Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Getting Over the Initial Shock!

Back in April of 2007 I discovered I was allergic to both Dairy and Soy. The Dairy was of no surprise to me considering I dealt with this as a child, and was once again dealing with the common symptoms the human body experiences when it can no longer properly digest milk proteins. This of course did not make the thought of giving up dairy (again) any less painful of a thought. Although I considered myself to be quite healthy, being half Italian I dreaded the thought of having to give up my Aunt’s homemade lasagna; which I still to this day blame for preventing me, in good conscience, from ever ordering it off a menu from even the best of Italian restaurants. But that wouldn’t be the hardest thing I could imagine having to give up… You see every night I dreamt about breakfast, not some fancy 3 course breakfast, but rather a bowl of cereal. That’s because I felt the organic shredded wheat topped with fresh nuts and organic fruit, blueberries being my favorite, I had most every morning rivaled the best dish your favorite diner has to offer, which is why I couldn’t bear the thought of having to replace the milk with apple or orange juice as I did when I was a child. So to put it lightly, the thought of having to once again give up something I was, in my mind, deprived of as a child, was not making for many desirable mornings in my foreseeable future.

Please note that knowing what I know now about diet, nutrition, and health, I now realize that the "bowl of cereal" I mentioned above was not and is not a nutritious breakfast (organic or not). If you visit the links on Whole Grains, Healthy Diet, and Healthy Living you will see what I've learned and what I practice now.

The soy on the other hand, I quickly dismissed as being easy to cut from my diet. I didn’t drink soy milk, eat soybeans, use soy sauce, or eat tofu, so how hard could it be. Man was I in for a wake-up call! Who would have guessed that soy was in nearly everything. I can only imagine whoever is sitting at the top of the soybean growers counsel is quite rich since soy appears to be in nearly every prepackaged, prepared, processed food found at the grocery store, not to mention its practically pushed by MD’s and nutritionists alike, as the next wonder drug. Shocking considering it’s among one of the top eight food allergies, and depending on the person’s level of sensitivity can cause death. And if that doesn’t make soy difficult enough to avoid, it’s often not clearly stated on the label of the product. Eliminating the obvious, anything with the word soy in it, leaves you with quite a lengthy list of ingredients, which are partially or entirely derived from soy to look out for. I’ve listed a few of the common ones below.

Lecithin

Natural Flavors (may contain soy)
*I’ve never had a reaction to this one, so it may be in a few of the products I have listed as prepackaged soy replacement products.

Vegetable Oil / Vegetable Broth (usually 100% derived from soy)

Vegetable Shortening (usually derived from soy)

HVP (hydrolyzed vegetable protein, or simply put “Soy”)

HPP (Hydrolyzed Plant Protein)

Stabilizers

Xanthan Gum (soy is often the medium in which it is grown on)

Emulsifiers (soybean oil is one of the most frequently used)

Guar Gum, vegetable gum (may contain soy)
*I have never had a reaction to this one when listed as “Guar Gum” and for that it is in a few of the products I have listed as dairy/soy replacements. I would absolutely stay away from it if listed as “Vegetable Gum”!

Vitamin E: d-alpha tocopheral (usually derived from soybeans)
*I’ve been told by manufactures of products containing vitamin E derived from soybeans, that due to the process they use there should be no “soy” left in the product. Do not take that chance, I’ve tried some and got a reaction every time! I avoid any product containing vitamin E in the ingredients, be it an edible or topical product.

MSG

Mono-diglyceride

Protein

Because of this versatility, availability, and sheer abundance of supply, it has become the manufactures secret weapon; literally. So when most people become aware of this, full-blown panic becomes their first reaction at just the thought of having to remove soy from their diets. And can you blame them? The average American’s lifestyle has become so busy, and our priorities so distorted, that day-to-day health (our preventative maintenance) has taken a back seat to most anything else, giving way to the ever so popular fully prepared meal in a box, or as I like to call it “soy in a box”.

Is it possible then to avoid soy? Is it possible to avoid eliminating all the meals we love off our daily menu? Is it possible to, well, eat? Yes, it’s called eating healthy and eating smart. I’ve been doing it for over a year now, without having to eliminate one recipe from my favorite recipe book, and I’m healthier and feel better than I have in years. So what’s my secret you ask? This can be answered with three simple words; knowledge, that of which can only be gained from dealing with this obstacle first hand, determination, that inner drive to eat healthy without having sacrifice variety on the menu, and support, for me it’s a spouse that’s equally determined and willing to help. I can’t help you with all of them, especially the last one, but I can give you the knowledge I’ve gained over the past year, which I can assure you will make for a healthier life style and some very tasty meals.

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Get The Facts!

Before I divulge all of my secrets, let me be a little more specific about my allergies and briefly describe the two, but keep in mind I am not a doctor nor do I have any formal education in the medical or nutrition field; all the knowledge I’ve gained is a result of my own trials and tribulations. I should also mention that as a result of what I’ve learned and dealt with over all the years battling with the symptoms of my allergies, I lean pretty heavily towards a more natural approach to health and wellness. My goal is to utilize all the knowledge that I’ve gained, but have yet to find as being readily available or easily accessible, and bring it all together in one common place.

The protein in milk, from an allergy stand point, can be broken down into two main components contributing to the leading causes of a milk allergy; the casein or curd that forms when milk turns sour, and the whey or watery part that separates from the curd. Based on what I’ve read and been told the whey is the most common cause of a milk allergy, I on the other hand am allergic to the casein. That being said, and with the recommendation from those with formal education in nutrition, I decided from the beginning to cut dairy entirely from my diet.

As with many food allergies, the protein part of the food becomes the difficult part for the body to properly digest, and soy is no exception. Although soy is one of the most common food allergies, with potentially deadly consequences, because the dose required to produce a reaction is higher than that of other allergies some people allergic to soy protein can tolerate small quantities of soy oil or soy lecithin. Consequently I have found that I get a reaction to nearly everything soy, and for that I have cut soy and 90% of its aliases from my diet.

Now to clear up a few common misconceptions, or foolish mistakes that I’ve come across since my quest for a better lifestyle.

*No, a little butter in the water while boiling vegetables or pasta is not ok!
You wouldn’t believe how many times, after clearly stating my dairy allergy; I’ve tasted butter with the first mouthful. The response; “I put a little butter in the water; I thought it would be ok”. I realize I’m not a doctor, and I’m sure a little butter in the water won’t kill me, but why even go there. I think as a people, our biggest flaw is a lack of willpower, so why tempt. My advice with any allergy, is it’s best to avoid all foods that you know contain this allergen.

*Just because eggs are in the dairy aisle doesn’t mean they come from a cow.
It amasses me how many people think a dairy allergy means no eggs. I realize egg is a common allergen, and as with most allergy causing foods the body has difficulties digesting proteins, but I’ve never seen a cow lay an egg.

*Just because it says Organic on the label doesn’t make it an easy soy replacement.
Since going the healthy rout I’ve tried my hardest to eat organic foods when possible. I have since found that with packaged foods, it is just as difficult to find products without soy, as it is with non-organic, so read labels!

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There's Hope!

Don’t look at a soy allergy as dietary weakness, but instead think of it as positive boost towards a healthier you. Don’t think of it as a menu restriction, but rather a menu shake-up. Think of it as the much needed excuse to close the door to all the bad eating habits that have caused obesity to be one of the fastest growing epidemics in the United States, and in turn opening your mind to a brand new way of thinking about food. It’s not a bad thing to have to put a little more thought and effort into your meals. You can start by introducing yourself to a forgotten friend, the produce aisle. You are sure to lose weight, and improve your health by cutting out processed foods, prepackaged ready to eat meals, and fast food from your diet.

Dairy Replacements

Below is a list of dairy and dairy related foods that I have since cut from my diet, along with the products I have discovered along the way that best replace them. My wife and I use these replacements, and for the most part have found them to work seamlessly in all our recipes. Next to each one I have added what I feel to be some useful comments and cautions, as well as a list of the brands that I’ve found to be the safest, best tasting, and healthiest substitutes for me.


Allergen---------------->Replacement

Milk---------------------->So Delicious Coconut Milk (soy/dairy/gluten Free)

*Comes in Original, Unsweetened, and Vanilla flavors

---------------------------->Almond milk (Read labels some brands contain soy)

*Pacific Organic Almond Milk (Comes in both regular and vanilla flavored)

---------------------------->Rice milk (closer to skim milk; not my first choice)

*Pacific All Natural Rice Milk (Comes in both regular and vanilla flavored)

---------------------------->Hazelnut milk (Very Tasty)
*Pacific All Natural Hazelnut Milk (Comes in both regular and vanilla flavored)

*You may notice that I haven’t listed goat’s milk as a milk replacement. That’s because I have experienced dairy allergy symptoms when using powdered goat’s milk in its place. Ironically though I have not experienced this with either goat cheese or goat’s milk ice cream, as you will see them listed below.

Cream------------------->Organic canned Coconut Milk (not low fat variety) or any of above 'milk replacements' with added Tapioca or Coconut Flour (add to desired consistency)

Cheese------------------>Goat Cheese (Be sure to be tested for allergies!)
*Woolwich (Canadian Goat Cheese): Cheddar / Mozzarella
*Solera (Spanish Goat Cheese): Rosey Goat, Winey Goat,

*Watch for “country of manufacture”. I tend to go with cheeses made outside the U.S, I've found there’s less of a chance it will contain a mix of goat and cow’s milk.

Butter------------------>Goat or Sheep's Butter


--------------------------->Olive Oil (Not for cooking, meal topper only)
*Organic Unrefined Extra Virgin olive oil

----------------------------->Organic Raw Coconut Oil (for all your cooking or recipe needs)

Ice Cream---------------> Look for Low Sugar varieties


------------------------------>Goat’s Milk Ice Cream
*La Loo’s Black Mission Fig (Read labels; some of the other flavors contain Lecithin)

------------------------------>Hemp Milk Ice Cream (Soy Dairy and Gluten Free)
*Living Harvest; (Vanilla and Coconut flavor are my favorites)

------------------------------>Coconut Milk Ice Cream (Soy Dairy and Gluten Free)
*Always read labels, some flavors may contain Lecithin!

Shortening------------->Palm Oil
*Spectrum Organic Palm Oil

*As a rule of thumb always read labels, be aware of your own specific allergies, and keep a daily journal to record your body’s reactions to the food you eat. Never take someone else’s word for it when it comes to food allergies, what’s ok for one person may not be ok for you!
(Soy Replacements)-------->NEXT

Soy Replacements

Below is a list of soy related foods that I have since cut from my diet, along with the products I have discovered along the way that best replace them. My wife and I use these replacements, and for the most part have found them to work seamlessly in all our recipes. Next to each one I have added what I feel to be some useful comments and cautions, as well as a list of the brands that I’ve found to be the safest, best tasting, and healthiest substitutes for me.

*The best way I’ve found to avoid soy is to eat fresh foods, and to cook meals from scratch with fresh ingredients.


Allergen----------------------------------->Replacement


Soy Sauce-------------------------------->Balsamic Vinegar


Teriyaki Sauce-------------------------->Homemade (see below)
Balsamic Vinegar/Brown Sugar/Molasses/Garlic/Olive Oil

Vegetable Oil---------------------------->I believe only Healthy Saturated Fats should be used for cooking such as lard, and coconut oil.


Soy Milk--------------------------------->See Dairy Replacements- Milk


Non-Dairy Coffee additives------->Drink it black (It’s the healthy way to go!)

Yogurt/Ice Cream-------------------->See Dairy Replacements- Ice Cream
*Always read labels, some brands and flavors contain Lecithin


Canned fish----------------->Wild Alaskan Salmon or Sardines (in water)
*Be VERY careful with canned fish; even packed in water many contain vegetable oil (Soy)

Vitamin/Supplements------------->Whole food supplements

*Most multi vitamins contain soy or vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherals)
*There is no substitute for eating healthy, fresh, unprocessed foods!

Peanut Butter----------------------->Old Style Organic freshly ground peanuts

*I’ve read that in some cases, people who have a soy allergy can also be allergic to peanuts (they're both legumes). I was beginning to believe that I fell into this mold, despite the fact that I was tested for a peanut allergy and came up negative. That is until I stumbled upon 100% freshly ground peanuts with no preservatives, at my local grocery and health food store. I’m convinced the problem I was having with the processed peanut butter was that even brands that don’t contain soy, were most likely processed in a plant that also process soy!

*Make sure you’ve been tested for a peanut allergy, especially if you suspect one!

Preserves / Fruit Spreads--------> Crofter's (their fruit spreads have no added sugar)

Chocolate Chips
-------------------->Enjoy Life semi sweet chocolate chips
*These contain no artificial ingredients and are Soy, Dairy, and Gluten Free, not to mention they taste great!
*I use this with oat milk to make chocolate milk; tastes great!

Cereal----------------------------------->I do not believe cereal is part of a healthy diet.  Even "healthier" choices contain added sugar and of course grains, both of which affect the body's natural insulin response resulting in a chronic auto-immune diseases such as diabetes, heart  disease, cancer, etc.

Oatmeal------------------->I do not believe oatmeal is part of a healthy diet.  Even "healthier" choices may contain added sugar and of course grains (oats), both of which affect the body's natural insulin response resulting in a chronic auto-immune diseases such as diabetes, heart  disease, cancer, etc.

Pancake mix------------------------->Homemade Coconut Flour Pancake mix (See recipe section!)

Crackers------------------------------->Look for *Gluten Free with NO added sugar if you must.


Bread---------------------------------->Palio Bread


Croutons---------------------------->Homemade (and Gluten Free) if you must!

Bread crumbs--------------------->Gillians Gluten Free

*Homemade is always the healthiest and safest choice!

Salad Dressing-------------------->Olive Oil and Balsamic/Apple Cider/Red Wine Vinegar
*Combine your favorite organic style vinegar with organic unrefined olive oil and some organice red pepper flakes, garlic powder, parsley and oregano and shake or mix well. Simple healthy and tastes great!

*Avoid pre made salad dressings!

Fruit Juice------------------------>I believe fruit juices should be avoided due to its high sugar content, both  added and naturally occurring.


Seasoned Rice Mixes--------->Organic Long Grain White Rice, Quinoa, Amaranth, or other Gluten Free grain verities

Mixed Nuts------------------------>Individually packaged nuts (shelled or in the shell)
*Read labels due to cross contamination during packaging!

Canned Soups/Broths-------->Stick with homemade (See recipe section!)

----------------------------------------->Some Organic varieties (read labels; some contain soy)
*Imagine Organic Free Range Chicken Broth
*Imagine Organic Chicken or beef Cooking Stock (contains Natural Flavors)

Mixed Spices---------------------->Stick with pure individual spices
*Simply Organic is the brand I like

Sauces/Marinates-------------->Homemade (They’re easy, healthy and taste better!)

Bouillon Cubes------------------>See "Broths" above

Frozen Vegetables-------------->Fresh is best!
*Any frozen vegetable with a sauce most likely contains soy!

Ketchup---------------------------->Organic (Read labels, organic doesn’t mean Soy Free!)
*Also try kosher.

Mayonnaise----------------------->Spectrum Organic Canola Mayonnaise

Packaged Foods----------------->Organic (Read labels, organic doesn’t mean Soy Free!)
*I’ve also had some luck with Kosher products or International Brands.

*When buying prepackaged foods, always look for Organic products. Choose those with the fewest ingredients, while avoiding unnecessary preservatives, additives, and food colorings.

Moisturizers--------------------->Organic Raw Coconut Oil

Soaps/Shaving Cream---------->Organic Palm Oil or Goats Milk based soaps
*Check your local health food store.

*As a rule of thumb always read labels, be aware of your own specific allergies, and keep a daily journal to record your body’s reactions to the food you eat. Never take someone else’s word for it when it comes food allergies, what’s ok for one person may not be ok for you!

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