Party On

Judy: Amy and Karla told me that they're glad to be on the elimination diet through the holidays. It keeps them mindful of their eating and makes it easier to avoid the foods they know they don't need. I'm glad they feel that way. It can be tough to contend with holiday treats when you feel deprived. They are still focused on the goal and are realizing great benefit from staying focused.
Some people get the list of things they can eat and get started on eliminating all other foods. Others work better with written instructions. Sample menus and recipes are helpful for folks of either style.

Here are some meal ideas:
Fruits, baked sweet potatoes, fruit smoothies without dairy, hot rice cereals, brown rice and almonds are good breakfast options.
For lunch homemade vegetable or lentil soups, salads or rice pasta are good. Snacks of fruits, rice crisps, or veggies such as carrot and celery help you make it through the day.
Salads, rice pasta, or rice with chicken, vegetables, or fish, roasted or steamed vegetables and lamb chops are good for dinner.

 

Amy: This week was extremely busy and I ate very few meals at home. I've noticed that when I'm busy, I tend to miss meals. I'm diligent about not eating things off my list, but often lose my appetite by the time I get home and have the opportunity to eat. I need to remember to carry some apples, carrot sticks, nuts and crackers to get through those busy days.

Holidays mean parties. I attended a few, but had a small dinner party of my own. I wanted to serve a meal that would be festive and satisfying to all my guests and yet I wanted to be able to enjoy every course. I think I achieved all my goals. I started with some aged cheeses and crackers, which were a hit with everyone. I served a variety of crackers including a rice cracker that I could eat. Of course we had wine with each course.

The meal started with Curried Butternut Squash Soup, which I garnished with a dab of Greek Yogurt and grated apple. I had guests asking for seconds. The main course was Filet of Beef with mixed mushrooms sautéed in butter, olive oil and wine. It was accompanied by crispy roasted potatoes and asparagus with parmesan cheese. We had a delicious Red Wine called Equilateral. Dessert was a simple mix of berries served with lemon cream- for those who wanted it- and cookies.

Except for the power going out twice, the party was a great success and I enjoyed the meal completely. I realized how easy it was to serve an elegant meal without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. Elimination does not mean boring!
Maybe I'll do a dinner for New Year's Eve too.

 

Karla:I also had a busy week. I only tried one challenge food - yogurt and it didn't cause any adverse reactions. I was diligent about staying away from corn and soy; fortunately, I'm sleeping better. Being well rested during the holiday season is important, so I will continue to avoid those foods and limit new challenges. We will return to soy and corn after the holiday season to pinpoint the problem food.

I am enjoying having oatmeal on the ‘allowed' list - it's a very satisfying breakfast that keeps me energized through the entire morning. I add currants or raisins, some sliced almonds and almond milk. Very tasty.
I missed several meals this week due to lack of planning. I need to renew my focus on making a daily meal plan and have a pot of soup to fill in when I need to ‘eat on the run'.

Amy's dinner party was a huge success and very healthy. Everyone enjoyed the food and the company. The only thing we couldn't eat was Roseann's Sugar Saucers.

My plan for the coming week is to keep breakfast simple; crispy rice cereal on the mornings I'm in a rush and oatmeal when I have time to prepare it. Focus on having a hearty lunch of soup, salad and lean meat, this is particularly helpful when I have an evening event to attend. If I add a healthful afternoon snack I find that I'm not very hungry in the evening and can get by on a bowl of soup and some homemade guacamole. A piece of fruit or a crispy rice bar is all it takes to satisfy my sweet tooth in the afternoon.