Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Being a Glutard Doesn't Have to Break the Bank... or Your Faith

When I first started eating Gluten free I felt like it was so expensive! But as time goes on I'm realizing what is REALLY expensive is feeding glutards AND non glutards. There's a lot of random "food" out there that can be bought, and a lot of that junk, is pretty cheap! But if you, like me, are buying regular glutenous food, as well as gluten free foods it might seem a little overwhelming on your budget as you watch it all add up!

For the last month we have been fighting the lovely norovirus in our house. (one of the reason's I haven't done many posts or much cooking). I think most of the issue is I keep feeding my kids foods that they just aren't ready for yet, and it starts a whole new round of the loose bowels...But throughout this month I've learned quite a few things.

First I've learned that it's much easier to take my kids off of dairy and gluten and sugar. Easy is a relative term. It's hard in the sense that I actually have to think, and I have to say no to them more when they ask for cheese, or crackers or candy, but after a few days they accept it and eat fruit or veggies for snacks. Which proves the first part of my point. I've spent less money on crackers, a box of which can be devoured in my house in less than two days, cheese, yougurt and stuff that doesn't really fill them up but makes them want more. Instead I spent my money on more bananas, apples, carrots and other snacks that are more filling and have more nutrients to keep them pacified longer. Now I'm FAR from perfect and I will probably resort to crackers again in the near future, but I've learned that it is possible to do otherwise, and therefore will try to be better!

Second I've learned that I need to just try to keep the kids on similar diets to mine. I've been making a big batch of granola every other week, and instead of cereal I give them that with some Kefir or almond milk. Plus oatmeal always goes a long way, it doesn't take too much to fill them up and they loved it full of nuts, frozen blueberries, raisins, bananas, and any other fruits I have available. Plus I get to decide what type of sweetener I use! Then add an egg and they are set! Way more filling and way cheaper than cereal. To wean my children off of cereal I put up a little breakfast chart. I haven't been totally faithful to the chart but it's helped stear their minds away from cereal... a little bit anyway. So Monday and Thursday are oatmeal days. Tuesday and Friday are eggs and smoothies. Wednesday and Saturday are Oatmeal and Sunday is Pancakes or Waffles... although I usually don't have time for that before church... haha. But you get the idea. Anyway the point is it's a lot cheaper to just make what I'm making (in most cases) and share that than buying two different things...

Third I've learned that despite long, difficult trials I can stay faithful. I know that having kids with diarrhea for a month or more probably doesn't count as a "big trial." But there are plenty of disgusting stories that I will spare your sweet imaginations from, that have occured this month to make it a hard trial for me. Not to mention the lack of sleep. But I've been much more grateful for my healthy body. Thank goodness I was only sick one day. I also was thinking the other day when I was getting sort of fed up and angry. I was feeling like, I've said SO many prayers for these kids, I've had my husband give them priesthood blessings, I've done all kinds of suppliments, oils and probiotics, and still they suffer. Why isn't Heavenly Father answering my prayers?! But then I realized that the door was open for me to turn and walk away. I could just say, "you know what if He can't even answer these little prayers what's the point?" I could've stopped praying and given up. But I didn't. And I don't want to! Because if nothing else at least I have that companionship, that friendship with someone who understands and knows what I'm going through. And what else could I lean on if not my Savior and my Heavenly Father? I am very grateful for my supportive family as well, but I'm glad I have family and my faith.

So wether you are stuggling with your glutardedness, your sick kids, your marriage, or whatever else, know that Jesus Christ understands better than anyone else, He can take us by the hand as we struggle. Even though sometimes it's hard to stay faithful, (even as I just went to help my child in the bathroom....) remember :

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me.


3 comments:

  1. Hey! I didn't realize you were allergic to Gluten. So do you think you have always been, or is it a recent thing?
    p.s. I remember when we used to play all the time when we were younger. I miss you!

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  2. You are an amazing mom. Keep it up!!

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  3. Thanks for sharing this. I really needed to hear this today. Obviously I don't struggle with the gluten things (though I still appreciated so many of the food-related thoughts that you shared), but there are plenty of other trials. Thanks for sharing your perspective, insight, faith, and hope. I really appreciate it!

    Sounds like it's been an icky time for quite awhile over there. I hope things get better!!! You're amazing, if that helps any. :)

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