Food Facts!

I received and e-mail asking me to talk about a website that can be a great help for anyone suffering from food allergies, want to check ingredients, nutritional facts, health score, recipes and even make a shopping list.

So I click on FoodFacts.com to check it out. As always I won't write about a product if I don't check it out first. I liked what I found. I especially like the Shopping List and Quick Recipe Finder. I can make a shopping list for myself and others on here. It is brand specific to help family and friends get what they need should they have to get food for my little man. While making the list I can double check the ingredients. Whoever is shopping will still have to double check when in the store, but at least they know where to start.

Though I haven't tried any of the recipes in the Quick Recipe Finder yet, I have done a search and a ton came up that avoided our allergies. I like that you can check off what you can't eat and a recipe is ready for you. They even put the safe brand of flour and seasonings you can use. Click add to shopping list and it adds all the ingredients to your list. You can then go and edit the list if you already have some of them. LOVE that. The recipe also lists the nutritional info. So it's good for anyone who is conceded about what they are eating.

I would recommend checking this out, especially if others take care of your FA children or you are new to the FA world. I think for the experienced FA people, it may give you some new recipe ideas! The only thing is you will have to register to use all the features on this site, but it is free so why not. For a better explanation check out their video on YouTube. They did tell me they are coming out with an app. Maybe they will let me review it ; )

**As always I want to be honest. I did not receive any money or products for this review. Just an opportunity for them to list my blog on their site. I would of wrote about it even if they didn't list it.

Food Facts!

What not to eat?

So now that our big news is out, I can share my struggles about food. When your pregnant the doctors give you a list of no no foods. No sushi, no alcohol, no caffeine, no cold cuts... the list goes on. This off limits list does not take into consideration that we already have a child with food allergies.

My first instinct was to avoid all his allergens while pregnant with number two. It makes sense. I am not exaggerating when I say I ate peanut butter 5 or more days a week for all 9 months of my pregnancy with Cormac. I also turned to almonds and walnuts for a quick, easy, and healthy snack. Low and behold, a child with severe peanut and tree nut allergies. I have beating myself up over this since we found out.

The minute we decided to have another baby I stared researching what to do this time. Every doctor (about 5 so far), say not to totally avoid these foods. Same with what I've read. Ok, now what I asked myself. There is no conclusive evidence as to whether to avoid or include these foods in my diet, just opinion. I hate that there are no clear cut answers when it comes to food allergies.

So like with the regular list of no's, my hubby and I decided moderation is key. Obviously I'm not going to eat these things around my son or even bring it into my house. So work is were I sample the forbidden. Is this the right coarse of action? I really don't know.

The good thing is I can bring almonds and walnuts back into the house. We received the good news that we can go ahead and include these nuts in his diet. So no guilt in eating those. In fact I had a yummy almond butter and jelly sandwich today.

Even though this is my second pregnancy, and I'm much more relaxed about it, I now have a whole new set of fears I didn't have with the first. I really don't know if I'm doing the right thing, and that is stressing me out.

What not to eat?

The Real Reason ;)

A picture is worth 1,000 words!

So this is my excuse these past few months for not being an active blogger. I do apologize, but the first trimester was kicking my butt big time! I just didn't have the energy or the stomach to be on much. Now that I'm starting to feel better I hope to be better about my blogging.

We are very excited about our new addition coming this August. Cormac is already talking to the "baby" (my stomach), and loves to give him or her kisses. I hope this is a sign that he is going to be a wonderful big brother.

The search for the perfect double stroller is on as well as trying to figure out what to and what not to eat this time. Things I didn't have to think about the first time.

The Real Reason ;)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Here is my first ever attempt at making sugar cookies from scratch. Well the icing wasn't from scratch but the cookies are. I have a very fickle oven so this took so much longer than it should of. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. I may need practice but since I didn't burn the house down or the cookies, I think I did an ok job. Hopefully my St. Patrick's day cookies will be prettier. Looks like a have a lot of baking in my future.

Just frosted

After the Hubby and I ate a ton of them.

I also wanted to wish you all a safe and Happy Valentine's Day! Take the extra minute to hug, kiss and the tell people important to you that you love them! And remember be on top your game today and read those labels!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day Candy So Far

When I wait until the last minute to get safe treats for my little man I always regret it. So I started shopping. We don't make a big deal about Valentine's Day, but it's nice to get a sweet treat. I use to love when my parents would get a little something for me. A giant Hershey's Kiss was a favorite.

This year is a challenge. It's our first allergy aware Valentine's Day. Please keep in mind the treats mentioned are peanut and tree nut free to my knowledge. Remember to check for yourselves.

Since the giant Hershey's kiss is out of the question, I picked up some regular kisses since those are the safe ones. I also picked up some Sweet Tarts Hearts, not to be confused with sweet hearts (the hearts are not safe). Sweet hearts are the normal conversation heart candies people usually give out, but you guessed it, it's on the no no list.

As mentioned on our Facebook page I also bought Heart Shaped Peep's. I did write them and found out (the next day I might add), just as people said on the FB page they are safe. He's a snippet from their email:

Because product formulations can change at any time, we encourage consumers to refer to our package labels for the most up-to-date ingredient and allergen information. We are required by law to declare major food allergens as defined by the FDA on our label. Moreover, it is our policy to voluntarily add advisory statements to our packages to alert consumers to potential cross contamination risks. Therefore, if there is a risk of any cross contamination with peanuts or tree nuts it would be stated on our packaging.

I like that they have a policy to voluntarily add advisory statements about possible cross contamination. This is responsible labeling and I think it's great. Easter is looking a little bit sweeter this year too! I love me some Peep's!

Since I know school will most likely pose a problem I'm going in with back up in my pocket this party. Some candies, and cookies ready to eat. Since we are snowed in once again I was going to try and make some heart shaped sugar cookies with the hard frosting and share my success or failure with you. But alas, my dear husband used the last of the vanilla so I have to settle for some oatmeal chocolate chip. Still yummy and much easier. I hope to get some time soon to try my hand at the the sugar cookies this week or next.

Remember: READ IT BEFORE YOU EAT IT!

Valentine's Day Candy So Far