Hey, thanks for the great ideas Mamster. Excessive use of paper towels while cooking is my one dirty little secret. (Yeah, yeah, pretty exciting life!) I’ve been trying to kick the habit for some time so I appreciate this month’s column very much!

MLO, I’m sorry to hear that you had the type of diagnostic experience I’m attempting to help people avoid. Unfortunately, under many health plans patients are required to initially consult their GPs for a referral to specialists (a board certified allergist, in this case). Perhaps those that read about your experience will be better informed to either consult another GP or insist on a referral to a board certified allergist.

The scope of this article really was the 8 major food allergens - the cause of 90% of all food allergies. I’d love to hear your resource suggestions for those that wouldn’t find FAAN helpful (i.e. the other 10% of food allergy sufferers)!

Thanks for your comments.

Catherine

What a clever idea for the carrot salad! I’ll try that along with the hortapita soon. I’m sure they’ll leave me hungry ‘til your book comes out in spring. Looking forward to it! Thanks.

My take on it is that Deborah’s comment was slightly ‘tongue in cheek’ as obviously nobody really wants to develop diabetes. She was likely referring to Type 2 diabetes (which is related to obesity) and though much more common in adults, Type 2 rates in children have been on the rise in recent years. Not surprising given the climbing obesity rates for children.

Moderation is the key with DASH and though it’s not very sexy, it really does summarize DASH well. There is absolutely room for everyone to include their favorite foods though for some the DASH plan may feel too restrictive at first. However, eating more whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy foods still seems like a more pleasant way to deal with hyptertension (if you’re a good candidate and your doctor approves) than rolling the dice with medications that may control the high blood pressure but may also come with some very unpleasant side-effects. Thanks for the follow-up and do forgive my late response: vacation got in the way!

Thanks for the clever tip to add tofu to roasted veggies - I look forward to tasting the results soon!

Apricots, figs and raisins also offer plenty of iron and may be more acceptable to your teen!

Catherine

Hey Carrie,
You are still working too hard! If you’d put those novels aside and get through Satter’s books, you’d know your job was done. She recommends a ‘division of responsibility’ in which the parent provides a variety of nutritious foods in a pleasant environment and the kids are responsible for the rest: not only what they eat, but how much. They see you enjoying good food and in time, they’ll learn to join you - including the leafy greens! Can’t wait to try the veggie fried rice.
Catherine

Yes, we should say no!! If you haven’t already, check out the film “The Future of Food” by Deborah Koons Garcia for a detailed look at what the likes of Monsanto are doing to a few farmers just trying to make an honest living. The site is looking terrific. Catherine