Sweet treats

Still going strong on my Whole 10, other than a few 'modifications' I've allowed myself. I'm allowing honey when it's an ingredient in an otherwise-approved recipe. And I made myself a pudding with unsweetened cocoa powder, which is technically against the rules because it's a dessert, but doesn't violate any food restrictions.  I'm having fun with it this time, because 10 days feels so much more attainable to me.

This afternoon I made another sweet treat that I think my boys will like and it gives me a little indulgence without breaking too many rules. It reminded me that I should share a couple of these easy, quick and reasonably healthy "cookie" recipes that I've been making regularly for my food-allergy-no-cookies-allowed boys.

The first is not Paleo, but it is allergy friendly. We call these "special Tucker cookies" because they're the only cookies he can have.  So very simple and perfect for a little one who wants to help in the kitchen.

http://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/2013/09/2-ingredient-healthy-banana-bread-breakfast-cookies-with-delicious-add-ins/

Two ingredients! Could not be simpler. I usually add in cinnamon, vanilla and chocolate chips. Love that she gives lots of ideas for mix-ins.

The other is Paleo and vegan, which is a must for our milk and egg allergies. I will tell ya - that is the hardest thing about our diet. We don't fit into a nice box. We're Paleo, but we can't have nuts. We're vegan, but we eat meat. Sheesh!

http://empoweredsustenance.com/banana-bread-macaroons/

Anyway, cheers to another day of whole foods with a few rules bent for good measure!

Doing a "Whole 10"

I need to get back on track with my eating. And I want to. But the summer is just so full of events and visits and parties and fun. And I just don't think I'm going to be successful at a Whole 30 right now. So I've decided to do a "Whole 10" and just hope that it is enough to get me back on track - eliminating those sugar cravings, losing a little weight, getting my energy back up. Why 10? Because Rachel is coming in 11 days and there will be wine. And chocolate. 

Day 1 is off to a good start. Pumpkin muffins and homemade sausage for breakfast. Tuck and I will share a green smoothie before heading off to the Y for his first day of summer camp and a good workout for me. Hope I can keep this momentum going!

Bread for my boy

My 3 year old, Tucker, loves to cook with me. Bless his heart, despite all his food allergies, he finds much joy in creating sweet treats (and sampling the ingredients). Finding recipes that will entice him as well as work with our allergy restrictions is always a challenge. (My family will remember the nearly inedible chocolate cupcakes and gummy icing that I created for his first birthday party.) 

Lately, he has been watching a show that must have mentioned eating or baking bread, because he's been asking for it incessantly. "Can we make bread, mama? But not wheat bread. Another kind of bread that I can have." My heart just breaks a little for my munchkin who's never had a slice of bread.

But, man! Bread without wheat, eggs, and (in order to be Sawyer-friendly) dairy and soy? That's a tall order! Then someone reminded me of banana bread. That seemed to be an acceptable option for Tuck. So I searched for a vegan, gluten-free banana bread that wouldn't taste like cardboard. And I found one (here)! And it's actually really yummy!

Love making my little man smile. And I love teaching him that his food allergies don't have to limit him all the time.