This is a hard post for me to write because I feel like I’m saying goodbye to an old friend. I hope the 600+ people that visit here everyday still find something useful when I make the switch.
For the past 4 months life has been stressful because of the move. To compound that stress, hubby has been suffering from what we initially thought was an infection. Turns out it was a severe allergy reaction that wouldn’t subside because we haven’t really been avoiding all the stuff he needs to avoid. Four years ago, through a skin-prick test we found out that he was sensitive to this and that, but the results were really inconclusive and the doctor’s words were he “may” be allergic to wheat-milk-soy. So while he’s been staying away from those things when he can, we didn’t really make major changes to our diet. The only thing we almost (I say almost because the kids and I would still have it once in a while) completely eliminated was pizza.
I’m just thankful it didn’t go so far as to cause anaphylactic shock. We finally have confirmation of the things hubby is allergic to. So I’m switching my focus over to a wheatless, egg-less, dairy-less food blog. It’s kind of ironic because we were planning my 15-year-old’s electives and she’s planning to do 45 hours of baking as part of her career exploration this year. So, those experiments and lessons will go into a separate baking blog for my dd, URL to be announced later. We are also looking for volunteers to eat her baking experiments so hubby won’t have to :D.
Right now I’m busy getting rid of all allergens in the house. Even my spelt and rye flours have to go, as they are on my hubby’s sensitivity list.
The good news is that there is so much more out there that I haven’t explored, and that despite the limitations of an allergy-free diet such as this, there’s also a wealth of recipes and information that I can share with you. Some of them I’ve tried through the years, a lot of them will be totally new to me as we begin this quest. Though I am feeling sorry for the hubby, especially since his one favorite dessert in the whole world is Filipino Leche Flan (made with eggs and milk and sugar), I prefer to view my glass as half-full, and hopefully he will too. This is an exciting challenge as we try to find the dishes that will work with our somewhat diverse palates, and at the same time will not trigger the allergy response.
As a newlywed I spent my hours in the kitchen digging into French cuisine… then there was the Italian phase when the kids were born… later on it was Mexican and Chinese… the past 5 years I’ve been all over the place with my cooking, just trying all kinds of stuff. So now this will be a new phase again — one that will focus on health and healing.
For months now I’ve been debating with myself about the focus and direction this blog is taking. Now that the decision has been made, things are much clearer. I’ll be posting recipes, of course, and ingredients that I find to be helpful. I’ll also be documenting any allergy and asthma information I find here, in the hopes that our journey will help those of you who suffer from similar problems. Asthma and allergies have been on the rise for sometime now, especially in first world countries. The most recent article I found was in Time magazine, something about these diseases being a by-product of global warming. Maybe one of these days I’ll find time to comment on that.
If you are or someone you love is suffering from asthma, allergies, eczema, celiac disease and/or lactose intolerance, please make your presence known by leaving a comment here. I am hoping that by connecting with people who are going through the same thing, we can bring a new understanding to these conditions, and find ways to keep enjoying food.
Signing off for today. When you come back, don’t be surprised if the blog has a whole new look, and a whole new approach to cooking.
Stef,
I just linked to you this morning, noting what a food goddess you are. From now on, it sounds as if you’ll be a new kind of food goddess. 🙂 I’ll still check in, of course, as I have a child with asthma, and I’m beginning to wonder if there’s something going on with my littlest one, too. I’m sure you’ll be a great resource to many people. Prayers are with you all in this time of transition and challenge, dear!
move on with hope in your heart…
we will keep reading
Hi Steph – The most important thing is your health. I’ll still be checking in on a regular basis!
i’m excite to see the new direction of your food blogging. *hugs*
Hi Stefoodie, my children suffer from allergies too. So I’m looking forward to seeing your recipes.
Stef, what test did your doctor use? Yong anak ko (7 years) parang may allergies din.
Hi, Karen, thanks so much for visiting! I’ve e-mailed you re your little one.
Angelo, Kirk and Dexie, thanks for the support:)
Betsy, let me know what things your kids are allergic to, I may have some specific things that can help them.
Flanders, it’s called the ELISA Food allergy test, but it’s still controversial because it’s supposedly not as thorough as other tests. For one thing it doesn’t tell me if I can use vinegar in dishes (some people who are allergic to wheat and/or yeast are also allergic to vinegar). It also doesn’t test for allergies to preservatives or chemicals like food coloring. Not that I have a lot of that in my food stash anyway, but it would be good to know. I’ll e-mail you about other test options, or post here. Thanks for stopping by.
i think this will be more exciting… and a great challenge. something for us to look forward to…
Hi stef! parang pasko dito 🙂
I once had an allregic reaction to shellfish back in high school pero thank goodness nawala rin. I have office colleagues who are allergic to some types of food, particularly food. But this allergy does not stop one of them, who drinks her medicine first before eating oysters. Or she would rather tolerate the itching than not eat oysters at all. Baliw ano? hehehe
I just got to know your blog and it sounds like you’re making a big change of focus! I bet you will find a new readership, though, because food allergies are a big issue. Good luck!
How did you find out your husband allergy? What symptoms?
Looking forward to the new direction of stefoodie.net. So it’s true, everything’s a blessing in disguise. Reagrds to your family:)
Steph, how’s Bong doing?
Allergies are really hard kasi lalo na ngayun with all the additives in food. Pero di naman yata kayo mahilig talaga sa ganun no.
Dami kids dito puro allergies na din. I don’t know what’s going on. Buti sina K&V wala.
I think this is going to be an exciting culinary challenge for you! Good luck, can’t wait to see what you do!
I’ve been lurking for months. Good luck to you. From what you’ve been doing here and in other blogs, I’m sure you’ll turn this all into an opportunity to expand your culinary knoweldge base. I’m lactose intolerant and allergic to shrimps and crabs…it’s not so bad. You get used to it and find alternatives that satisfy.
Let your hubby do detox diet. It helps me a lot.
Stef, remember “when a door closes, a new window opens”?
I’ve been tested for allergy, and the result indicated a really high level, but not conclusive on which allergens. I get allergic reactions to food I normally eat without any reaction.
Both the husband and I have high allergy levels, and the kids sometimes show asthmatic symptoms. I’ve excluded most proven allergens in their diet, short of depriving them of dairy-based milk.
I’m looking forward to seeing how your blog will “re-direct.” Good luck, and hope you keep seeing the contents of the glass, no matter that it is half-empty.
To Emily: don’t you mean elimination diet? Detox isn’t for allergies.
Hi Stef! Will still read your blog religiously. Will also try to take note of ‘healing books’ and healing foods. Looking forward to your healing posts Stef.
While I’m very sorry your dh has allergies, I’m very excited at the same time that your blog will take this new direction. I’m always depressed reading “traditional” food blogs and cookbooks, because we can eat so little of it with our food allergies. But dairy and egg are two we need to avoid, and I need to cut down on grains too – so your new direction will be such a blessing for us!
Stef,
I don’t rejoice that your dh is suffering. It’s hard, especially as an adult to make changes. But personally, I’m jumping up and down that you are going to test out wheat, dairy and egg free recipes. Our son has this combination food allergies, and just had his first anaphylactic attack this past February from accidental ingestion of cow’s milk.
I try to serve all our main meals following his diet. This combo is really hard, and there are no cookbooks that embrace these “Big 3″…I have to tweak all recipes constantly. And when I’m pregnant or nursing I try to follow the diet.
But any information or experience I have I’ll be glad to pass along, and I’m happy to volunteer some test kitchen. We don’t do much baking though…I hate the “error” part. It’s personally devastating because the cost of special flours is so expensive!
My biggest challenge when I’m on the diet is coming up with high protein breakfast alternatives. And I don’t like to overdo soy. So I’m looking forward to any contribution in that area from you!
God bless you on this new journey. Every day is an adventure.
Hi Stef, my best wishes in your new adventure – for yes, the glass is half full. There are asthma and allergy sufferers in my family too – it ain’t easy, but we fight and thrive!
Such an inspiring post, Stef. Your spirit is admirable and I am sure your hubby can only benefit from that. I look forward to the new direction your cooking and blog takes. Best wishes 🙂
wow, i’m overwhelmed, you guys. thanks SOOOO much for all your support. it gives me great hope to see that we may be able to help each other out even more with this new challenge.
watson, i’m allergic to shrimp and other shellfish as well. i just drink Coke whenever i eat any (or swallow a big spoonful of sugar — works for me!
linda, he’s had eczema and asthma all his life, but it’s been mostly under control. only in the past 4 years has it really gotten worse:( — this is his third allergy test but it’s the most thorough.
TOB, okey naman. one day at a time — some days are better than others. oo nga, ingatan mo mga kiddies mo!
emily and silicon jungle, i’ve actually looked at both but don’t know yet if i’ll pursue either of them. i’ve seen pros and cons for both. will certainly post here if we do use those!
Stef, my middle kid (she’s 3 now) used to have really bad rashes/eczema that would not go away. And no thanks, the dr. wasn’t much of a help either. The day after we eliminated all dairy and meat in our diet, the rashes started healing. A lot of other ails for the rest of the family (such as dh’s seasonal allergies, migraine headaches for me, tummy aches for dd#1, etc.) also went away.
I’m baking vegan with good results, sometimes wheat-free, too. Is your hubby ok with barley flour?
I highly recommend Dreena Burton’s Vive Le Vegan! cookbook for wheat-free, dairy-free baking and much more.
You could visit Dreena’s blog from mine, or better yet, here it is:
http://vivelevegan.blogspot.com/
She’s very nice and helpful, too. (Oy, wala akong commission d’yan ha?)
Hi Stef! I remember you commenting about this when I did my detox in January – that you thought your husband needed to look at what he was eating given his suspected allergies. Good to know you found out before it got more serious. And congratulations on the new site design – it looks great!
Hi Stef! Sorry for the (super) delayed to your comment to my Sinigang na Ulo post. I didn’t know there was a comment, blogger failed to notify me by email. (And there I was making tampo why no one seemed to be reading my posts!) Thanks for linking. 🙂
I can so relate to what you’re going through and I say “Atta girl!” for the path you’ve chosen. Yes, it does feel like saying goodbye to an old friend… I felt the same way when I gave up baking and cooking rich food, endeavoring to bring back my husband’s blood pressure and cholesterol levels to normal (and thank God I succeeded). At one point I felt like I was losing bits of myself for holding back… because I was holding back from what I can really do and had to switch to the simple — sinigang, paksiw, inihaw. (Hubby’s battle with hypertension and cholesterol is also the reason why I can’t join LP9… I can’t buy/cook cholesterolic offals!) But then again, as you said, the constraints we have to live with presents us with more and greater opportunities for self-expression and creativity, and therefore, learning, adventure and enjoyment. 🙂
If you ever have the chance to be back here in Manila, I’d recommend you and your family spend a few days at The Farm at San Benito (in Lipa City, Batangas), where they serve raw, organic, vegetarian food, gourmet-style. The Farm lives by the motto “Let food be your medicine,” and offers health packages like detoxification, etc. some of which may address your husband’s allergies. For some background you may want to visit http://www.thefarm.com.ph
Godbless on choosing the road less travelled! Happy trails! 🙂
Hi again, Stef! Here by the way is the link to my sinigang na ulo post —
http://annecooks.blogspot.com/2006/04/sinigang-na-ulo.html
[The one you have links to the whole blog, and I’ve since moved on to other dishes, so that when one clicks the link you have, they are directed to a different recipe and not sinigang. :)]
Thanks again for linking!
Anne
I just came across your site as I was googling allergies. My daughter (age 4) also was recently (and finally) diagnosed as having wheat/egg/dairy allergies. She was unwell for a long time and doctors / hospitals were unable to help. Finally, saw the RIGHT doctor and she’s doing much better. I think she also may have a sensitivity to sulfur preservatives. Anyway, she had constant tummy aches and leg pain which made her miserable. Looking forward to your posts and will add more of what I’ve learned soon. Thanks!
Stef, good luck. Swerte ng asawa mo ha. I hope he KNOWS THAT. 😛
Hello Kai, thanks for the link to Dreena’s site — I’ve bookmarked it! Nope, can’t have barley:(.
Hello Plum, thanks. We keep trying:)
Anne, salamat sa suggestion. Looks good! Pero hindi ko pa alam when we’re going. I’ll be sure to keep it in mind. I know what you mean about healthy eating!!
Hello Monica, sorry to hear about your daughter. It’s so hard esp. at this age! Sulfur is terrible and it’s in so many “healthy” foods like dried fruit. Best to dry our own or get organic. Let me know if you have any recipe requests, maybe we can work on them together.
Connie, oo naman. To be honest, I’m the lucky one here. Walang stir ‘yan. Kung alam mo lang, hahaha!
I just discovered this while doing a search about dairy allergies. My 15 month old gets hives within minutes of (accidental) dairy ingestion, or even if it touches her face. A basic blood panel does not show a dairy allergy, but does show egg whites (as well as cats and dogs!). Sometimes she gets mystery hives as well, when we know dairy and egg are not in her meal. My husband has chronic hives and I have adult onset asthma. Our 5 year old son…I think he’s clear (for now).
I must confess to not being the greatest cook, and we’re trying to sell our home which makes cooking at home frustrating and difficult many nights (random showings, and so on). But, I have a great interest in organic foods and want to expand my understanding and knowledge.
I will be returning to your site. I’m so glad I found it and look forward to what I may learn from you. Thank you!
I love the site and am mostly a lurker on here!! But, I had to ask about the vinegar allergy with wheat. I haven’t heard about that one. I agree with you about the test, it’s not very specific and I think my son has issues with citric acid which they told me they couldn’t test for. = ( Have you decided if vinegar is an issue and does it show up like his wheat allergy?? You’re doing a great job and helping lots of people!!
Hi– Just found this blog as a result of a search for eggless brownies… still looking for the recipe, but have bookmarked the page. I am suddenly reading lables due to my 6 month old twin boys getting creative with their allergies. The only thing they are allergic to is EGGS. I am allergic to anything that isn’t food… Dang kids, rebelling already! *grin*
Did you know that the Snickers candy bar has Egg Whites in it?? Auuugghh!
The doc says that if I am careful of what I eat- (I am nursing still) they may grow out of the allergy. This is apparently the one to have if you are a baby. Heres to hope!
Thanks for the help to come.
hi Carri, thanks for visiting. happy to help out — let me know if there are any specific recipes you’re interested in, i may be able to find/develop them with/for you.
We finally found out today that my 14m old is allergic to wheat, soy, eggs, dairy and many fruits. He started getting sick within a week of when I quit nursing and has been on various combinations of antihistimines, breathing treatments and antibiotics (which he also was allergic to) for the last 2m. Sadly the allergist wants to do more tests both. My son also has a swallow disorder which requires everything to be thickened, so today has been an interesting experience trying to find things to feed him. It seems wheat, dairy and eggs are in everything and if they aren’t soy is. We are hopeful that he will outgrow at least some of these allergies before adulthood. On the plus side although he is allergic to apples, he isn’t allergic to bananas :-)We have requested a nutritionalist advise us.
This will be a challenge for my husband and me, but making it work for our 3 yr old yogurt loving, goldfish toting 3yr old will be…well.
Hello – I happened across your blog just now from researching a recipe for Sopa de Mariscos. I haven’t had a chance to read too much of your entries during my lunch hour today but am very captivated by your site and information contained in it, will browse through more after work.
One subject that did catch my eye though was your page on converting to the new diet for your husband’s allergies. I admire you for supporting his health needs and hope that it is going well.
My brother-in-law teaches the macrobiotic way of life and I thought you might be interested in his web site. My sister had asthma most of her life until changing to macrobiotics, now it occurs only when she is under stress. Michael,b-i-l, is a wonderful, gentle and compassionate person, he would be a great contact for your family if you are interested in alternative healing for your husband’s allergies. Not sure where you are located, but he is in Asheville, NC. Also does phone consultations.
http://www.michaelrossoff.com/
Best wishes – regards –
Hi!
I am allegic to wheat, black pepper, shellfish, onions,tomatoes, watermelon and pears. It is so hard to find something to eat, eating out is terrible!!! I feel for your hubby! He is lucky to have you to cook for him!!
I just found you this morning by way of Google search. My 3 year-old grandson has been diagnosed with egg and wheat allergies. His birthday is coming up and I need a cake recipe that he can enjoy along with everyone else at his party. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
I felt the same way when I gave up baking and cooking rich food, endeavoring to bring back my husband’s blood pressure and cholesterol levels to normal (and thank God I succeeded). At one point I felt like I was losing bits of myself for holding back… because I was holding back from what I can really do and had to switch to the simple — sinigang, paksiw, inihaw.
Hi, I´m from Argentina and I just read in another page that in Filipinas you have something called “alpahor”, I have a blog about alfajores (in spanish, sorry) and I will really like to know more about this “alpahores”, can you write to me?