This is week four of the Feingold program and it is going well....but after this post, you may not believe me. I say that because after today, my little man is fortunate that he made it to bedtime before I packed his bags and sent him to the moon :) It was one of the worst days we have had in a very long time. He may have listened to and followed directions once today, and I may be overly generous saying that. The tempers were high and the tantrums many. But on a positive note, this was a GOOD day on our journey of triggers.
The program is designed to remove artificial dyes, preservatives, etc. Mainly all the things I cannot pronounce anyways. The recommendation is six weeks religiously free from the above. After that time period, I am to slowly introduce foods that have natural preservatives (berries, tomatoes, etc) and see if it "triggers" a bad response. So last night was my wedding anniversary and we had date night. The babysitter came over and I had asked her to make cheese tortellini for the kids. Feeling confident, I told her it was OK to give little man some tomato sauce on his dinner. See above for the results :)
I know I experimented a little early, so I intend to re-try tomato sauce in a few weeks. But in a way, I'm happy to have found a trigger of his. Just like an allergy, triggers allow me to know what he can and can't eat. I'm hoping to "cure" the ADHD/ODD symptom through diet, and so far, this program is working wonders! Thank you Feingold.
Your #1 fan
Monday, April 2, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
Getting better...
We are home from our six day vacation! What a great time by all and my little man is continuing to improve. I thought being on the road would be difficult with our new diet, but it wasn't too bad. I packed our huge cooler with all our edible goodies and hit the road. Our breakfasts and lunches came from the cooler. Dinners we ate out or my uncle cooked. When we ate out, I ordered basic foods for little man (grilled chicken, homemade meatballs, pasta with pesto). Though I didn't know exactly what these items contained, the kid had to eat! And I might add, he did great! We are nowhere near "perfect' but after three weeks with the program, I can concretely state that his behavior has improved . More smiles and kind words, less tantrums and outbursts. I'll take it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, March 12, 2012
A week later....
Whew, what a week! I thought the Feingold Program was going to kick my fanny, but in reality, I'm kicking its' fanny! :)
Yes some sacrifices had to be made (no more lunch dates at Chick-Fil-A), but in the end, it's OK! I have spoken to numerous people this past week trying to explain what we were doing and why. Some patted me on the back, some looked at me like I have lost my mind. But that is fine, because in reality, it's not that different than what we ate anyways....Here are some of the meals I have made..
BREAKFAST:
The program states that improved behavior usually occurs 3-6 weeks into the diet. Even though it has only been 7 days, I have seen a slight improvement in my son. He used to wake up like a rip roaring tornado yelling at me to find him a toy, or he wanted some juice, etc. No more hugs and kisses and sweet nuzzles for mommy anymore. Needless to say, I dreaded getting up in the morning knowing the chaos started the minute his feet hit the ground! But the past few mornings, he has been quiet coming into our room and patiently waiting for me to get up. He still isn't back to his cuddly morning snugly guy, but just knowing he gets up, and CALMLY and QUIETLY walks into my room whispering "mommy, I'm up" is HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!
We have had a few stumbling blocks during the week. For instance, we went to a birthday party yesterday and he couldn't eat the cake (insert sad face). I overcame the issue by preparing beforehand and having my friend buy ice cream he could eat! So he was happy about that! I also have been packing his snacks for school. I feel like he is being singled out (in a way he is), but I made a snack bag and he gets to choose his snack each day which he likes.
This upcoming weekend we will be traveling a long distance for a few days stretch. I am a little nervous since eating out with eventually happen. I plan on bringing a cooler full of stuff for us to eat in the car and for breakfasts, etc. Dinners will be the kicker....but I'm working out a plan that I hope will go off without a hitch! Wish us luck!
I am looking forward to the next few weeks. I pray each night that this program is right and will help my son!
Yes some sacrifices had to be made (no more lunch dates at Chick-Fil-A), but in the end, it's OK! I have spoken to numerous people this past week trying to explain what we were doing and why. Some patted me on the back, some looked at me like I have lost my mind. But that is fine, because in reality, it's not that different than what we ate anyways....Here are some of the meals I have made..
BREAKFAST:
- Scrambled eggs with cheese and mushrooms
- Waffles
- Pancakes
- Oatmeal with pure maple syrup
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Grilled ham and cheese sandwiches
- Macaroni and cheese (BOXED!)
- Chicken nuggets
- Fettuccine Alfredo with baked chicken
- Mexican Chicken
- Steak with mashed potatoes, asparagus, garlic bread
- Parmesan crusted Tilapia
- Bananna Smoothie
- Pineapple chunks with ground cinnamon
- Various assortment of kid crackers, cookies
- Pan of brownies
The program states that improved behavior usually occurs 3-6 weeks into the diet. Even though it has only been 7 days, I have seen a slight improvement in my son. He used to wake up like a rip roaring tornado yelling at me to find him a toy, or he wanted some juice, etc. No more hugs and kisses and sweet nuzzles for mommy anymore. Needless to say, I dreaded getting up in the morning knowing the chaos started the minute his feet hit the ground! But the past few mornings, he has been quiet coming into our room and patiently waiting for me to get up. He still isn't back to his cuddly morning snugly guy, but just knowing he gets up, and CALMLY and QUIETLY walks into my room whispering "mommy, I'm up" is HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!
We have had a few stumbling blocks during the week. For instance, we went to a birthday party yesterday and he couldn't eat the cake (insert sad face). I overcame the issue by preparing beforehand and having my friend buy ice cream he could eat! So he was happy about that! I also have been packing his snacks for school. I feel like he is being singled out (in a way he is), but I made a snack bag and he gets to choose his snack each day which he likes.
This upcoming weekend we will be traveling a long distance for a few days stretch. I am a little nervous since eating out with eventually happen. I plan on bringing a cooler full of stuff for us to eat in the car and for breakfasts, etc. Dinners will be the kicker....but I'm working out a plan that I hope will go off without a hitch! Wish us luck!
I am looking forward to the next few weeks. I pray each night that this program is right and will help my son!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Change for the BETTER?!?!?!
Tomorrow starts the official Feingold Program for our family!!! I'm paranoid, scared, hesitant, and excited all at the same time! Paranoid because I have to monitor everything we eat even if I am not around. Scared that this program won't work and help my O.D.D. child. Hesitant to "change" our lifestyle. Excited about the positive outcomes that the Feingold Program has proven time and again that "changed" behaviors all over the world in persons with ailments such as O.D.D./ADHD.
A summary of the program to get a better understanding:
"The Feingold Program is a form of elimination diet. It shows you how to run a short-term test to find out if certain foods and/or food additives are triggering any of the symptoms you are seeing. Major offenders include but are not limited to: food dyes, artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, three preservatives (BHA, BHT, or TBHQ), aspirin and natural salicylates."
After 3-6 weeks, you can start gradually reintroducing the natural salicylates and aspirin back into your diet. Easy right????? Well when you think about ALL of the crap manufacturers place into our food, I pretty much felt screwed. He (WE) can't eat ANYTHING! But after looking over the materials the past few weeks, I realized we CAN eat alot of our favorite foods. It is the BRAND that I have to watch. Luckily the Feingold Program sent me a very very detailed list of foods (brand included) to buy and stock my pantry with. Yes a lot of the brands are organic, pricey, and hard to find. It has been a challenge to re-stock my pantry as I have had to visit a few different stores. But I know once we get into this, it will get easier. Kind of like driving a car for the first time. You have the gas, brakes, mirrors, blinkers, etc. Lots of parts, but after a bit it all falls into place and you can do it blindfolded (I DON'T RECOMMEND THIS :) ) You get the point....
The next few weeks will be challenging and different. But change is good and if I can change my son's ailments simply by what he eats, I'm up for the challenge! Wish us luck!
A summary of the program to get a better understanding:
"The Feingold Program is a form of elimination diet. It shows you how to run a short-term test to find out if certain foods and/or food additives are triggering any of the symptoms you are seeing. Major offenders include but are not limited to: food dyes, artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, three preservatives (BHA, BHT, or TBHQ), aspirin and natural salicylates."
After 3-6 weeks, you can start gradually reintroducing the natural salicylates and aspirin back into your diet. Easy right????? Well when you think about ALL of the crap manufacturers place into our food, I pretty much felt screwed. He (WE) can't eat ANYTHING! But after looking over the materials the past few weeks, I realized we CAN eat alot of our favorite foods. It is the BRAND that I have to watch. Luckily the Feingold Program sent me a very very detailed list of foods (brand included) to buy and stock my pantry with. Yes a lot of the brands are organic, pricey, and hard to find. It has been a challenge to re-stock my pantry as I have had to visit a few different stores. But I know once we get into this, it will get easier. Kind of like driving a car for the first time. You have the gas, brakes, mirrors, blinkers, etc. Lots of parts, but after a bit it all falls into place and you can do it blindfolded (I DON'T RECOMMEND THIS :) ) You get the point....
The next few weeks will be challenging and different. But change is good and if I can change my son's ailments simply by what he eats, I'm up for the challenge! Wish us luck!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Out of control to be in control...
Children with O.D.D. have an addiction to being in control of EVERYTHING. They want to control the world in its' entirety and when that doesn't happen, all hell breaks loose! The past week or so has been a very O.D.D. week for us. The most minute things will set my son off into a fury of anger, resentment, defiance, and violence. It could be something as simple as dropping his toy on the floor or not being able to click his seat belt into place. Any "normal" person would think "CHILL OUT DUDE". I used to be like this. Like what is his problem? My goodness, I am a horrible mother!
Now I know he doesn't understand the basic concepts of inner-self control. And nor can he control it. So how do I help him to do so? For instance, today he was getting angry and loud with a one year old! Luckily I was with a wonderful friend who has been supportive and understanding. (Thank you MB!) But in the long run, it is not acceptable to yell at anyone for something very harmless. He yells at anyone and anything because IT/THEY are taking his control away from him. The baby took his painting off the wall, the car-seat didn't cooperate when he put the latches together, the couch jumped out at him and bit him! Seems ridiculous, I know. I thought the same thing before his diagnosis. It was like living in some other planet. But I now understand that he isn't yelling to be mean, he is frustrated because his power has been taken away. At the end of a tantrum/incident, he still always says I love you mommy or give me a hug, etc. It's such a sigh of relief to know my son has the biggest heart in the world but unfortunately has been dealt this hand of cards. He hates he doesn't have control, but he loves the world (when it cooperates) :)
Now I know he doesn't understand the basic concepts of inner-self control. And nor can he control it. So how do I help him to do so? For instance, today he was getting angry and loud with a one year old! Luckily I was with a wonderful friend who has been supportive and understanding. (Thank you MB!) But in the long run, it is not acceptable to yell at anyone for something very harmless. He yells at anyone and anything because IT/THEY are taking his control away from him. The baby took his painting off the wall, the car-seat didn't cooperate when he put the latches together, the couch jumped out at him and bit him! Seems ridiculous, I know. I thought the same thing before his diagnosis. It was like living in some other planet. But I now understand that he isn't yelling to be mean, he is frustrated because his power has been taken away. At the end of a tantrum/incident, he still always says I love you mommy or give me a hug, etc. It's such a sigh of relief to know my son has the biggest heart in the world but unfortunately has been dealt this hand of cards. He hates he doesn't have control, but he loves the world (when it cooperates) :)
Monday, February 6, 2012
In the spotlight...
Imagine sitting in a silent room with hundreds of people and all of a sudden you hear "SHUT UP!!!" followed by more ranting. Well this happened yesterday, in Mass of all places. Now I am sure you can imagine the shocked faces in such a large crowd. Well, some shocked, some startled (Remember, it was silent), and many perturbed. Looking across the aisles, I see this boy, five years young or so, black jacket, dark hair, brown eyes. And no, I am NOT talking about my son....at least this time :)
Anyways, as the scene unfolds, I found myself looking at everyone around him and the reactions in which were on display. The look of "OMG (no pun intended), horror, disbelief, head turns, etc. I felt the embarrassment, the shame, the sadness in the parent's face. They were in the spotlight because their "unruly" child was having a screaming fit about who knows what. Comes to find out, this child is highly autistic. He literally is trapped inside his own body with no way out. He is labeled as a trouble maker and a menace to society. People tell their children to stay clear of this child on the playground afraid of bad habits being brought home.
Children with ODD experience much of the same symptoms as a child with autism. Many times, ODD is misdiagnosed when in fact it is autism. My son too has outbursts at random times. He is angry, mean, frustrated, lost, impulsive, confused. But he is also loving, sweet, funny, silly and much more. But being in the "spotlight" is hard! Trust me, we have had our share of Hollywood attention at many inopportune times.
My point is that both these ailments are MEDICAL conditions, just like cancer, diabetes, etc. It is treated with medicine and therapy. Though it does not resemble your typical illnesses, it is an illness that has physicians and parents baffled. It is becoming an epidemic....and that is HUGE!
Anyways, as the scene unfolds, I found myself looking at everyone around him and the reactions in which were on display. The look of "OMG (no pun intended), horror, disbelief, head turns, etc. I felt the embarrassment, the shame, the sadness in the parent's face. They were in the spotlight because their "unruly" child was having a screaming fit about who knows what. Comes to find out, this child is highly autistic. He literally is trapped inside his own body with no way out. He is labeled as a trouble maker and a menace to society. People tell their children to stay clear of this child on the playground afraid of bad habits being brought home.
Children with ODD experience much of the same symptoms as a child with autism. Many times, ODD is misdiagnosed when in fact it is autism. My son too has outbursts at random times. He is angry, mean, frustrated, lost, impulsive, confused. But he is also loving, sweet, funny, silly and much more. But being in the "spotlight" is hard! Trust me, we have had our share of Hollywood attention at many inopportune times.
My point is that both these ailments are MEDICAL conditions, just like cancer, diabetes, etc. It is treated with medicine and therapy. Though it does not resemble your typical illnesses, it is an illness that has physicians and parents baffled. It is becoming an epidemic....and that is HUGE!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Rose Therapy
A child with ADHD/ODD can benefit from behavioral therapy. We will begin Parent Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT) in March. Basically my son and I are on one side of a two way mirror, the therapist on the other where we can't see her. I will have a microphone in my ear and she will "coach" me on helping with behaviors as they present themselves. So when my son gets frustrated with a toy, or acts out randomly, she will be guiding me on things to say, do, etc.Also, she will teach me how to let HIM control the play since children with ODD like to have full control. This is in MARCH, so I will fill you in on it later.....
So now you are probably thinking why the heck I am talking about "rose therapy". When you have a child like mine, tempers are flared and stress levels are elevated pretty much on a constant basis. I am also a stay at home mom, so I get the wrath 24/7. Now this is NOT a pity party for me. I am his mother and with motherhood comes some not-so-wonderful, hug-gable moments. With that said, I have found not only his tempers, moods, etc out of control, but mine as well. NOT ACCEPTABLE. I am the adult and I need to stay in control and not mimic this behavior of his. He cannot control his emotions, but I can control mine!
I found myself very stressed out at the end of everyday. So I would have an adult beverage or maybe some really great treat, high in chocolate :) It was comfort food, or comfort beverage. After a few weeks, I felt my moods change for the worse, and a few extra pounds crept up on me. Darn it..but I continued to ignore it because I needed some sort of "fix" to wind myself down at night and sleep peacefully....didn't happen. New Years rolled around and I decided to make a change for myself and for my family. I started back at the gym and decided to run my first 5K. I HATE running ....PERIOD. But it was a goal and it was time to get out of my comfort zone, buck up, and FIGHT! So I am currently training, blah, blah, blah.
The gym is helping some....but I am still frustrated at times and need to expend the negativity on something. So the other day I was outside playing with my two kids and one of them kicked a ball into our huge display of rose bushes . I have NEVER liked those bushes since the day we moved into this house. So since the weather is nice, I got this wonderful idea that they had to go. So I decided to re-landscape our entire front yard. Crazy right? So I trimmed all of the nice bushes put some new mulch down, and still those rose bushes stuck out like a sore thumb. So I got a shovel, a digger thing of some sort, hedge clippers, and a saw and went to town! WOW, what stress relief tearing down something that bugged me. I got some penned up energy out and made our yard look great!(well sort of great since there is a big area that needs some NEW bushes in spring) Anyways, I felt better!So instead of feeding my frustrations with unhealthy choices, I now want to utilize the stress and turn it into something productive and fun. I realized that I too need to stop and smell the roses once in awhile.. or just do some demolition :)
So now you are probably thinking why the heck I am talking about "rose therapy". When you have a child like mine, tempers are flared and stress levels are elevated pretty much on a constant basis. I am also a stay at home mom, so I get the wrath 24/7. Now this is NOT a pity party for me. I am his mother and with motherhood comes some not-so-wonderful, hug-gable moments. With that said, I have found not only his tempers, moods, etc out of control, but mine as well. NOT ACCEPTABLE. I am the adult and I need to stay in control and not mimic this behavior of his. He cannot control his emotions, but I can control mine!
I found myself very stressed out at the end of everyday. So I would have an adult beverage or maybe some really great treat, high in chocolate :) It was comfort food, or comfort beverage. After a few weeks, I felt my moods change for the worse, and a few extra pounds crept up on me. Darn it..but I continued to ignore it because I needed some sort of "fix" to wind myself down at night and sleep peacefully....didn't happen. New Years rolled around and I decided to make a change for myself and for my family. I started back at the gym and decided to run my first 5K. I HATE running ....PERIOD. But it was a goal and it was time to get out of my comfort zone, buck up, and FIGHT! So I am currently training, blah, blah, blah.
The gym is helping some....but I am still frustrated at times and need to expend the negativity on something. So the other day I was outside playing with my two kids and one of them kicked a ball into our huge display of rose bushes . I have NEVER liked those bushes since the day we moved into this house. So since the weather is nice, I got this wonderful idea that they had to go. So I decided to re-landscape our entire front yard. Crazy right? So I trimmed all of the nice bushes put some new mulch down, and still those rose bushes stuck out like a sore thumb. So I got a shovel, a digger thing of some sort, hedge clippers, and a saw and went to town! WOW, what stress relief tearing down something that bugged me. I got some penned up energy out and made our yard look great!(well sort of great since there is a big area that needs some NEW bushes in spring) Anyways, I felt better!So instead of feeding my frustrations with unhealthy choices, I now want to utilize the stress and turn it into something productive and fun. I realized that I too need to stop and smell the roses once in awhile.. or just do some demolition :)
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