It was the breaking point for me and I have jumped in head first. Within 3 days of my new eating plan I felt as if I had a new lease on life. I am NOT exaggerating. Then, by the next day or two I was beginning to experience some of the old symptoms I had been having. Frustrated doesn't even begin to describe how I felt. So, today I went to my allergist for testing for food allergies.
I was honest with her and told her that I was not expecting anything to be positive. If it was, my money was on corn. Remember, I already have Celiac Disease so I avoid all gluten products (ie, bread, pasta, cakes, cookies...all things yummy.)
64 pricks and 1 shot of serum couldn't have left me more shocked with the results. I showed a highly reactive response to peanuts and cashews. Let me just say, I was floored! The gut kicker was when the doc said I had to avoid all tree nuts due to cross reactivity. Now, unless you have adapted to a Gluten free diet or are living Paleo like I am now you might not realize how big of a deal this is to me. Most of my healthy protein comes in the form of a tree nut. Cashews, hazelnuts...almonds. Almonds; as in almond powder, almond milk, almond cheese. This is a huge blow for me.
I know I wasn't given a death sentence today and I'm sure I'll get over the disappointment very quickly but man! This just stinks. I've pretty much been pouting all day long. That is until I went to mailbox around 6:00 tonight. My letter came. THE LETTER. I saw a glimpse of the word IRS and starting crying. My hands starting shaking and my knees buckled. Best. Moment. Ever. My 2 year labor of love has finally come to fruition.
The Go Lucy Go Foundation is officially
a 501(c)3 organization!!
Those of you who eat on alternative food plans, please feel free to leave comments as to what I do now that I can't eat almond flour. I'm open for suggestions! I'll leave you with this gratuitous picture of my sweet boy. Who doesn't ride their bike in a baseball helmet?
So happy to see your doing this! Try looking into GAPS intro diet recipes many wont have nuts and no grain at all. You can do amazing things with coconut flour or even the left over pulp from making coconut milk (super easy to make). If you can find RAW milk that would be great. I'm also a huge believer in bone broth and fermented foods. Good luck & have fun with it!
ReplyDeleteAwesome work! That is quite appreciated. I hope you’ll get more success.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bournemouthfinance.co.uk/
Mortgage Advice poole
Can you use rice flour? I am ignorant about this kind of stuff so maybe that won't work for you.
ReplyDeleteAlso YAY YAY YAY for the Go Lucy Go Foundation receiving 501(c)3 status! Whoooo hooooo!!!
And Rachel wears her bike helmet to blow bubbles. Crazy kids! :)
I'm getting the feeling you will soon be selling Whole30 products and the Whole 30 philosophy to us soon.......sigh. This blog has unfortunately evolved from sharing a journey of courage through pediatric cancer to a platform for the sale of coffee, paraben-filled cream, and I'm predicting a Whole30 lifestyle. Seems like taking vantage if those who pray for your precious girl.
ReplyDeleteMary Kay,
ReplyDeleteThis is HER blog and she can choose to write whatever she pleases! If you do not like what she writes then stop reading this blog!!! She is in not "taking advantage" of those that prayer for her sweet girl rather sharing what else is going on in their crazy life! You obviously have never dealt with someone going through such a horrid health problem! When your life revolves 24/7 around you need an outlet to get what's on your mind out and to Kate blogging is her thing. Then today she wanted to share about her own health problems which is totally ok!
Why don't you show her compassion and grace instead of being judgmental! That's the problem with some people that call themselves "Christians" they would rather attack others and put others down then shower others in love... Attacking/putting others down is what gives Christians a bad rep!! Praying for you Mary Kate that you will show compassion to those that are suffering.
Kate I pray that you are able to find a "diet" that will work for you!
Go Lucy Go!!!
Check into coconut flour. I haven't tried it yet but I've seen in mentioned on some of the healthy recipe blogs I follow. Also congratulations on the Go Lucy Go foundation!
ReplyDeleteI like coconut flour, but it works really differently from almond flour. It takes much more liquid...so experiment with it. It's yummy though!
ReplyDeleteI actually JUST got done watching this. It may explain why new allergies have popped up. Often if you can heal the leaky gut you can go back to eating some of the things you were previously allergic to. http://tv.greenmedinfo.com/dr-peter-osborne-the-problems-with-gluten-free-diets/
ReplyDeletePrayers and hugs for you! :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome news about the Go Lucy Go Foundation! I will be interested to see what comes along in your food journey too. So many people and families are struggling with food issues, my own included. Gluten free, Paleo, Whole 30, Gaps diet, allergy testing, etc. seems to be a hot topic everywhere I look. I hope you'll be sharing any great recipes or tricks you find.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who went gluten free. After a while new symptoms developed she found she was allergic to Almonds. Tough for her and I wonder as I go Paleo-ish if we substitute too much in the nut area to compensate. We still want baked goods so we make it with Almond flour. Maybe it's just too much and it freaks our bodies out. Lots to learn yet. Been following your lovely family since the beginning. Excited for your non profit status. Great things abound.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, people that can not truly read a blog and find the good in what people give to us and others really frustrate me! Why if you don't like or agree with what the blog is about would you not just find it in your self to just delete or close it out and not offend the person who has so graciously posted on HER OWN blog? I have NEVER had the chance to meet Kate but I can tell you if there was ever a chance I could she would be the person I would want to meet, her family and herself have gone through tremendous pain that you would not want to wish on any family and they through it all have always thought of others and done great things. Can you say the same? I have read her blog since the start and have NEVER gotten the impression that she has ever used her daughter in anyway at all, you should be ashamed of your self to even think like that say nothing about have the nerve to post it on her blog. I truly hope you find it in you to go back and maybe even send a comment of apology to her.
ReplyDeleteI try to eat clean most of the time. I currently bake with almond flour but have a friend who uses coconut flour. Maybe try that. I am so sorry you are having to go through this among everything else. You and your sweet family are always in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteOh and congrats on the Go Lucy Foundation!!
I am gluten intolerant and severely allergic to tree nuts, soy, eggs, and milk so I feel your pain of being on a limited diet. I have a bachelor's in nutrition and am currently working on my masters in nutrition. Brown rice flour has been favorite! The best flour is just combining a bunch of different flours, like brown rice, arrowroot, etc. Since tree nuts aren't an option for protein try to incorporate more beans. Sunbutter(available at Kroger) is also an option, its an alternative peanut butter and is gluten-,treenut-, and peanut-free. Happy to help if you have any other questions:)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the 501!
Never a dull minute in your life it seems. Celiac with a tree nut allergy is hard. There is so much risk of cross contamination. My son is allergic to peanuts, all tree nuts, eggs, soy, sesame and cows milk. I was stressed beyond belief when they thought he may have celiac (does not) because of the fact that it's so hard to find safe foods with celiac AND a nut allergy. It's possible though. Check out peanut free planet online and enjoy life foods online (this site has foods that are gluten free and free of the 8 most common allergens). My nephew has celiac and we can purchase things here that are safe for both children. Good luck! Food allergies are so frustrating sometimes but nothing compared to what you've survived so far!
ReplyDeleteOh hon, I feel so bad for you. :( I am on a very strict diet too, gluten free, soy free, dairy free, msg free. Although I do use lots of almond flour in my diet I also use coconut flour and LOVE it. It does take getting use to cooking with it and some with nut allergies can still have coconut. Ask your doctor.
ReplyDeleteCoconut products are easy to make all on your own. If you are interested email me and I will give you some links and simple directions on how to do this.
Blessings.
Well, I would say to you that last statement was one of the most bitchiest things I have ever read.. And I'm 58. Why would you say such a nasty thing hateful thing... Just to stop reading her blog.. I don't understand people who are nasty with a response to a blog that they choose to read.. Grow up..
ReplyDeleteI would first do some research on allergy testing. I have a peanut allergy, I break out in a rash up and down my arms and in my eyes and if I eat more then a spoonful my tongue and lips swell. Skin testing me for food allergies indicates that I basically should be eating rocks. The blood tests and food challenges tell a different story. My allergist said that that many people do react on skin tests and that skin reactions are the last thing to go for food allergies. I do react to almonds and cashews on testing but I am only really allergic to peanuts. Just a thought! Also sometimes it is a quantity issue. So you may be able to handle products that have been manufactured with tree nuts or contain trace amounts. Cross reactions may not be an issue for you ( unless you have an anaphalaxis reaction) I can handle products that have been manufactured with peanuts but typically not the trace amounts. My youngest has an F-PIES reaction to Oats ( basically allergy but complicated) and so we are a peanut free and oat free house! We used to use soy nut butter and some of my friends use sunbutter. There is also quinoa flour and rice flour. Eggs are a great source of protein of course. The crockpot lady has lots of Celiac friendly recipes- http://crockpot365.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteBut you might have a chat with your GI doctor or another allergist about the results and if you might try some food challenges.
Oh and my youngest loves these bars, gluten and nut free. They are small but good- http://www.amazon.com/Enjoy-Life-Caramel-Apple-Chewy/dp/B000HDJXH6/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1392860624&sr=8-8&keywords=Enjoy+life
I can't believe you wrote this Mary Kate.....she can offer suggestions to any and you can buy it if you want to or ignore it. That sounds like the lady on Hannity tonight who wanted Bibles removed from motels associated with State Universities.....The Bibles are there but she doesn't have to read it. I think you owe an apology and I hope you make it.
ReplyDeleteI would love for you to take a look at this sweet lady's blog spearsfamilyblog.blogspot.com. She just passed away from breast cancer at the age of 34, and it was her wish that in lieu of flowers donations be made to St. Jude and the Go Lucy Go foundation. Just thought you might like to read about her, and pray for her family.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure seeds, which is what sunbutter is made with, are okay. I saw someone suggest that. That's a quick way to replace some of the protein, and an easy salty snack if you're having a moment. Rice flours/milks/etc. Beans...throw them on everything. You'll have to look it up...but my mom soaks hers, once, throws that water out and soaks them again...and that helps reduce the gassiness. Sorry, you'll have to google it...Pinterest has a ton of stuff for free, and lot of the paleo recipes are nut free as well. There are lots of wraps that don't have to rise, that I don't think it would matter if you substituted almond flour for rice flour. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI would be supportive on all your articles and blogs as a result of they are simply up to the mark.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bournemouthfinance.co.uk/
Mortgage Advice poole
Mary Kay,
ReplyDeleteI have zero tolerance for people like you. You are a nasty person who needs to get a life. I've been reading this blog for years, prayed for Lucy and have grown quite fond of this family. I find it shocking and disgusting that you actually typed those nasty words. Ughh.. My blood is boiling. Do us all a favor, stop reading this blog and go find Jesus.
So sorry you're having to restrict your diet further. My husband has celiac and is also corn, rice and potato intolerant. He uses coconut flour (as someone mentioned it does require more fluid), sorghum flour and gf oat flour. The oat flour is the closest to regualr he's found. As long as it's certified gf he hasn't had a problem.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on this new path of your journey!
Congrats on the 501 status.
I use quinoa flour or coconut flour a lot... Hope that helps!
ReplyDeleteMary Kate, why not pray for yourself? God will help you become less judgmental.
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain! I am allergic to almonds, as in all things almond. I am also allergic to the following: apples, strawberries, peaches, pears, bing cherries and green peppers just to name a few. Luckily I can eat the fruit if it has been cooked, but raw, not so much. We are talking carrying around an epi pen.
ReplyDeleteIt is an adjustment to cut this out of your diet, but it will get easier once you get used to it. Best of luck!
Also, wonderful news for all of you at the Go Lucy Go Foundation! Praise God!
I thought I had commented on this but I do not see my comment
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to add that skin allergy tests are not very reliable. It should be part of a total work up. I test on skin as allergic to many things. I am only allergic to peanuts. I can handle products that have been manufactured in factories that process foods with peanuts and this has been okayed by my allergist. Sometimes I do react slightly but I do not have a life threatening reaction. So maybe get a 2nd opinion about the cross contamination? I did food challenges too.
Soy nut butter is a good peanut butter substitute.
Mary Kate --- just because you feel miserable about yourself doesn't mean you should go around and make other people miserable with your rude insensitive comments. I honest don't know what is wrong with some people that share the same earth and this has been very clearly evident to me lately with people in my life kicking me while I am down this I have very little tolerance --- hugs to Kate and her sweet family --- :)
ReplyDeleteKate - your arm looks like you could play "Battleships" on it. Hope you figure out what allergies bother you. Love your posts, followed since Lucy's illness began. I think you and Eric have done a great job at staying strong and honoring the Lord, ups and downs are normal. God blessed you with healing for Lucy, I believe He has given a special blessing on and protection for Ella and Jack, as well. Take what you glean from your experience, feed it to those going through similar journeys. Ignore the "Mary Kates" in this world. Not worth a moment's thought or concern. A Grandmother in Atlanta.
ReplyDeletecoconut coconut coconut!! I am allergic to corn and started there for flours and milks.. great substitutes ! so sorry you found this out never an easy change especially with Paleo! but you can do it! congrats on the GO Lucy Go Foundation!! I have been following your story for the past 3 years and I am so happy see Gods continued grace mercy and love in your family! Not only with health but the strength you have in God to continue to turn to him in your darkest moments and believe in his truth!! xo K
ReplyDeleteoops.. now that I think about it I don't know if coconut is considered a tree nut.. the other options is sorghum grains/flours.
ReplyDeleteHi Kate,
ReplyDeleteI love a food blog called www.skinnytaste.com. Many of the recipes are gluten free, etc. The other day, there was a guest blogger whose website is http://jackieourman.com/ and is called CAFE (Celiac & Allergy Friendly Epicurian). I thought of you and thought I would pass along. Good luck!
These articles have got absolute sense devoid of confusing the readers.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bournemouthfinance.co.uk/
Mortgage Advice Poole
kate I am gluten free and not allowed any nuts seeds due to my intestines being removed I am also only allowed a low fiber diet so eating becomes a chore I feel for you
ReplyDeleteYou may want to look into nutrition response testing to help you with your food sensitivities. It has helped my kids with food allergies and eczema. Modifying food is challenging, but it comes with time and will be so good for your health in the long run! You can read about nutrition response testing on my blog: www.nursegonenatural.com
ReplyDelete