Children’s Hospital Boston has released it’s sixth installment on their food desensitization trial. In this latest installment, Brett organizes a food allergy week at his school in order to raise money for FAAN.  I thought this video was cute, and it gave me a little insight into how things are going to be for Little J as he gets older. Check it out here: http://childrenshospitalblog.org/a-cure-for-milk-allergies-part-6-at-school-with-brett-nasuti/

I have TONS of info to tell everyone about, so forgive me if this post turns out a little long.

Let me start with my new find of the week. I know some of you have probably already found this one, but it’s new to me and my family.  Last night I decided to make Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa). Quinoa is a grain that is gluten free and in a quarter cup has 140 calories, 3 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein! I think this makes it perfect for people who are allergic to a lot of meats or soy or are just looking for a new source of protein.  Quinoa is also very versatile. I made it as a side dish with dinner last night, but you can also eat it as cereal  or make my recipe of the week, quinoa pudding! Click here to see the recipe: Quinoa Pudding

Check it out and let me know what you think.

Next, Children’s Hospital Boston has posted their latest video in the milk desensitization study, this one features Ming Tsai, check it out here:  “A Cure for Food Allergies?”

Check back tomorrow for Ask the SPEWD Free Mom!

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Part four is out! This video shows the mother of the family going shopping at Whole Foods. It makes me think that all of the moms of kids with food allergies are the same in some ways…..the only thing I don’t get is that the mom makes three different meals three times a day. Maybe I am just lazy, but I think that I would be trying to make one meal that everyone could eat…. what do you think?

Check out the video here:

http://childrenshospitalblog.org/a-cure-for-allergies-part-4-food-shopping-with-the-nasutis/

Q: How vigilant are you about warnings re: same facilities or same equipment? I’m always super vigilant about not buying products when they have a warning that they’re produced in the same facility as ingredients that my son is allergic to (so, for instance, we can’t use Pamela’s products or same with Bob’s Red Mill I think). But in a way I think it is punishing these smaller, “allergen-aware” companies for being honest, since those types of disclosure statements aren’t mandatory. Another option is to call the manufacturers and ask about how segregated the equipment is from the allergens, their cleaning processes, etc. I suppose. Just curious how other moms approach this issue.

A: This is a hard question and kind of a controversial subject. But here is what I do. (remember, I am just a mom…always think of YOUR particular situation and consult your doctor before you purchase something) I check the labels for how they word the situation. If the label says “processed on shared equipment” with the allergen, I won’t buy it.  If the label says “manufactured in a facility” with the allergens, I won’t buy it. BUT if the label says “manfuactured in a facility with……but precautions have been taken to prevent cross contamination” then I will probably buy it.  I have called certain companies to find out what they are doing to prevent cross contamination.

While I am on the subject I want to remind everyone to check labels carefully. I have seen MANY, MANY labels lately that don’t have allergen warnings but, when I check the ingredients, contain allergens.

That’s what I do..what do you do?

Got a question for the SPEWD Free Mom? Email me at heather@spewdfree.com

It’s not a soup! It’s not a stew! It’s STOUP!!!

This recipe is actually adapted from one my mother in law put together, so I can’t take all the credit. It’s a yummy, healthy,  warm, filling way to make a one pot meal. It’s also one of Little J’s favorites. He eats it like he’s never eaten before. Check out the recipe here : STOUP

And, as always, tell me what you think. Email me at heather@spewdfree.com

Children’s Hospital Boston is conducting a milk desensitization study. They are posting videos on their site so you can follow the child who is going through the study. I think it’s pretty cool and wish I could get my Little J into a study like this. Check it out here : http://childrenshospitalblog.org/a-cure-for-allergies-part-3-brett-nasuti-takes-his-very-first-sip-of-milk/

I am wishing everyone involved in the study good luck. I hope this is the first step in finding the cure for food allergies!