Food suggestions

[elaby]

I've been having some stomach trouble over the last several months and the gastroenterologist I'm seeing has asked me to start avoiding dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, and nuts for a month. I know lots of people with varying food habits and choices and restrictions, so I wanted to ask you all for suggestions about anything in these categories that you like to eat.

Since I already don't eat meat, with this dietary change, I'll be eating vegan, wheat-free, soy-free, and nut-free. I'm particularly interested in sources of protein, snacks, and breakfast (I feel like lunch and dinner might be easier).

My wonderful mother has been looking up recipes online for me, but I also wanted to ask all of you, because I know what fabulous cooks some of you are and I'd love to hear any ideas that you have. <3

Thank you! I'm looking forward to seeing if this makes me feel better. I figure it can only make me healthier!

P.S. We watched the "new" Starsky and Hutch movie last night (with Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson) and I wasn't expecting to like it, but it was really good XD They OBVIOUSLY did their research, apart from the weird personality-switch they inflicted on the boys. I expect they did that because this was their "first meeting" story rather than the "known you for years" era of the show. I was impressed by the homages: we swore that they used the same sets and on-location scenes that were in the show, and there were shots that were straight-up recreations of shots from the openings and stuff. And of course they kept pointing out how much they TOUCH each other XD The cameos were worth the price of the DVD, too. AND THEY HAD THE SWEATER. The horrendous, amazing sweater that Starsky wears in the earlier episodes. I love that sweater.

Comments

[elaby.livejournal.com]

I believe so. The doctor didn't mention anything about seeds, so I think he's just trying to test me against common allergens (which includes nuts). YOU ARE INCREDIBLE, HAVE I MENTIONED?

[mermaiden.livejournal.com]

Awesome! I'm making lists in my head. :D

Flax milk by itself is kind of terrible, as an aside, but it's great in baked stuff. If you're going vegan, coconut milk is probably your best bet, with rice milk as a distant second. I grew up on rice milk, but the taste/texture of coconut milk is much more palatable to other people.

Which, you probably knew all of this, but just in case! Also, Earth Balance makes a soy free butter that's pretty good. If there are any substitutes that you're already craving, let me know--I KIND OF LOVE FOOD, and helping you make this into a fun game by looking at it as a Fun! Challenge! helps SO MUCH BETTER when you're on a restrictive diet. Which isn't a restrictive diet! It's a Diet Of Awesome(TM). <3 <3 <3

[elaby.livejournal.com]

I LOVE YOUR ATTITUDE <3 <3 <3 It really DOES help to think of it as a fun challenge, which is what we're trying to do (Rachel is really good at that XD). It's so helpful and comforting to know that you've had experience with these kinds of food and can suggest stuff. I'm very glad to hear about the Earth Balance <3

[mermaiden.livejournal.com]

<3 <3 <3 Let me know about anything you're missing and are having trouble finding a substitute for, or just want recommendations, and we'll find you a substitute or UNICORNS DO NOT SPARKLE. AND WE, OF COURSE, KNOW THAT THEY DO. <3333333333

[elaby.livejournal.com]

<3 <3 <3 <3 YOU AND JENN ARE SO WONDERFUL. I'm sure there will be things I come across that I'll want substitutes for. What do you usually eat for breakfast? I was thinking about having a lot of smoothies and also gluten-free oatmeal.

[mermaiden.livejournal.com]

I totally eat a smoothie every morning for breakfast. THIS IS WHAT I PUT IN IT (I also put in peanut butter, but you wouldn't):

- blueberries, blackberries and raspberries -- Wymans makes a HUGE bag of lots of fruit for inexpensive. It's three pounds for, I think, ten bucks, and it'll last you about half a month, and if you don't like the berry blend they have lots more--I mention this because fruit can be expensive!
- A BANANA :D
- chia seeds and flax seeds for protein and immune boosting awesomeness!
- Super! Rainbows! Love! Go! (when she has it in stock). IT IS SO GOOD FOR YOU, and so good, and Alexis is one of the nicest people on the planet. :)
- Nature's Way Pea Protein! - This is SO GREAT because it's soy free and vegan and has a TON of good stuff for you, including a great digestive blend. I didn't look at the ingredients, but I think it has very, very little nut in it if it has any at all.
- Flax milk!
- Orange juice!

All of that together, blended, is one of the tastiest things in the world, and then you're full for hours! AND YOU SORT OF HAD DESSERT FOR BREAKFAST, so happiness right there. :)

(I used to design smoothies for the health food store deli I worked at ONCE LONG AGO, so let me know if you want different flavors/options! <3)

[elaby.livejournal.com]

Aaaaah, this is SO HELPFUL <3 <3 <3 My smoothie experience is limited to what Amanda taught me last November at Enchanted Days, and those were the MOST DELICIOUS SMOOTHIES, but it was only one formula. I can't wait to try yours <3 <3 Thank you!