where do I start with removing artificial foods?

[Guest Jeff]

Yes, for some it can take up to 6 weeks before they see a change (which can be dramatic). In fact, many go through a "detox" period where symptoms can get even worse before they get better. For some, however, the changes are much more rapid.

Sorry you didn't find the board very helpful. That's surprising, since there are so many helpful people on there.

Yes, holidays like Valentine's Day, Halloween, Easter, etc., can be tough times when you're trying to avoid artificials. I'm glad we have a good Natural candy store nearby - that has helped us a lot during those times.

Jeff

[Guest Guest]

What are some good snacks to eat?

What about breads?

We have a panera bread comp. , a kroger that has some natural foods,

bruno's, winn dixie and some natural food stores that sell a very small amount of foods. Any suggestions on these??

Thanks, Kim

[Guest Jeff]

Some snacks we eat are celery with Philly cream cheese or PeterPan PButter. We also have Herrs potato chips, homemade cookies, crackers with cream cheese, raw carrots, Pringles originals, fruit, Dannon Vanilla yogurt, Kozy Shack puddings, certain fruit cups, Tostitos corn chips, certain pretzels....

For breads, we don't stay on Feingold. We've never had any luck finding any that are in the book. We just use a 100% whole wheat bread that we buy at our local store.

We also drink whole milk and use real butter.

Hope that helps a little.

Jeff

[Heather]

Jeff,

 

Many of the brands that you have listed for snacks aren't on my Feingold list. Perhaps that is because I have a Canadian version.....OR are these just products that you tried and found you didn't react to them????

 

We are just finding our way right now with the Feingold diet and I am having trouble finding some of the brand names. I'm not sure if it is just because I am in too rural of an area. Like you, I can't find any of the bread brand names they specify. Many of the snacks they suggest are hard to find as well.

 

Heather

[Guest Jeff]

Hi Heather, There must be some differences between US and Canada brands because the brands which I listed are in my food guide. Best to stick to your food guide if shopping in Canada. Can you find Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Peter Pan Peanut Butter, and Herr's potato chips in your stores? They are very common brands here.

Jeff

[sgrunin]

I can see cutting out certain things like sugar. I try to cut down on sugar..Not cut out but is it really possible in this day and age to cut out all artificial foods?

 

Seems like it would be more of a hassle trying to do that.

 

Personally I would rather cut down on the sugar and take supplements or try some relaxation methods(listening to soft music) and such to help me relax and cut down on my tics.

 

I dont mind working a little bit but removing artificial foods sounds like way too much work to do and to keep up with.

 

Scott

[Guest Jeff]

Hi Scott, Removing the artificials isn't as hard as it may sound, and for us the rewards are unquestionable. It can be overwhelming at first, but once you get your shopping list changed over, it's not so bad. Special events and holidays require a little more thought when you're trying to avoid the artificials, and we don't go out to dinner as much as we used to (but that's a good thing in many ways).

As far as sugar goes, we don't worry about sugar. We have learned that the art. colors and flavors are what affect us - not the sugar. That's one thing that helps us - if the cookies are home-made, I don't care if they eat 4 or 5 of them!!

But, Yes, it does take extra effort - especially at first. And it's especially difficult for younger children, as they are faced with more temptations.

But, we went from fairly severe ticcing, teasing in school, crying, social withdrawal, etc., to the tics being un-noticeable. That was no doubt worth the extra effort for us.

One thing that is making it easier for us, is increased awareness by the public. We have a lot more "natural" products to choose from these days than there were 10 years ago. In fact, I saw a commercial on TV last night for Juicy Juice. They asked "Would you buy fruit that had Corn Syrup in it? Or had artificial flavors or colors?" I was so shocked and very pleased to see them mention Corn Syrup! It's another sign that the public - and even the food industry - is becoming more aware. I can only hope that in another 10 years, we'll have begun to see the demise of those artificial flavors and colors.

Jeff

[sgrunin]

Jeff

 

That is interesting about the sugar...Sugar has always bothered me. I am going to have to keep track of what I eat for a while to see what has artificial flavors. I am guessing almost everything!

 

I remember being made fun of as a kid. Kind of sucked but I learned to live with. I am a stronger person now because of it.

 

Scott