Food Allergies: The Adventure Begins

December 3, 2009, started out as a normal day. Another day, another doctor visit. This time, the appointment was with a pediatric allergist who also specialized in lung functions (in our case - asthma). By 1:00 that afternoon, life as we knew it had been radically altered. Our baby girl had suffered through 6 years of asthma and constant ear, sinus, and respiratory infections. We had made countless visits to multiple doctors, and she had been prescribed more medications than I ever want to admit to but . . we never had any real answers as to why. Why was our baby sick ALL the time?
Now, for the first time ever, we had real answers. Food Allergies! At the tender age of 6, Landry has allergies to wheat, oats, rice, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, seeds, fish, blueberries, watermelon, apricots, kidney beans, and peas. Pretty much everything but air and water! :) A little blue backpack (complete with emergency anaphylaxis meds) now goes everywhere with us. Just like American Express, we "don't leave home without it"! In order to allow her little body to heal, we have also removed from her diet all refined sugars, artificial colorings, and artificial flavorings. In my search for foods that are safe for her, I have learned more than I ever imagined was out there to know about allergy-safe, healthy foods . . . and I'm only just beginning. We've come up against many frustrations, but we've also had many celebrations. Our most important celebration is that every day for the past 6 1/2 years, God has been holding her in His hands, protecting her from any life-threatening reactions. Looking back, the miracles that we have experienced have truly taken our breath away.
Yes, my days as a junk-food diva are now gone with the wind! Lunch With Landry has been a life-changing experience! My hope is to help so many others affected by food-allergies. May your answers come quickly and may you find inspiration along the way!
Happy eating!