Lewis Carolyn

Special Diets LifestyleWith a Smile!: 

Special Diets Lifestyle With a Smile! Support For Moms and Time and Money Saving Tips By Carolyn Lewis DietarySupport.com

Support For Moms: 

Support For Moms Brian was difficult from birth, and he didn’t sleep through the night for the first two years of his life. I was exhausted caring for him, and the feeling of isolation was strong. We moved away from friends and family just after Brian was born. It was a very lonely life for me.

Support For Moms: 

Support For Moms My daughter Rachael kept me going as my husband worked as a pediatrician. However, the isolation from other adults along with the extreme challenges I had with Brian were almost too much for me to bear. I’ve never felt so alone and helpless in my life. My reaction to stress was causing me to become ill. I didn’t know how to cope.

Support For Moms: 

Support For Moms I quickly realized that action had to be taken to reduce stress in my life. “Stress induced illnesses have now replaced infectious diseases as the most prevalent health afflictions affecting the industrialized nations.” - Leon Chaitow, author of Your Complete Stress-Proofing Programme

Support For Moms: 

Support For Moms It wasn’t until after Brian’s diagnosis of autism that I began to meet other parents who understood what I was going through. It was then that I began a dietary support group not only to share what I was learning, but to become connected to others. Knowing these incredible women still keeps me going.

Support For Moms: 

Support For Moms Others have shared their stories of isolation and the improvements in their lives after making a few lasting friendships with other moms who understand. It is the kind words, lending an ear for support, just having someone to talk to that can make all the difference in the world to survive SURVIVAL MODE.

Support For Mom: 

Support For Mom Express your feelings to a friend: Expression means being able to express the full range of emotions in ways which are: Congruent with the situation Expressed to the appropriate person Expressed at the appropriate time …and then released.

Support For Mom: 

Support For Mom Any emotion held longer than five days can result in physical and mental illness. There is nothing wrong with experiencing happiness. On the contrary, it is an emotion for which most people strive, and which they usually enjoy in others. Any other emotion, if not released may well result in a mild form of mania.

Support For Mom: 

Support For Mom FEAR held for too long leads to ANXIETY or WORRY SADNESS held for too long leads to DEPRESSION or DESPAIR ANGER held for too long leads to RESENTMENT or BITTERNESS

Support For Mom: 

Support For Mom Spiritual Needs/Needs of the Soul: An achievable purpose To recognize and express its uniqueness To grow and evolve A loving and nourishing social support group; to feel connected

Support For Mom: 

Support For Mom Spiritual Needs/Needs of the Soul: 5. The freedom to know and express itself fully 6. To feel it is contributing in some way to the Greater Plan 7. To feel secure.

Support For Mom: 

Support For Mom Source: Mind Body Spirit Workbook: A Handbook of Health By Dr. Christine Page & Keith Hagenbach

Support For Mom: 

Support For Mom These are the words from author Ken Carey’s words of wisdom from his book, Terra Christa: Taking accountability allows a great shift of major proportions, one that allows you to become the master of your Self and your universe.

Support For Mom: 

Support For Mom All that is necessary is to be willing to be ACCOUNT-ABLE for: Your own feelings Your own thoughts Your own words Your own actions

Support For Mom: 

Support For Mom Replace negative feelings with positive feelings while Scripting. The following examples are just a few of many taken from the book, “Feelings Buried Alive Never Die” by Karol K. Truman: Angry…Forgive, Love, Peaceful, Calm, Merciful Anxiety…Trust, Reassured, Calm, Peaceful Beaten Down…Lifted Up, Elevated, Invigorated, Invincible Isolated…Connected, United, Linked, Accepted

Support For Mom: 

Support For Mom If you notice your child wearing you down, take action to improve your situation. You may be in a state of deprivation, either because you are isolated from supportive relationships or you lack time to yourself. Get into regular, helpful relationships, or arrange for some time to yourself to fill up your tank.

Support For Moms: 

Support For Moms If you are afraid to reach out and connect with others, face your fear. You will become stronger and better able to cope with your situation if you make a new friend. One friend might make all the difference in the world.

Support For Mom: 

Support For Mom “Kids with parents who have a life learn both that they aren’t the center of the universe and that they can be free to pursue their own dreams.” Source: Boundaries with Kids By Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend

Support For Mom: 

Support For Mom Schedule time away from your children out of the house. This time could be spent alone at a book store or with a friend over coffee. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, just BE somewhere for an hour or two, taking in life in a comfortable setting. This should be free time, not catching up on your to do list.

Support For Mom: 

Support For Mom Take moments every day to relax at home. Whether you enjoy a hot bath, reading a romance novel, watching your favorite show, make it your time. If your child is screaming during a therapy session in the next room, find a way to separate yourself from the noise. Ear plugs or headphones may be the answer. Take time for yourself each day!

Support For Mom: 

Support For Mom Start a Journal. Write down what you are thankful for every day. Document anything positive that happens in your life, whether it is a great therapy session with your child, or simply stating you saw the most beautiful flowers. Even a few notes in your day planner may be enough. Keep it positive!

Support For Mom: 

Support For Mom Get connected to other moms through various web sites for autism. The ANDI pass list at AutismNDI.com is a good place to get connected to other moms who are doing dietary intervention. Also, the Community Bulletin Board at the GFCFdiet.com web site is another great resource for meeting others.

Support For Mom: 

Support For Mom Find other local resources through word of mouth from other parents and from therapists in your area. You might be surprised by how easy connecting with others can be. Make the effort to be a friend, and see how rewarding it can be!

Support For Mom: 

Support For Mom Brian is now a delightful boy who is doing well in mainstream first grade. He has play dates with kids in his class, and he gets along well with his sister Rachael. We see so much normal behavior these days that we don’t worry too much about Brian’s future. He has not “recovered” from autism, as he still has a few quirks, but he looks normal most of the time. We are thrilled with his continued progress!

Support For Mom: 

Support For Mom (Current photos of Brian and Rachael shown at conference only.)

Support For Mom: 

Support For Mom Dietary intervention is a huge part of Brian’s life, and the entire family benefits from eating a healthier diet. We avoid gluten for Brian and limit it for the rest of the family. We avoid most food additives including MSG, nitrates, sulfites, artificial sweeteners and dyes. We eat organic meat, poultry and produce whenever possible. We enjoy simple meals that take little time to prepare. Brian’s diet keeps him on track, and I love the benefits of the Special Diets Lifestyle for the entire family!

Time and Money Saving Tips: 

Time and Money Saving Tips If you are a mom on the go, get in the habit of using a crock pot or slow cook meat or poultry in the oven for several hours. Simple meals can be thrown together in minutes and enjoyed hours later.

Time and Money Saving Tips: 

Time and Money Saving Tips Meal planning is the key for success! Keep it simple! Prepare basic meals with basic ingredients. Stay away from complicated recipes until you’ve mastered the basics.

Time and Money Saving Tips: 

Time and Money Saving Tips Plan time to shop, preparing meals for home or school, and having snacks available for home or on the go. Be prepared for emergency situations such as last minute trips in the car. Keep a cooler in the car with ice packs ready to go. By being prepared, you will save time and money!

Time and Money Saving Tips: 

Time and Money Saving Tips Keep a supply of frozen cuts of meat and poultry in your freezer along with frozen veggies and fruit. Freeze small portions of meat/poultry if the entire package will not be used all at once. Small portions can be frozen in quart sized freezer bags for quick thawing. Ground beef or turkey can be pressed to about 1/2” thick for quick thawing.

Time and Money Saving Tips: 

Time and Money Saving Tips Keep a list of food that is getting low in the house and plan to purchase more before you run out. Purchase food on sale whenever possible. Keep track of expiration dates, and always check them at the time of purchase (especially on sale items).

Time and Money Saving Tips: 

Time and Money Saving Tips Do not purchase large amounts of food if you are planning on allergy testing right away. I wasted a lot of money on mail order GFCF food one week prior to Brian’s allergy testing, and I ended up giving most of the food away.

Time and Money Saving Tips: 

Time and Money Saving Tips Don’t purchase large quantities of food at all unless you know for certain your family will eat it before the expiration date. If you get stuck preparing two separate meals to accommodate all family members, keep it simple! One child could have a beef patty for a main course while the other family members have Sloppy Joes, tacos, or meat loaf.

Time and Money Saving Tips: 

Time and Money Saving Tips Freeze a portion of baked cookies or cake batches for future use. Freeze in quart size freezer bags - only a few cookies or cup cakes in a bag. This way your child won’t be tempted to eat the entire batch over a few days, and you won’t have to bake as often.

Time and Money Saving Tips: 

Time and Money Saving Tips Always mark which recipes are good/accepted and which recipes are bad/rejected by your child in cookbooks, or keep a note attached to the page to remind you of the reaction.

Time and Money Saving Tips: 

Time and Money Saving Tips Plan to cook and freeze a few days worth of meals if you know you will have a busy week ahead. Some meals freeze well, so take advantage of keeping a few meals in the freezer ready for re-heating. Be sure to keep a log of which meals or snacks freeze well and which ones don’t.

Time and Money Saving Tips: 

Time and Money Saving Tips Plan shopping trips to discount grocery stores for food items that are consistently lower priced compared to your favorite grocery store. In fact, make it a habit to shop the discount stores for food, clothing, and household items first. You may be surprised at the savings that you’ve been missing out on!

Time and Money Saving Tips: 

Time and Money Saving Tips Improve the quality of food for your family as money and time permits. The prices at health food stores vary, and the travel time may limit your trips, but do learn where to shop for the best food money can buy.

Time and Money Saving Tips: 

Time and Money Saving Tips Take a good look down each isle of the grocery stores and health food stores. You might find some items you need are available at reasonable prices at the local grocery store. Simply walking all of the isles once in a while may save you time and money.

Time and Money Saving Tips: 

Time and Money Saving Tips Ask other moms in your area where to shop. Ask other moms if they might be willing to pick up a few things at the store for you if you agree to return the favor. Sharing shopping trips can be a huge bonus - especially on the time factor!

Time and Money Saving Tips: 

Time and Money Saving Tips Time saving kitchen appliances/tools: High quality blender and food processor Bread machine Multiple cutting boards that can be thrown in the dishwasher

Special Diets LifestyleWith a Smile!: 

Special Diets Lifestyle With a Smile! Summary: Moms need to take time to care for themselves! Moms need to get connected with others! Take action to save time and money on dietary intervention, so you can properly care for yourself!

Special Diets LifestyleWith a Smile!: 

Special Diets Lifestyle With a Smile! Recommended Books: Special Eats: Simple, Delicious Solutions for Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Cooking by Seuson Louise Vess Let’s Eat Out! Your Passport to Living Gluten and Allergy Free by Kim Koeller & Robert La France Food Allergy Field Guide: A Lifestyle Manual for Families by Theresa Willingham

Special Diets LifestyleWith a Smile!: 

Special Diets Lifestyle With a Smile! A separate comprehensive booklist and resource list will be given out at the conference which will include many resources to support moms in all aspects of their lives. Recommended resources will cover cooking, parenting, empowering women, as well as information on improving intimate relationships, and addressing issues of verbal, emotional, and physical abuse.

Special Diets Lifestyle With a Smile!: 

Special Diets Lifestyle With a Smile! Carolyn’s favorite simple recipes (see mini cookbook handout) Recipes can be sent free of charge via e-mail (PDF file) by contacting Carolyn at Carolyn@DietarySupport.com.

Special Diets Lifestyle With a Smile!: 

Special Diets Lifestyle With a Smile! THANK YOU! Visit my web site, DietarySupport.com Contact me via e-mail: Carolyn@DietarySupport.com