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The last few weeks have been stressful. Our third child, the two year old, has been having digestive problems, and we’re in the middle of looking for answers. She is going to see a specialist this week, but in the meantime, our doctor had some lab tests done and recommended that we cut dairy out of her diet.
Is he serious? Cut dairy out of our toddler’s diet? I think our two year old is like a lot of American two year olds. A lover of cheese. And yogurt. Milk. Macaroni. Pizza. It’s all fabulous comfort food that toddlers love, right? Yeah. So, my head has been spinning for the last couple of weeks, trying to figure out how to cook dairy-free meals that the whole family will enjoy. Because frankly, if the two year old can’t have it, ain’t nobody having it. Know what I mean?
A sudden diet change can be overwhelming, whether it’s based on a health issue or made by choice. I’m finally wrapping my head around our dairy-free lifestyle and feeling less like I’m going off the deep end. If you find yourself in a similar situation, there are some things that I’ve found that can make the transition a bit easier.
- Take advice as suggestions. We have several people in our lives that have been through a similar situation and from whom we asked for help. But there is A LOT of information to try to take in and process. Try to limit the surge of information to a little at a time. Otherwise, you can get overwhelmed very quickly. And a lot of people who haven’t been in a similar situation will try to give you advice. I suggest you take the professional advice first and leave the rest.
- Recreate family favorite meals. Changing or swapping out ingredients in family favorite meals will make the transition easier. Can’t swap out cheese? buy a dairy free kind, soy, or omit it all together. Make a list of the meals everyone will eat, rotate them and try a few new ones. Your family probably won’t get sick of them in heavy rotation if it’s only for a short period of time.
- Get inspiration online. Use websites like pinterest.com, allrecipes.com, or niche blogs to search for new recipes that meet the criteria. Save them to your ‘favorites’ so that you are not searching all the time. Start with highly favored recipes or those that are familiar to your family’s eating habits.
- Make a list of the ingredients your family can’t eat. This way, you won’t waste your money and you won’t stand at the grocery wondering if your family can actually eat certain foods. Carry the list with you inside your wallet or as a note on your phone.
While making dietary changes might be difficult at first; it will get easier. Pretty soon it becomes part of your shopping and cooking routine and nobody will notice. Have fun in the kitchen, experiment, and get inspired. Think of it as a cooking challenge! Of course; if you need help swapping out ingredients in the MOMables lunch plans, you can always email one of their chefs. They will help!
How have you adjusted to dietary changes due to food allergies?
That’s great advice, I will have to share it with my sister-in-law her kids are allergic to almost everything :(
Awesome, I hope it helps!
I can’t imagine how difficult reacting to a food allergy so integral to meals would be. (I’m onl allergic to strawberries.) those are really great tips. Hope everything is ok with your little one!
Thanks, Jennifer! It’s going to be a big change, but I’m optimistic that we’ll get her feeling better quick.
Good luck! My son is severely allergic to nuts and eggs since birth and just today, much like you we were told to cut out wheat while we look for more answers. Really?! Wheat! As a 6year yr veteran of food allergies here s my advice for what its worth (and probably not much as I go thru wheat withdrawal) 1. Embrace feeling overwhelmed. Its overwhelming! Poo poo those who make it look easy and make you feel like a dolt for wanting to beat your head against the fridge. W. Play around with recipes and don’t get to upset when you have a miss. 3. Embrace the homeruns! And write down the recipe!! Many a times the recipe has disappeared from the web and I could cry. 4. Check out FAAN, they are a great resource for allergy families. 5. Go to health food stores and ask lots of question while im no crunchy granola mom those crunchy health food folks have lots of good swaps.
And again… good luck!
Thanks, that’s great advice! I am definitely overwhelmed, but there are a ton of great resources these days.
I’ve had to change my diet after my gallbladder crapped out on me. I would make seperate meals for my boys . Them one day my husband said “why don’t you make us what you’re having?” so I did.
It isn’t so bad.
Sure they miss red meats and fried goods and butter but the are being so supportive. AND we are all eating healthy together ;)
I definitely will be making only one meal, for everybody. You’re right…we all need to be eating healthier, and I’m only one woman. There’s not enough time (or sanity) in the day for extra cooking!
Yikes. I can only imagine how crazy this is going to make things- but it seems like you are already armed with information and a positive attitude :) I’m really hoping we escape anything like this, but I know it can happen. At least I know where to turn. Great article Greta!
Thanks, Farrah! I know, right? Can’t some things just be EASY?? I’m grateful for the people I have in my life that are so helpful and supportive.
I love the tip about carrying the ingredients with you. When we were dairy-free, I had a little piece of paper laminated and just carried it with me. I know you’re dealing with the gluten issue now, too, and many restaurants will work with you if you let them know.
We often carry a lunch cooler when we go places our kids won’t eat.
Making sure that I have a list of things that are okay and keeping my car stocked with snacks and foods is going to be a life saver, I think!
That is great advice. In this age of Internet it is so much easier to share recipes and find support.
I know! can you believe it’s so easy to get ideas from blogs and websites? All ready at our fingertips!