First Time Emergency Out Of Town Situation

[jerseygrl]

Last Tuesday, my MIL died suddenly in Iowa. Stunned, we booked our flight out the next day for a week -- me, Hubs, and our 2 girls (Megan age 9, GI, and Claire

age 6, Celiac) Claire was dx'd in December. So we are newbies to the Celiac and Intollerance thing, but are coping fairly well. So, I'm frantically packing

and then it dawns on me -- OMG, what am I going to do about the kids' food? My MIL lives in rural rural Iowa, in the middle of no where. I know there will not be a whole lot of time to prepare meals, and I know that the community will undoubtably to sending in a tidal wave of casseroles etc. Sigh.

So the first thing off the plane in Minneapolis, we hit a WholeFoods and I load up. And I am excited at what I see -- frozen gluten-free chicken nuggets, enchildadas, etc. Perfect, I think. So we drive into Iowa and I put all the stuff in the farm house. Well, Megan did fine. But Claire -- man, she is such a picky eater. Always has been. The only healthy things she will eat are: strawberries, bananas, grilled chicken/pork/steak, popcorn(healthy? sigh) and yogurt, and the occasional egg. And that's about it. From then on, all she craves is junk. No pasta, no rice, no potatoes, doesn't particularly like gluten-free bread (i've tried'um all, I have a bread maker) She does like the DeliMex taquitos. My older daughter who is GI is very compliant and likes most things. I guess 1 out of 2 aint bad

Well, we are back now. Claire's dietary intake wasn't the best. I let it slide with all the stress going on and whatnot. But I am still puzzled on how to

get her to eat better food, and to expand her horizons. She just refuses, and I have a tough time "forcing" food on her, demanding her to eat it. I don't think that is productive. I offer new stuff all the time, putting a little on her plate -- she even hates for anything new to share her plate

She was a good eater until age 1.5, and I suspect she was celiac back then. Interestly, she has never complained about abdominal pain -- her reaction to gluten is more neurological -- she acts out, is extremely irritable, angry, etc.

So, if anyone has any suggestions on how I might introduce new foods to her, I'd be willing to listen. However she is very stuborn.

Signed

[Cam's Mom]

Hi!

I certainly do not have the answer to your question - might be a miracle if anyone does!! I once read a statistic on how many times a child needs to see a new food before they will try it. I can't remember the number but it was astonishing, like 50 or something.

My daughter is also 6 and has type 1 diabetes as well as Celiac. Unfortunately she is a devout vegetarian. I only say unfortunately because it drastically limits what she can eat since all her carbs are counted and limited (her heart is in the right place!). We have talked endlessly about how she could have so much more food at each meal and feel full if she would just add in a little meat. She says she will but then when it hits her plate she freaks. We can not even say the "CH"word while she is eating or she starts gagging.

It is very hard for us to keep trying because we are vegetarians too (oh the irony!). But I just keep heating up the chicken sausages and nuggets, etc. and trying. One night when her brother was eating eggs and sausage she felt bad that she didn't get one and actually asked for one, ate it and liked it!

We also have noticed that eating with other kids helps (although not instantly). We invite her best friends over and serve them beautiful turkey sandwiches (on really good gluten-free bread) with lettuce and mayo. Then give her a crummy little pb&j for the 1,000th time in a row. Gosh she says the turkey kind of looks good.

So here are some ideas:

peer pressure: invite friends over

Mix ins (put something she'n not familiar with in something she loves!!) we do nochos with grilled chicken on top or Mac 'n cheese with broccoli in it). Put something healthy on pizza (gluten-free of course).

Make it yourself - it is amazing what a kid will eat if she has helped make it.

The other thing we have as a policy is NEVER push it. I always tell my kids that if they don't want it just pick it out or move it aside. I figure eventually they might try it if I keep offering it. I also figure that my job is to offer healty balanced meals but I absolutely can't make them eat it - so once I make it and offer it, my work is done. I also always offer somthing I know they will eat and like (along with the new "yucky" food) so they know I am listening and I care. Just be patient, persistent and try not to talk about it with them too much, just keep offering. My mother always said "most kids will eat a salad before they go off to college" - probably true! Oh, and give her a good multi vitamin. I think that's all you can do.

Best of luck - please share any ideas you have!

Barb

[missy'smom]

I'd just let it go for now. I hope this doesn't sound harsh. I'm a little tired and this is the only way I can think of to say this. It takes time to adjust and feel like trying new things when you haven't felt good for a while. All the things listed, with exception to the junk food, are good choices and she may really need the comfort of routine and familiar foods right now. I do sometimes. I've been experinmenting with new recipies more lately but at some point it becomes emotionally uncomfortable and I need to go back to the old standbys. My general diet hasn't changed that much from the way I ate before gluten-free but it still is a big emotional adjustment. Keep putting new things on the table for the family in general and silently offer a variety for everyone and eventually I think she will expand her horizons. Do you put serving dishes on the table?

I'm not sure what your snack situation is but when my son comes home from school, he is so hungry. I've made a rule, 1 sweet, 1 salty and unlimited fruit, yogurt, cheese sticks, meat or other healthy "real food". This keeps it balanced and eliminates the daily struggle.

[aikiducky]

You've got good advice from more experienced people than I am (I don't have kids). I just wanted to tell you about the rule my parents had when I was a kid: we had to taste at least a tiny little bit of everything on offer, but if we hated it, we didn't have to eat it. Even as a kid I could see the logic in that. The beauty of it is that eventually you have tasted enough new stuff that it really isn't a big deal any more.

Pauliina

[jerseygrl]

Thanks to you both for your input. I know there is no easy answer, guess I just needed to vent. It gets so old -- day after day after day of

hoping she will try something new. I don't make a big deal about something new on her plate, I just add it non-chalantly.

Had to giggle on the comment Cam' s Mom had about not even saying the CH word Claire is very aware when I try to blend a favorite of hers with

a new food. But we'll all survive. Peer pressure...hmmmmm. Might give that a try.

[jerseygrl]

Pauline, my folks had a similar rule with a caveat -- we could choose one food that we NEVER, EVER had to eat. Mine was Brussel Sprouts. I still, to this day, can't stand them. Oddly enough, my mom served them about 1x a month

[NoGluGirl]

Last Tuesday, my MIL died suddenly in Iowa. Stunned, we booked our flight out the next day for a week -- me, Hubs, and our 2 girls (Megan age 9, GI, and Claire

age 6, Celiac) Claire was dx'd in December. So we are newbies to the Celiac and Intollerance thing, but are coping fairly well. So, I'm frantically packing

and then it dawns on me -- OMG, what am I going to do about the kids' food? My MIL lives in rural rural Iowa, in the middle of no where. I know there will not be a whole lot of time to prepare meals, and I know that the community will undoubtably to sending in a tidal wave of casseroles etc. Sigh.

So the first thing off the plane in Minneapolis, we hit a WholeFoods and I load up. And I am excited at what I see -- frozen gluten-free chicken nuggets, enchildadas, etc. Perfect, I think. So we drive into Iowa and I put all the stuff in the farm house. Well, Megan did fine. But Claire -- man, she is such a picky eater. Always has been. The only healthy things she will eat are: strawberries, bananas, grilled chicken/pork/steak, popcorn(healthy? sigh) and yogurt, and the occasional egg. And that's about it. From then on, all she craves is junk. No pasta, no rice, no potatoes, doesn't particularly like gluten-free bread (i've tried'um all, I have a bread maker) She does like the DeliMex taquitos. My older daughter who is GI is very compliant and likes most things. I guess 1 out of 2 aint bad

Well, we are back now. Claire's dietary intake wasn't the best. I let it slide with all the stress going on and whatnot. But I am still puzzled on how to

get her to eat better food, and to expand her horizons. She just refuses, and I have a tough time "forcing" food on her, demanding her to eat it. I don't think that is productive. I offer new stuff all the time, putting a little on her plate -- she even hates for anything new to share her plate

She was a good eater until age 1.5, and I suspect she was celiac back then. Interestly, she has never complained about abdominal pain -- her reaction to gluten is more neurological -- she acts out, is extremely irritable, angry, etc.

So, if anyone has any suggestions on how I might introduce new foods to her, I'd be willing to listen. However she is very stuborn.

Signed

Dear jerseygrl,

Though I have no children of my own, I have done a lot of babysitting. When I was a teenager, I used to have one girl I took care of who would never eat anything but junk. She lived off of Doritos. It was scary! They either let her have MacDonald's or whatever they could get her to eat.

Potatoes had to be in french fry form! There are some things I think your daughter will like. Here is a list of things you might not know were safe for us:

1. There are a number of things in the regular grocery that are safe. Some things are labeled already. Wal-Mart's Great Value brand has numerous things you can eat.

2. For the love of God use Coupons on items you are allowed to eat. People can get them and print them out online even. Call some of the local stores and ask if they accept online coupons.

3. Check the ads online and in the newspaper. You would be surprised how many people do not do this.

4. Some items like rice flour and rice noodles are safe to buy at the Chinese or oriental market. The merchants are more than happy to help you if you cannot read the label.

Now, here is my list of great things to get you started:

Condiments:

Smart Balance Margerine

Crisco Shortening

Crisco Oil

Pompeiian Olive Oil

Great Value soy sauce

Heinz Ketchup

Lea & Perrins Worchestershire Sauce

Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce

Kraft French Fat-Free Salad Dressing

Kraft Thousand Island Fat-Free Salad Dressing

Pace Picante Sauce

Ortega Salsa

All Classico Red and White sauces

All Jif Peanut Butters including Smooth Sensations

Welch's Grape Jelly

Cool Whip

Philadelphia Cream Cheese

Miracle Whip

Daisy Sour Cream (fat-free, low-fat, regular)

Snack Foods:

Fritos

Tostitos

Lay's Original Potato Chips

Cool Ranch Doritos (Nacho cheese has gluten)

Act II Microwave Popcorn

Cheetos

3 Musketeers candy bars

Butterfinger candy bars

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

Meat and Protein :

Eggs

Great Value Frozen Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

Extra Lean ground beef

Carl Buddig lunchmeats all are safe

Johnsonville Original Bratwursts

Kraft Cheese Shredded or sliced (Kraft is a great company, they never hide gluten in their labels. If it does not say wheat, barley, oats or rye, then it is not in there!)

Cereals:

Cocoa Pebbles

Fruity Pebbles

Dora the Explorer Cinnamon Stars

Seasonings:

Durkee Cinnamon-ground

Durkee Ginger-ground

Durkee Chili powder

Durkee Vanilla Extract (in fact, all of their liquid flavorings, food colorings, and extracts are g.f.)

Emeril's Essence - Asian, Italian

Ortega Taco Seasoning (In fact, since they are under a very strict labeling policy, all of their products are gluten free at this time)

Miscellaneous:

Ortega Taco Shells

Starkist or Great Value Tuna

Butter Buds

Great Value Soy Milk

Lettuce

Tomatoes

Apples

Pears

Carrots

Great Value Canned Fruits and Vegetables

Del Monte Canned Fruits and Vegetables

Ore Ida Tater Tots

Ore Ida French Fries

Hormel Chili

Hormel Spam

Hormel Spam Turkey (Oven Roasted or Smoked)

Velveeta

I hope this helps a bit!

Perhaps the best way to get your daughter to try new food is to reward her for it. Make a deal with her. If she is good and eats say 5 bites of broccoli, she will be allowed some junk food. Having her take a multivitamin would be a good idea too. Food jealousy might be a good idea, too. If her sister goes on and on about how good the food is, eventually, her curiousity will be piqued. Good luck and keep us updated!

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

[jerseygrl]

Wow, couple of surprises here....didn't know about those cereals you listed. Both girls are going to be thrilled with this.

Claire doesn't care for the Enviro gluten-free cereals, but she'll probably do flips over the Cocoa Pebbles -- still kinda junk, but at least

it's different

Today I put a slice of cheese in her lunch -- used a cookie cutter in the shape of a shamrock. Hopefully, she'll "bite" heh heh

Thanks.

[aikiducky]

Pauline, my folks had a similar rule with a caveat -- we could choose one food that we NEVER, EVER had to eat. Mine was Brussel Sprouts. I still, to this day, can't stand them. Oddly enough, my mom served them about 1x a month

That makes sense! BTW, I read somewhere, or heard somewhere, that kids saliva actually lacks an enzyme that adults saliva does have, that makes brussel sprouts taste more bitter to kids. And no, I didn't hear this from a kid! :D It would make sense though seeing how many kids really hate brussel sprouts.

I was surprised when I tried them some while ago, I really like them now! I just had some yesterday, with olive oil, salt and nutmeg.

Pauliina

[jerseygrl]

Noglugirl, I just checked my CSA gluten-free product listing notebook and my Clan Thompson software program, and I dont see

Cocoa Pebbles, Fruity Pebbles or the Dora Cereal anywhere. Can you give me a source on this

Thanks!

[jerseygrl]

Oh, Pauline. Are you saying I might like them now? Are you tempting me to go where I've never roamed before? heh heh

NGG, you are right. Found this interesting site--

Open Original Shared Link

[Slackermommy]

I have 2 kids..3 and 5. My food rules are that they have to eat as many bites as their ages of everything that is on their plate. I give the 3 year old 3 bites of a veggie, meat, and starch. Once they finish that, then they can ask for seconds of anything that was on their plate.

I always try to include at least one item that is a favorite, esp. if I am introducing something new, or something that I know they don't particularly care for.

I don't serve dessert often, but I do have a "healthier" dessert when I am serving something that is difficult for them, like risotto. If they finish, then they can have dessert.

Good luck!

[jerseygrl]

Thanks, Slacker

OMG, did I just read correctly -- the link I posted before (Open Original Shared Link) listed in February that

McDonalds fries are now gluten-free...!!!! Did I miss this news somewhere?

[johnsoniu]

Noglugirl, I just checked my CSA gluten-free product listing notebook and my Clan Thompson software program, and I dont see

Cocoa Pebbles, Fruity Pebbles or the Dora Cereal anywhere. Can you give me a source on this

Thanks!

Here's a link to a recent discussion on Fruity Peebles

Open Original Shared Link

The general consensus is that they are ok, but might be subject to cc issues if not made in a dedicated facility, which I don't believe they are. They haven't bothered me and the Cocoa Peebles make awesome rice krispie treats!!

[Jo.R]

I have a picky eater, and what has helped is she helps plan meals, shop and make it. If she has made that effort she will eat what is made with a few exceptions. I don't fight much with my kids about food, unless it's something they like but are being picky about that day, then they don't get anything else until they finish it. My oldest will sometimes pull that, and has eaten the rest of her dinner for breakfast. I hate it, but it is too hard to cook for my dietary needs and her picky taste and then let her be moody about her food.

Good luck, getting kids to eat right is hard enough when you don't have gluten problems. All my friends complain about the same things.

[CarlaB]

Cam's Mom, if you are vegetarians for moral reasons, that's probably why your 6 year old won't eat meat ... if mom and dad won't, it's hard for her to imagine she can.

I wanted to add, though, that people with sluggish adrenals tend to be turned off to meat. I learned this when I was researching adrenal fatigue. You might google it to see if it applies in your case. You can learn how to improve adrenal function naturally, then maybe she'll open up to eating a bit more meat.

But I still think that if you won't eat it, she won't either.

As far as fussy eaters, I have six kids, what I fix for dinner is what they get ... if they don't eat it all, no seconds or dessert. If they come to me a while after dinner saying they're hungry, they get the plate of food they didn't eat. Making food for individuals when you're feeding 8 is just not an option. None of my kids are fussy eaters ... it might have to do with my detachment from the issue. I don't entertain any conversation on this matter, it is what it is, not open to compromise, if they don't eat, that's their problem. It works for us.

That being said, I don't ever make them eat something that many people don't like -- brussel sprouts, liver, onions, saurkraut, etc. And if I'm serving a food that one of them doesn't like, I will give that particular child less than everyone else of that particular food ... but they still have to have some of it.

Also, I have one child who got a stomach bug after we had fish, spinach and mushrooms for dinner ... she never has to eat any of those items.

[Cam's Mom]

Good point Carla, about being a role model in terms of food. But no can do. I haven't eaten meat in 20 years and really can't do it now. However, we do not "preach" about moral issues and have even gone so far as to explain to her that chickens are so dumb that they want to be eaten. Okay, I know I just angered a lot of vegetarians out there - sorry!

Anyway, it is a matter of health and the funny thing is that her twin brother who was brought up with the exact same exposure to food is rifling through the frige looking for meat like he's got 5 years of meat eating to make up for. He keeps telling her to try bacon and she'll never look back!

I also hate milk - wouldn't drink it if it were the last beverage on earth (ok maybe I'm exagerating a bit) but my daughter is able to suck down so much of it that we've had to limit her to 4 cups a day (and her twin brother won't touch it)! So, I guess I just have to believe that there is exposure and good conversation about food and health in addition to role modeling that is important - that and trying not to make the "eeeeeeewwwww- YUCH!" sound!

[DebbieInCanada]

...and have even gone so far as to explain to her that chickens are so dumb that they want to be eaten. Okay, I know I just angered a lot of vegetarians out there - sorry!...

I grew up on a farm, and mom had broiler chickens and laying hens. Yep, they are dumb!! (apologies to all the chicken lovers )

My food policy is much like Carla's. I make a meal, and that's what it is. But I have to say, I think a lot has to do with the kids. I don't think mine are naturally picky eaters, and even if they fuss about something, it's only temporary. Mostly when my 5 year old raises a fuss, it's more of a control issue than a food issue ("I didn't ASK for that"). I don't know what I'd do if my child was truly fussy, and I was concerned about their nutrition. That is a difficult situation.

Debbie

[NoGluGirl]

Dear jerseygrl,

I only give accurate info! I provide this info as if it were my own body going to consume it! This is essential for safety! I trust information only from certain sources, like this forum and Gluten-Free In SD. The Clan Thompson list is somewhat outdated in some things. I cannot afford to buy the other lists they have.

I think your daughter will come around. I however, must say that sometimes it is the parents' behavior that influences them. My Dad and I are more alike when food is concerned. We love all kinds of things. My brother is like my mother. Their main diet is pastries, cereal, potatoes, chicken, beef, and pork. They rarely are adventurous.

Dear Cam's Mom,

I would never make it as a vegetarian! Going without meat makes me sick! I used to be anemic, so maybe that is why. I cannot get full without meat. If I do, I eat a ton of carbs and feel like I have been hit my a train.

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

[jerseygrl]

NoGluGirl -- I didnt say you gave inaccurate info, I was just wanting to find the source of your information. And in fact, I later found one of several sources on my own (Clan Thompson did have it, I just looked in the wrong place the first time) and I praised your accuracy in my post #11. Please don't be offended...I was so excited about the possibility of new cereals for the girls that I just wanted to be sure in my own mind. I mean, just look at all the controversery surrounding McD's fries and you can see why I want to make an informed decision.

All of us at home, except Claire are adventuresome in trying new things. But each kid is different. So I got the Cocoa Pebbles, thinking the girls would flip over them. Meg, the oldest, hugged the box like a long lost friend. Both girls used to love Cocoa PUFFS on occasion, so I though this would be a no-brainer. Well, I put the box on the counter for Claire to see when she came down for breakfast....she wouldn't touch it because it was "different". I must also say that she has some sensory issues that really come into play here. But I didn't make a big deal over it. She had her usual breakfast and Meg gleefully chowed down on the Pebbles.

I do adhere to not being a short order cook. If Claire doesn't like what is on the table, she can grab a yogurt from the fridge. I can't let her go without eating something or she will get sick when she take her medication. I've learned that the hard way. Pair that with subtle autistic traits and sensory integration issues, it is hard to know exactly what to do sometimes. Therapies have helped, but there are always good and bad days.

I forgot to ask Claire about the cheese I put in her lunch yesterday, cut like a shamrock...... hmmmmm......