Parents With Purpose

[batemanten]

After years of being counseled to go casein-free by Andrea Stevens (Nutrition Consultant for The Family Hope Center), I finally removed casein from Dawson's diet about 2 months or so ago. I don't know what the catalyst to make the change was. I don't even remember the decision, but just know that we've been doing it.

Here's how it's going so far:

1) It's easier than it used to be. I can pick up almond milk at my local grocery store. Almost all products we use are labelled clearly if they contain casein. There are NUMEROUS websites with great information guiding me through the minefield. The recipes are delicious, practical and healthy!

2) He is doing VERY well with it. Whining and disposition have been a struggle for him. He made VAST improvements in this department when we took him off gluten. However, he is completely agreeable and not over-sensitive emotionally now. He rolls with the punches and takes teasing beautifully (Good thing because my family is ALL ABOUT teasing).

3) He feels better---he is even pointing things with dairy in them because he knows it makes him feel bad.

4) I don't know how long this will be necessary, and at this point, I don't care. He is fine with it and it's not that difficult.

5) I was SHOCKED at how many products contain casein. Like gluten, I think we, as a culture, are over-exposed to these substances. I think this over-exposure, is IN PART, responsible for so many people having these issues.

6) We've reduced casein exposure for the entire family. Our Easter meal was entirely gluten & casein free (with the exception of the rolls/butter--Dawson skipped that part). It was a normal meal in every way and everyone LOVED it.

Hope this is encouraging to those of you on this road. We're in it together!