - we ask for plain food.

They are aware of celiac and milk problems, etc. If pasta is a must,

some people bring in their own gf pasta.

I think it is very worth the effort. As others said, try it. You can

always stop. It can be overwhelming, so if you have any other

questions, you can see many of us are available to help. Good luck!

Meryl

Â

What r the substitutions for these foods exactly?

I can't take out dairy and gluten because that

Is all he eats. He will not eat other foods as heÂ

Goes into a panic at the sight or even the thought of

Trying simething new. It's not always true that

A child will eat when they get hungry enough. He onceÂ

Went 2 weeks without eating. Also the stressÂ

On him is not good as he gets gastritis. I want to do

what's best

For him but I don't know where to start. Everyone

Has a different opinion on what to do but I feel

Keeping his anxiety level to a minimum

During whatever process I try is of the utmostÂ

Importance! Please keep the advice comingÂ

As I am very thankful for everyones input!

Debbie

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 10, 2011, at 8:53 AM, Herskowitz

wrote:

Â

Many picky eaters seem to eat only the most

glutenous and dairy laden foods. Have you noticed?

Pastas, cheese, cookies, etc. But when a GFCF diet

is implemented, the sensory system changes and they

often become better eaters. Of course other things

may improve as well. There are wonderful

substitutions for pasta, cheese, bread, cookies,

pizza, and the like. Might be worth a try.

March 10, 2011

The easiest way to start is to the dairy free food slowly into the dairy

containing food and time by time increase the dairy free foods until he doesn't

even realize the switch. If you go to wholefoods you see tons of replacement

foods just ask for help there they are very helpful in showing you the sections

with GF/CF foods. There is soy milk and soy yogurt, there is hemp- and ricemilk.

There are so many parents I meet that say that their kids would starve if they

put them on a GF/CF diet but you just need to be very determined and realize

that it is worth a try, too many parents are reporting great improvements to

just ignore the connection and the sooner you give it a try the easier. My

daughter was on the diet for over two years 100 % until now were she is able to

handle occasional gluten without any adverse effects, so for many kids the diet

is not forever.

> >

> >>

> >> Many picky eaters seem to eat only the most

> glutenous and dairy

> >> laden foods. Have you noticed? Pastas, cheese,

> cookies, etc. But

> >> when a GFCF diet is implemented, the sensory

> system changes and

> >> they often become better eaters. Of course other

> things may improve

> >> as well. There are wonderful substitutions for

> pasta, cheese,

> >> bread, cookies, pizza, and the like. Might be

> worth a try.

> >>

> >

>

> ------------------------------------

>

March 10, 2011

You can try giving him his beloved macaroni and cheese but buy vegan cheese

(made from soy) and use gluten free pasta. He might fight the change in taste at

the beginning but eventually get used to. I hide veggies in my son's food by for

example boiling cauliflower and then shredding it over the food. The color is

kind of transparent so it would blend in with the vegan cheese. Just an idea...

Ida

>

> > Many picky eaters seem to eat only the most glutenous and dairy laden foods.

Have you noticed? Pastas, cheese, cookies, etc. But when a GFCF diet is

implemented, the sensory system changes and they often become better eaters. Of

course other things may improve as well. There are wonderful substitutions for

pasta, cheese, bread, cookies, pizza, and the like. Might be worth a try.

> >

>

March 10, 2011

Debbie,

The beginning is hard, but once he stops being addicted to those foods and the

opiod effect they have, he will eventually eat the substitutes. It takes some

time to get used to and find the right substitutes. A lot of the GFCF products

taste really good. be prepared to spend several hours reading labels at whole

foods the first time you go. You can also ask for a list of products at their

customer service but not all of its there. I'm going to give a quick list of

some of the ones I've found thru trial and error.

Daiya shredded " cheese " I use for mac n cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches

(mozzerella is better than cheddar)

Tinyada brown rice noodles (wash with water after cooking to remove after taste)

Udi's white rice bread (better toasted)

Bell and GFCF chicken nuggets

Canyon Bakehouse white bread

Glutino GFCF pretzels

Almond Milk or Coconut milk (use unsweetened for Mac n cheese)

" So Delicious " coconut milk yogurt (blueberry and raspberry are best)

And " So delicious " ice-creams, Mocha almond is sooooo good.

Udi's frozen personal pizza crusts, just add sauce and Daiya cheese and its done

in 10 minutes.

Glutino cookies and crackers (some have dairy, but most don't)

I also buy frozen cookie dough that is gfcf, tastes better hot and fresh out of

the oven, no child can resist even my NT child.

Betty crocker also has a line of cakes, brownies and cookies and frostings that

GFCF. When I make the chocolate cake with vanilla frosting or brownies noone in

my family can tell the difference.

Thats all I can think of off the top of my head. There is a website that does

reviews for gluten free products that I always check before buying they are

pretty accurate.

Also remember, that just b/c something is GF doesn't mean it dairy free. I've

made that mistake several times. For us, dairy effects our son much stronger and

more immediate than gluten.

We don't rely on these products so much now b/c my son will now eat a wide

variety of meats veggies and fruits and too much of these GFCF carbs also

increase yeast for our son.

Most of these foods take some time learning how to cook the best way, so it

takes a few times and some tweaking. many times I had to throw something out b/c

I didn't make it right and wanted to give up. Don't get discouraged! For us,

once we got it right we realized how big a diff it made, whenever he had an

infraction EVERYONE would notice (teachers, therapists etc) without knowing he

had previously snuck dairy. He would get foggy and start chewing his shirt to

shreds, and they'd have to tell him things 10 times to get his attention.

My son also reacts to soy and chocolate so we have had to remove alot of the

above foods I listed. So he didn't get completely better till I removed those.

He was always up and down, some great days and some bad days, Until I started

keeping a log and writing down what he ate and how he reacted. But every kid is

diff and its a matter of what your son reacts to. For some ASD kids its rice for

others its corn.

HTH,

Shiri

>

> > Many picky eaters seem to eat only the most glutenous and dairy laden foods.

Have you noticed? Pastas, cheese, cookies, etc. But when a GFCF diet is

implemented, the sensory system changes and they often become better eaters. Of

course other things may improve as well. There are wonderful substitutions for

pasta, cheese, bread, cookies, pizza, and the like. Might be worth a try.

> >

>

March 11, 2011

I am not a great cook, and I really don't like to cook, so finding ways to

please a family with a picky eater, stay on weight watchers, eat healthy, etc.

has been a challenge. I add organic pureed baby food veggies from a jar to

spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce etc. You have to choose the veggies that will

'disappear' when added, like cauliflower will disappear into white cheese and

potatoes. Also, I put onions and bell peppers into a blender and pureed it into

a liquid, and I add it to meatloaf so we get the flavor but not the veggie

chunks. I put the left over puree into mini containers with tops and defrost

them as needed. Shhhh, don't tell my kids! I have to do it when they are not

looking

March 11, 2011

That's awesome. Sounds like a cook to me! ;-)My son is fortunate to get a salad with his frozen gfcf chicken nuggets and tator tots. I'm terrible in the kitchen! LOLSent from my iPhone

I am not a great cook, and I really don't like to cook, so finding ways to please a family with a picky eater, stay on weight watchers, eat healthy, etc. has been a challenge. I add organic pureed baby food veggies from a jar to spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce etc. You have to choose the veggies that will 'disappear' when added, like cauliflower will disappear into white cheese and potatoes. Also, I put onions and bell peppers into a blender and pureed it into a liquid, and I add it to meatloaf so we get the flavor but not the veggie chunks. I put the left over puree into mini containers with tops and defrost them as needed. Shhhh, don't tell my kids! I have to do it when they are not looking

March 11, 2011

I still don't know where to start. My goal is to Get him to eat a more varied diet that includesVeg. Fruit, chicken, meat, fish. Why does everyone Go right to the gfcf diet? Is it the thought thatThe food sensitivities r causing the sensory andAnxiety issues? I do feel that is possible but itSeems the first step would be to get him over his fear Of tasting a new food. I know my sons anxietyAs well as the anxiety of my husband and myself,And this just has to be simpler . Of course I want A quick fix but I know that's not possible but It has to be put into simpler steps for this to workWith my family dynamics ( personal stressors). I hope at least some of u understand. I know everyone is coming from a different place soIt's really hard to say what one should and Shouldn't do in their particular situation. The Feedback I'm getting, although confusing a littleIs helping me to find what will feel right for my son, so thankYou everyone.DebbieSent from my iPhone

That's awesome. Sounds like a cook to me! ;-)My son is fortunate to get a salad with his frozen gfcf chicken nuggets and tator tots. I'm terrible in the kitchen! LOLSent from my iPhone

I am not a great cook, and I really don't like to cook, so finding ways to please a family with a picky eater, stay on weight watchers, eat healthy, etc. has been a challenge. I add organic pureed baby food veggies from a jar to spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce etc. You have to choose the veggies that will 'disappear' when added, like cauliflower will disappear into white cheese and potatoes. Also, I put onions and bell peppers into a blender and pureed it into a liquid, and I add it to meatloaf so we get the flavor but not the veggie chunks. I put the left over puree into mini containers with tops and defrost them as needed. Shhhh, don't tell my kids! I have to do it when they are not looking

March 11, 2011

My child was a picky eater and probably still would be if I didn't work on the behavior side of it versus the sensory side of it. She would gag, throw up etc. She loved spaghetti (where I too hide veggies) and she loved going out for it. As you know - spaghetti comes with salad - so first she had to eat one bite of salad, then worked up to 5, etc before you knew it she ate the whole thing without complaining. Now she eats fish etc, but she has her chocolate chip cookie for dessert - if she eats her meal. She prefers broccoli to most vegetables and I don't give her onion pieces (unless its cooked in something) but otherwise - she eats everything. It was a long slow process and she is allowed to choose what she wants to eat for school lunches which is

usually pizza, however at home, she eats what I make. I used to hide fruit in the pancakes etc, thank goodness I don't have to do that anymore.

To: "sList " <sList >Sent: Fri, March 11, 2011 11:00:17 AMSubject: Re: Re: Picky eater

That's awesome. Sounds like a cook to me! ;-)

My son is fortunate to get a salad with his frozen gfcf chicken nuggets and tator tots. I'm terrible in the kitchen! LOLSent from my iPhone

I am not a great cook, and I really don't like to cook, so finding ways to please a family with a picky eater, stay on weight watchers, eat healthy, etc. has been a challenge. I add organic pureed baby food veggies from a jar to spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce etc. You have to choose the veggies that will 'disappear' when added, like cauliflower will disappear into white cheese and potatoes. Also, I put onions and bell peppers into a blender and pureed it into a liquid, and I add it to meatloaf so we get the flavor but not the veggie chunks. I put the left over puree into mini containers with tops and defrost them as needed. Shhhh, don't tell my kids! I have to do it when they are not looking

March 11, 2011

I understand and was unable to go to the gcgf diet, however we were fortunate that my child did not have the gut issues. I just went with her favorites but she had to eat a bite or two of something else first (behavior) it was slow and arduous but it worked. Good luck.

To: "sList " <sList >Sent: Fri, March 11, 2011 11:44:00 AMSubject: Re: Re: Picky eater

I still don't know where to start. My goal is to

Get him to eat a more varied diet that includes

Veg. Fruit, chicken, meat, fish. Why does everyone

Go right to the gfcf diet? Is it the thought that

The food sensitivities r causing the sensory and

Anxiety issues? I do feel that is possible but it

Seems the first step would be to get him over his fear

Of tasting a new food. I know my sons anxiety

As well as the anxiety of my husband and myself,

And this just has to be simpler . Of course I want

A quick fix but I know that's not possible but

It has to be put into simpler steps for this to work

With my family dynamics ( personal stressors). I hope at least some of u understand. I know everyone is coming from a different place so

It's really hard to say what one should and

Shouldn't do in their particular situation. The

Feedback I'm getting, although confusing a little

Is helping me to find what will feel right for my son, so thank

You everyone.

Debbie

Sent from my iPhone

That's awesome. Sounds like a cook to me! ;-)

My son is fortunate to get a salad with his frozen gfcf chicken nuggets and tator tots. I'm terrible in the kitchen! LOLSent from my iPhone

I am not a great cook, and I really don't like to cook, so finding ways to please a family with a picky eater, stay on weight watchers, eat healthy, etc. has been a challenge. I add organic pureed baby food veggies from a jar to spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce etc. You have to choose the veggies that will 'disappear' when added, like cauliflower will disappear into white cheese and potatoes. Also, I put onions and bell peppers into a blender and pureed it into a liquid, and I add it to meatloaf so we get the flavor but not the veggie chunks. I put the left over puree into mini containers with tops and defrost them as needed. Shhhh, don't tell my kids! I have to do it when they are not looking

March 11, 2011

Debbie,

I understand your frustration. The reason that many are suggesting the gf/cf is

because there is a connection between his cravings and his aversion towards new

foods. As previously mentioned, it's not that he eats the foods he is eating now

because of the taste, it's because he is addicted to them. Same as I call myself

a sugar addict, but once I go on a carbfree diet I loose my cravings for sugar.

My daughter was a very picky eater too but I never stopped offering her the

foods she would not eat and now she is eating green peas and celery. What also

worked for her was video modeling, and toy foods to play with, cartoons about

food (the celery is thanks to the wonder pets) She still hates rice though, I

was never able to give her rice.

>

> Â

>

> I am not a great cook, and I really don't like to

> cook, so finding ways to please a family with a picky eater,

> stay on weight watchers, eat healthy, etc. has been a

> challenge. I add organic pureed baby food veggies from a jar

> to spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce etc. You have to choose the

> veggies that will 'disappear' when added, like

> cauliflower will disappear into white cheese and potatoes.

> Also, I put onions and bell peppers into a blender and

> pureed it into a liquid, and I add it to meatloaf so we get

> the flavor but not the veggie chunks. I put the left over

> puree into mini containers with tops and defrost them as

> needed. Shhhh, don't tell my kids! I have to do it when

> they are not looking

>

March 11, 2011

Hi!

I sent you info offline, but wanted to answer this part of your question. I

haven't done the gfcf diet. If you just want to try encouraging a varied diet,

how about trying to make food fun and if your child is capable, let him help you

make it. Make a bunny salad using canned pears, or make celery wagons using

carrot rounds and celery and fill them with peanut butter, do the milk painting

on read and toast it. If you want these and other instructions for fun foods,

let me know and I'll forward them to you. Using frozen peas or mixed vegetables

might also work, as they are more brightly colored.

Regards,

Glenda

> >

> >>

> >> I am not a great cook, and I really don't like to cook, so finding ways to