my son’s special diet

I am always asked what my son eats since he has severe and multiple food allergies.

Many dietary staples for a child with allergies are the same as for everyone: fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and meat. Fresh produce and meat are easy to find. However, I have to prepare and cook them myself to avoid cross contamination. The other food groups I have to find safe substitutes so my son eats healthy and balanced meals, and get to enjoy eating food that kids like him love to eat.

These specialty food products pictured below are my lifesavers, but many are not cheap. That’s because these are made in special facilities with unusual and organic ingredients.

I always read labels, even if I’ve bought the same item before. I’ve been called “paranoid” but I’m okay with it. It’s better to be safe than sorry, right? I learned that manufacturing formulations sometimes change. 

Navigating the supermarket is time-consuming, and often frustrating. Sometimes, the items I need are not re-stocked on time or they simply just stop selling them.

I buy wheat-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, peanut free items.

No fish, shrimp and other seafood for my son either.

I was at Whole Foods last night. And here are some of the items in my shopping bag. 

our version for Cheerios

no dairy, no problem. he drinks soy.

rice pasta. all kinds available.

great for traveling.

we just add pepperoni, mushrooms and veggies.

his butter and mayonaise

pretzels = healthy snack.

the egg replacer is indispensable for baking.

let's not forget the treats.

our version of Fruit Loops

I’d like to dispel the myth that these food tastes yucky unpleasant. They don’t. As a matter of fact, many tastes better and are much healthier than what A and I eat. Really.

My son doesn’t eat much of foods that comes boxed, frozen or shrink-wrapped. I try to cook everyday and I’m learning to bake as well. My goal is making sure he eats nutritious, safe and tasty food all the time. And I make sure to give him his multi-vitamin.