Day 7 Without Dairy

The first thing I removed was dairy from Jared's diet. Because he had been on organic milk his entire life, the switch over to other milks didn't affect the finances. In fact, the almond milk that he's been drinking immediately became very yummy to him. He could drink a gallon a day, if I'd let him.

Product labeling has become easier with the words "Contains: milk" in bold at the bottom. I was shocked at how many items had milk that I wouldn't have thought. Even non-buttered popcorn had milk in the ingredients. I'm still wondering what that's about. But, there really are tons of delicious items that don't have dairy. He has seemed so grown up to me all week by asking if he could eat certain things and by telling people who are offering him food that he can't have dairy. He doesn't mind his taco or wrap not having  cheese. That was my biggest surprise, as my boy loves cheese.

And, how's home schooling? Well, I don't know if I can attribute it to the no-dairy just yet, but he's been really good. His reading and concentration has improved. That's either because he knows that Kindergarten is right around the corner and he's ready to prove to everyone that he can make it (his words) or perhaps this no-dairy thing is either helping his brain or just improving his congested state. My son tends to be very congested, and congested ears for an APD kid aren't a good thing. So, we're going to stick to not eating dairy for a while.

As for what comes next, I don't know. Many parents know how difficult it is to design a whole lifestyle around a food allergy... especially if the other child(ren) can still eat everything. Dairy was the easiest, which is why I tried it first. Actually, the ease as well as the congestion issues are why I saw dairy as the best bet for us. Wheat and corn are a lot harder to remove from the diet. And from what I'm seeing, corn seems to definitely be the harder one. There aren't cheat words on the back of items for hidden corn products. Nevertheless, we're praying for a miracle and if that miracle can come faster with diet (even though no experts have said APD is helped with diet), we're doing it!

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)