Well, we've been on this diet for two weeks now. I really expected NB to accept this diet better and PJ5 to be the picky one, but it has been the complete opposite.
I definitely see some improvement in PJ5. He is "tuning in" better and making better eye contact, trying new foods, and calming down somewhat quicker. He's also using more words and phrases.
NB has had a harder time on this diet, not wanting to try things and refusing to eat what I put in front of him. I've let him have a few Phase 2 foods, because I was worried about him getting enough. That could be why I haven't seen as much difference in him. He's eating a little better the last couple of days, so maybe we'll see some improvement, both in eating habits and in behavior. He actually ate a mini-hamburger I had in the fridge today. That's the first meat he's had in about five days. He is getting protein from eggs everyday.
Hubby and I have "mostly" followed the diet, except on date nights. He was sick this last weekend with bad sinus problems, so I got him some bread, diet 7-Up, etc. so that he could eat things that agreed with him. We had to hide it in our bathroom.
We really need to find a lock for our fridge so that the boys don't get into the eggs and break them. And so we can control how much fruit PJ5 eats. He may have gone a little fruit-crazy last week. We've gone through all the child-proof locks for appliances and the boys figured them out some time ago. If we could just figure out a way to get a padlock on there. (And I'm only half-joking.)
I also may look for some special shoes for the extended time I spend standing in front of the stove. Or maybe a special rug...
6.13.2011
6.02.2011
I need a chicken
Yesterday we went through 16 eggs!!
At least two were thrown away because PJ5 broke them into a dirty bowl. Four went into a recipe for pumpkin pancakes which both boys really liked (but was a little time-consuming to make). But I think all the others were scrambled or fried, and all but two were consumed. Wow.
The first day I chopped up chicken breasts and fried them directly in olive oil and salt. I served them with honey for dipping and both boys ate them. I did the same thing yesterday and neither one wanted it. Go figure.
It's been interesting to see the boys different reactions. The first day, both boys ate fairly well although PJ5 was searching the cupboards most of the afternoon for more familiar foods. The second day, PJ5 continued eating a LOT, mainly eggs and fruit; while NB ate only a little and drank alot.
There is a yahoo group made of people who are, or have been, on this diet. It includes helpful tips and some recipes--yay! That is where I found the pumpkin pancake recipe. It's nice because you can use canned pumpkin. It's time-consuming because you have to make the pancakes very small or they fall apart when you try to flip them over. Several recipes require a food processor and I'm not sure I have one. (If I do, I didn't use it much and so would have put it out of the way.) They also share how their kids have responded during different phases of the diet.
I feel like I've spent tons of time in the kitchen the last two days. I need to figure out a way to cook ahead, but I'm still trying to figure out what the boys will eat well. I think I may cook several hamburgers and put them in the fridge or freezer for myself, so I can get some quick protein and keep going.
Maybe I need a cook, rather than a chicken.
5.31.2011
First Day
Summer is upon us. This is the first day that the boys don't have school and their daddy isn't home. The weekend has been full of away-from-home activities, so today they may get restless. I have some activities in mind, both at home and away, but nothing specific planned.
Today begins a new diet for the boys. (And us, since it will be easier to just have the whole family do it.) It involves a list of foods that are "Best Choices" to be strictly followed the first 4-6 weeks; a list of foods to "Eat in Moderation" that can be added in the second phase of the diet, and a list of foods to "Completely Avoid". It's not necessary to follow this diet for a lifetime, but until the body achieves a right balance of certain minerals---usually about 4-6 months. The main mineral being targeted is manganese, which is very high in processed foods and soy-based products and when too much is consumed can cause symptoms very like autism. The research was done by a naturopathic doctor in Colorado and there is a 20-some page article about it available via her website. It costs nothing to download her diet protocol, and no special foods to buy.
For us, the hardest parts will be: no grains, and no peanut butter. That eliminates two of the boys' main staples: P.B. sandwiches and chicken nuggets. You can have any meat but pork on this diet, so if I can just get them to eat non-breaded chicken! I've tried a couple ways with them but no success so far.
There's also no sugar or artificial sweeteners allowed; only honey and stevia (in the first phase). But I've already been working on eliminating that lately. Only certain fruits and vegetables are allowed. A few examples that will affect us, because of what we like: NO white potatoes allowed, but sweet potatoes are good; NO corn or beans; NO apples or apple juice(until the second phase), bananas, watermelon, grapes, or berries of any kind. But I've already found some substitues that the boys like that are on the "good list": canteloupe, plums, cherries, and cherry juice. There are more on the list, but these I have found that the boys already like.
I've been slowly moving towards this diet, but waited until school and packed lunches was over before going full-throttle. We've already found out that PJ5 likes eggs (a "Best Choice" food) really well: boiled or scrambled (if I keep it in a "pancake" form instead of piled up). So that will be a good protien replacement until I find a meat that he will eat without breading on it.
The hardest part for me, besides the bread, is no milk. Almond milk is allowed in the second phase, as well as yogurt, sour cream, and certain cheeses. I'm going to keep yogurt in the house for myself because the boys don't like it. But NO MILK? NO CHEESE??
PJ already said that on our dates we'll probably be hitting up places like Panera Bread, Ted's, Olive Garden, etc. where we'll eat lots of grains and cheese! :)
I'm also hoping to work on potty-training this summer. Over-ambitious?
-------------------------------------------------
Website for diet, if you want to see it:
http://www.noharmfoundation.org/
Today begins a new diet for the boys. (And us, since it will be easier to just have the whole family do it.) It involves a list of foods that are "Best Choices" to be strictly followed the first 4-6 weeks; a list of foods to "Eat in Moderation" that can be added in the second phase of the diet, and a list of foods to "Completely Avoid". It's not necessary to follow this diet for a lifetime, but until the body achieves a right balance of certain minerals---usually about 4-6 months. The main mineral being targeted is manganese, which is very high in processed foods and soy-based products and when too much is consumed can cause symptoms very like autism. The research was done by a naturopathic doctor in Colorado and there is a 20-some page article about it available via her website. It costs nothing to download her diet protocol, and no special foods to buy.
For us, the hardest parts will be: no grains, and no peanut butter. That eliminates two of the boys' main staples: P.B. sandwiches and chicken nuggets. You can have any meat but pork on this diet, so if I can just get them to eat non-breaded chicken! I've tried a couple ways with them but no success so far.
There's also no sugar or artificial sweeteners allowed; only honey and stevia (in the first phase). But I've already been working on eliminating that lately. Only certain fruits and vegetables are allowed. A few examples that will affect us, because of what we like: NO white potatoes allowed, but sweet potatoes are good; NO corn or beans; NO apples or apple juice(until the second phase), bananas, watermelon, grapes, or berries of any kind. But I've already found some substitues that the boys like that are on the "good list": canteloupe, plums, cherries, and cherry juice. There are more on the list, but these I have found that the boys already like.
I've been slowly moving towards this diet, but waited until school and packed lunches was over before going full-throttle. We've already found out that PJ5 likes eggs (a "Best Choice" food) really well: boiled or scrambled (if I keep it in a "pancake" form instead of piled up). So that will be a good protien replacement until I find a meat that he will eat without breading on it.
The hardest part for me, besides the bread, is no milk. Almond milk is allowed in the second phase, as well as yogurt, sour cream, and certain cheeses. I'm going to keep yogurt in the house for myself because the boys don't like it. But NO MILK? NO CHEESE??
PJ already said that on our dates we'll probably be hitting up places like Panera Bread, Ted's, Olive Garden, etc. where we'll eat lots of grains and cheese! :)
I'm also hoping to work on potty-training this summer. Over-ambitious?
-------------------------------------------------
Website for diet, if you want to see it:
http://www.noharmfoundation.org/
3.18.2011
It's almost over
The week got a little crazier as we went. Wednesday night I was wiped out. I got a nice break the next night, however, going on a date with my hubby. Today I'm trying to finish up preparations for a party tonight.
I didn't realize how much difference it makes to have a couple hours each day with no kids at home. The house looks pretty terrible today. Thankfully the aforementioned party is not at my house.
I think PJ5 said something about school yesterday. I believe he misses it.
I've got to get the cat "fixed" soon. She kept escaping this week whenever the boys would go in or out the back door.
I have enjoyed spending more time with the boys, and going with them on some adventures this week. I will enjoy a little peace and quiet on Monday morning.
I didn't realize how much difference it makes to have a couple hours each day with no kids at home. The house looks pretty terrible today. Thankfully the aforementioned party is not at my house.
I think PJ5 said something about school yesterday. I believe he misses it.
I've got to get the cat "fixed" soon. She kept escaping this week whenever the boys would go in or out the back door.
I have enjoyed spending more time with the boys, and going with them on some adventures this week. I will enjoy a little peace and quiet on Monday morning.
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