This is a guest post from Luanne Gerrity of I’m Hungry for Something, an holistic health counselor in Integrative Nutrition.
I wasn’t always a “health nut”…nor did I ever aspire to be one. All I knew was there were many areas of my life that were not where I wanted them to be and I was constantly searching for a magic solution to bring them all into one happy place. I was feeling depressed, overwhelmed, and out of sorts. My emotions were struggling, my health was struggling, my marriage and relationships were struggling…everything was in an upheaval. I was experiencing complete discontent, and nothing was “right”.
When I finally tired of blaming everyone and everything for my problems, I began working on improving my health, where as a result, my eating habits changed, and I began to feel balance come into place in all areas of my life.
Could this really be? Is my food affecting everything? Yes! It was.
I slowly began to see the bigger picture that was surrounding my life. I was eating junk. And as a result, my life was full of junk…artificial relationships, less than stellar parenting, lazy attitude, lack of sweetness in my marriage, feeling dry and empty…it was an overall full-out funk.
I discovered that this was because I was feeding myself all the wrong things. I was using food to remedy every feeling I had! When ever I was upset and needed comfort, I made a heavy, satiating meal. Whenever I felt lonely or sad, or unloved or neglected, the sweet tooth kicked in. Stressed and burned out? Yep, you guessed it…crunchy, salty anything! I was noticing a pattern, and it was intriguing me.
Once I learned food wasn’t the way to handle emotions, I knew I needed to reevaluate everything and figure out what was missing in my life. Was it friendship, love, creativity, security? It was all of these, actually. While I was feeding my body food and food products, I wasn’t feeding me…all the areas of my life that make me who I am. And all that neglect began to manifest itself through my food.
Once I figured out how to handle myself and maintain balance with my eating and in my life as a wife, mother, business owner, friend, sister, daughter, etc., I realized and knew there were others out there that struggle just like I had (and sometimes still do)! I began to desire to help these people find what they were looking for in life, while improving their health and overall wellness at the same time. With a little prodding from a friend, and full support from my husband, I enrolled at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition to become a Holistic Health Counselor.
In my counseling practice, I now work with my clients in all the same areas I did to improve and balance my health, my emotions, my life, and myself. We talk about good nutrition practices, as well as all the other areas of our lives that need to be fed as well…relationships, physical health, spirituality, careers and roles, and proper self-care.
In addition to Health Counseling, I have a BFA in Interior Design. I understand that the environments we work, live, sleep, and play in bear a crucial role in our health and happiness. This makes my counseling practice unique and different than any other because I use this knowledge to take my clients’ health journey one step further. Together, we can transform any environment they spend time in into a place that nurtures them, feeds them, and supports them positively as they make new health and lifestyle changes. (Ahem, Katie here: don’t let Luanne see my messy kitchen! I think I’m beyond help!)
I feel blessed to have gone through that “funk” and the struggles that I did years ago. It led me to the most incredible and amazing journey ever towards health and wellness. I love sharing and helping others discover what they are missing in their lives. I learn so much from every client which only challenges and improves me more. Each one is such a treasured gift!
In your journey towards health and balance, do not be afraid to look to others for help or answers. Support is crucial whether in the form of a community or just one individual. Take time to care for yourself and be a part of a movement to help change your family, friends, loved ones, and even the world, by sharing what you have learned and discovered about yourself!
Luanne Gerrity, HHC
I’m Hungry for Something
I am impressed with Luanne’s balanced view of a person’s health. There’s something that really resonates with me about the holistic view of body, spirit, mind, and emotions all working together to determine one’s overall health. I only need to look at how difficult “giving something up” for Lent is for many people as far as particular food items are concerned. Any food can fill us up, and many foods can be nourishing…so why are we so connected to certain ones?
I’m pleased to announce that Luanne will give one reader a free one-hour health consultation, either in person or by phone. I had the pleasure of sitting down with her last month, and for anyone who feels like they need a little direction, I think she’s a real gem.
You Can Win a Free Consultation
“I will give the winner a free one hour health consultation either in person (if local) or by telephone, where we will discuss their main health concerns, their goals and dreams for their health, wellness, and overall balance. We will talk about how to achieve those goals and balance and suggest a plan for moving forward.”
Read more about Luanne’s balanced approach to health, which I just love!
How to enter
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED; THANKS FOR ENTERING!
Mandatory entry: Leave a comment asking Luanne a question.
You can earn extra entries! Complete any or all of the following options and leave a comment for each one. Separate comments for each entry, please.
- Mandatory entry: question for Luanne.
- Visit I’m Hungry for Something’s blog and leave her a comment. Be sure to leave one here as well telling me you did it.
- Subscribe in a reader or via email to Kitchen Stewardship (or tell me if you already do).
- If you have a blog or website, post about this giveaway linking back to this post.
- Follow me on Twitter AND Tweet about the giveaway (just click the button at the top of this post).
- Stumble or Digg this post (you can use the “Share This!” icon at the bottom of the post). (What is Stumble?)
- Enter another giveaway for this week’s blogoversary celebration and leave a comment telling me you did for a bonus entry here.
Be sure to tell me everything you did in your comments, a separate comment for each. There are a possible 7 entries! I will use random.org’s integer generator to choose the winner. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Entries will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, March 5th, and I’ll post the winners by the following Monday.
If you missed the last Monday Mission, click here.
Kitchen Stewardship is dedicated to balancing God’s gifts of time, health, earth and money. If you feel called to such a mission, read more at Mission, Method, and Mary and Martha Moments.
I will be an affiliate for Luanne and earn a small commission if you become a client. I did not, however, receive any compensation for publishing this post; in fact, it was my idea to publicize Luanne here at KS. See my full disclosure statement here.
I would love to win this consultation.
And here’s my question: what are the best foods to eat when combatting depression?
.-= Llama Momma´s last blog ..perspective =-.
[Reply to this comment]
Luanne Reply:
February 26th, 2010 at 9:26 am
A good place to start would be adding in more dark green vegetables and dark leafy greens…such as kale, spinach, green beans, peas, etc…they are high in folate and the B6 vitamin which both play a role in the production of serotonin…the “feel good” hormone produced in our bodies. There are many more choices as well and we could talk about that more if you win
Good luck!
.-= Luanne´s last blog ..A Healthy Perspective… =-.
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Llama Momma Reply:
February 26th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
Thanks for the reply! I’ve been working on diet and exercise…and slowly weaning off antidepressants. I’m really hopeful that I’ve made enough lifestyle changes to make this work. It’s a journey.
.-= Llama Momma´s last blog ..perspective =-.
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Dawn Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Depression is often a symptom of a low thyroid condition. I have experienced this to a mild degree. Check out stopthethyroidmadness.com for more info. Raw cruciferous vegetables, as well as spinach, radishes, and more are goitrogenic (a long word that means anti-thyroid), so be cautious about eating large quantities raw.
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I left a question on her site.
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I already entered for your bloggerversary.
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I’m curious where you can find a filter that filters out flouride.
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Luanne Reply:
February 26th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
I don’t know a ton about all the different models of water filters out there today. But common, less expensive ones, like Brita, usually do not filter out flouride. I love the water from the Nikken Pimag filters. It is a pricier model…about $300. But in my opinion worth the investment. It has a fabulus taste! I learned of it from a friend of mine who has one and it is on my list of very near future purchases!
http://www.nikken.com
.-= Luanne´s last blog ..A Healthy Perspective… =-.
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Rachel R. Reply:
March 4th, 2010 at 11:01 am
We love our Berkey filter. The regular filter does not filter out fluoride, but they do have an add-on filter for fluoride. (Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to afford the add-on filter yet.)
.-= Rachel R.´s last blog ..A Sharpie in the Kitchen (WFMW) =-.
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I was fortunate to have someone with holistic background where I was before when I was diagnosed with Crohn’s. I know it is very stress related. I had another nurse tell me it is anger related. I’d love to have someone talk that out with me. I’ve had much success in treating with diet, but I’m curious about the emotional aspects.
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Luanne Reply:
February 27th, 2010 at 10:19 am
You would be surprised how often emotions play into disorders within the body! It is definitely something worth exploring further.
.-= Luanne´s last blog ..A Healthy Perspective… =-.
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Luanne,
What exactly does a holistic health counselor do, and what kind of training is involved?
.-= chanelle´s last blog ..Healthy Crescent Dogs =-.
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Luanne Reply:
February 26th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Hi Chanelle! If you go to my website http://www.imhungryforsomething.com you can find detailed information about my counseling practice, my certification, and a link to the Institute for Integrative Nutrition where I received my training.
In a nutshell, I help individuals discover health, wellness, and balance in their lives by counseling them in better food choices, improving relationships, setting and reaching goals, and most importantly supporting them in their journey. Of course their is MUCH more to it…so check out my website!
.-= Luanne´s last blog ..A Healthy Perspective… =-.
[Reply to this comment]
I left a comment on Luanne’s blog.
.-= chanelle´s last blog ..Healthy Crescent Dogs =-.
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I’m subscribed via email.
.-= chanelle´s last blog ..Healthy Crescent Dogs =-.
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I’ve entered a couple of the giveaways this week. Thanks for having them!
.-= chanelle´s last blog ..Healthy Crescent Dogs =-.
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I have a history of two miscarriages, Hashimoto’s thyroid, and various other hormonal issues, I have been tested to be at normal levels without medication for thyroid and progesterone. I don’t eat sugar or drink caffeine (it gives me migraines), and I eat an NT type diet. What is the next step you would advise me to take in attempting to heal my hormones?
[Reply to this comment]
Luanne Reply:
February 26th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
As I am not a medical Dr and do not treat disease, I cannot answer this question for you. As my client, we would look together at all areas of your life and look for clues to reveal an imbalance. More times than not, issues within the body can occur because of stress, emotional distress, and/or lack of balance in core areas of our lives. Of course a more detailed health history would be done first to see what else might be a revealing factor!
.-= Luanne´s last blog ..A Healthy Perspective… =-.
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I already subscribe.
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and I left a comment on her website.
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I’m interested that you go so much into nutrition but not exercise. Do you consider nutrition to be that much of a bigger piece of the puzzle, or is exercise not all that important?
(I suspect exercise is certainly a piece on its own but you can only cover so much in a few short paragraphs!)
.-= Lenetta @ Nettacow´s last blog ..40 Bags Update, Bags 2-8 =-.
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Luanne Reply:
February 27th, 2010 at 10:26 am
Exercise, and movement in general, is critical. Our bodies are made to move!! It is a core area of our life that if becomes unbalanced…either by exercising too much, or too little, or even doing the wrong type of exercise for your body can cause other areas of your life to fall out of balance as well. And often, this manifests itself in the way we eat and the type of food we eat. Everything is interconnected and it is definitely a topic that discuss and dig further into with clients!
.-= Luanne´s last blog ..A Healthy Perspective… =-.
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I commented on the water post. And now I’m thirsty…
.-= Lenetta @ Nettacow´s last blog ..40 Bags Update, Bags 2-8 =-.
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I subscribe
.-= Lenetta @ Nettacow´s last blog ..40 Bags Update, Bags 2-8 =-.
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I follow and tweeted
.-= Lenetta @ Nettacow´s last blog ..40 Bags Update, Bags 2-8 =-.
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I am ALL OVER this week’s giveaways!
.-= Lenetta @ Nettacow´s last blog ..40 Bags Update, Bags 2-8 =-.
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OK – this is kind of 2 related questions. I no longer have a thyroid and was wondering what you would recommend for me? Question #2 – I have read the coconut oil is great for the body and it especially revs up the metabolism. Does it rev it up for someone who no longer has a thyroid? Thanks!
[Reply to this comment]
Luanne Reply:
February 27th, 2010 at 11:05 am
As I mentioned earlier, I am not a Dr and cannot answer specifically to your condition. However, I have learned that an individual w/out a thyroid is considered “hypothyroid”. With this knowledge, you might research, speak with our physician about your findings, and try following recommendations for those who are diagnosed with low-functioning thyroids – hypothyroidism. A good resource for further investigation into this and diet recommendations would be Dr. Barry Sears, who is the author of The Zone. Another well known author and patient advocate on this topic is Mary Shomon. In general, it is always good to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, especially dark green veggies.
.-= Luanne´s last blog ..A Healthy Perspective… =-.
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Luanne Reply:
February 27th, 2010 at 11:18 am
From what I understand about coconut oil and it’s role in metabolism, it increases the body metabolism by removing stress on the pancreas, thereby burning out more energy and helping in the process of weight loss. So it seems as though this is something that could still serve as beneficial. Have you tried incorporating it into our diet?
.-= Luanne´s last blog ..A Healthy Perspective… =-.
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I’ve been doing a lot of the “healthy” things for diet – mostly organic foods, trying to cook more at home, eating gluten-free, etc. I find that i get overwhelmed easily by how complicated it seems to be (& feel so hopeless & a failure at it).
What is the first step you recommend toward healthier living/eating?
.-= Kathryn´s last blog ..How can i . . . =-.
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Luanne Reply:
February 27th, 2010 at 11:32 am
Hi Kathryn! Don’t fret. Any steps towards healthier eating are beneficial. You are not a failure! Health and wellness is a lifelong journey of learning. The changes you have mentioned above are all fabulous and are right on target. You are your best gauge as to whether or not you are doing the “right” things or need to do more. Take it slow, pay attention to your body and your feelings, and note how each change affects you emotionally and physically, if at all. You are doing what I often recommend! Experiment with cooking more at home, try and incorporate fresh organic whole foods, increase water intake as well. Take time to care for, love and appreciate yourself during the process too! Every little step makes a difference! Don’t feel like you have to do it all at once. Lasting changes happen over time.
.-= Luanne´s last blog ..A Healthy Perspective… =-.
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Hello, Luanne! I remember you from Brenda’s Fitness Fridays! So fun to see you here!
Anyway, one question: I am really stuck when it comes to what vitamins and minerals I take, as well as the ones I should give to my children. This may not be something you can speak to, but is there somewhere where you can point me toward? Thanks!
.-= Karly´s last blog ..Blessed be the name of the LORD. =-.
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Luanne Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 9:54 am
Hi Karly!! I remember you too! I miss Fitness Fridays! I can’t really recommend what would be good for you or your children in the vitamin department. I personally do not take vitamins nor do I give them to my children. My philosophy for myself is that if I am eating enough whole foods, fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, etc…I don’t need them!
.-= Luanne´s last blog ..A Healthy Perspective…My Story =-.
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Karly Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 10:28 am
Luanne, I agree! Except, try as I might, we don’t always eat enough whole foods, fruits, veggies, and the like. I guess that’s when I should just, as Katie says, say a prayer!
.-= Karly´s last blog ..Blessed be the name of the LORD. =-.
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I left a comment at Luanne’s!
.-= Karly´s last blog ..Blessed be the name of the LORD. =-.
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I subscribe to you via Google Reader!
.-= Karly´s last blog ..Blessed be the name of the LORD. =-.
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I’ve entered all your giveaways! Thanks, Katie, for a fun week!
.-= Karly´s last blog ..Blessed be the name of the LORD. =-.
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Not actually looking to enter the giveaway — but I do have a question. What are the best foods to eat postpartum? I’ve heard diet goes a long way toward preventing postpartum depression and other illnesses caused by nutrient depletion after pregnancy. I will be nursing and want to eat the best diet possible.
.-= Sheila´s last blog ..On Friendship =-.
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Luanne Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 9:58 am
Increase your intake of dark leafy greens, fruits and vegetables, whole fresh foods prepared at home and minimize or eliminate all foods that come in a package that have been processed, altered, or contain ingredients that are not real foods. This will ensure your baby is getting the best nutrients as well! Congratulations on your pregnancy!
.-= Luanne´s last blog ..A Healthy Perspective…My Story =-.
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Luanne Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 10:00 am
Also, stay away from excess sugar. Keep your body hydrated with water at all times, and reduce/eliminate beverages that are empty calories, such as sodas, flavored waters, juice, coffee, etc…
.-= Luanne´s last blog ..A Healthy Perspective…My Story =-.
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How can I get my three year old to eat more veggies when he gags when he eats them?
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I left a comment on Luanne’s blog.
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I subscribe
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I’ve entered other giveaways
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What is the best food to eat during a time of great stress?
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Luanne Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 10:05 am
A few of my favorite ares bananas, avocados, almonds and of course, dark leafy greens!
.-= Luanne´s last blog ..A Healthy Perspective…My Story =-.
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Luanne Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 10:06 am
Michelle, I also answered your question over at my blog as well…
.-= Luanne´s last blog ..A Healthy Perspective…My Story =-.
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I’ve entered other giveaways for the blogiversary.
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I visited Luanne’s blog and left a comment.
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Hi Luanne,
My question for you is, where does one start to figure out what foods are not agreeing with our bodies? I have figured out that I am lactose intolerant, but there is still something bothering me and I am stuck as to what step to take next. The GI I went to wanted to do a colonoscopy, but I am sure that that is not the answer! LOL!
Stacy
.-= Stacy´s last blog ..Have you checked out the new Simple Living Media sites? =-.
[Reply to this comment]
Luanne Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 10:11 am
I would recommend trying an elimination diet. The way this works is you eliminate foods from your diet, you suspect may be triggering symptoms for a minimum of one month. Carefully note how you are feeling, especially if better. After one month, begin adding foods in ONE at a time every couple of weeks. Again, carefully note how you are feeling. This is often the best way to figure this out, and way less invasive. It’s a process and may take several months of removals and additions, but stick with it! Some common food culprits are tomatoes, dairy, some grains containing gluten, gluten itself, and wheat.
.-= Luanne´s last blog ..A Healthy Perspective…My Story =-.
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I just left a comment on Luanne’s blog.
.-= Stacy´s last blog ..Have you checked out the new Simple Living Media sites? =-.
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I entered two other contests last night. This is fun and I am really enjoying it! Thanks for the chance to win!
.-= Stacy´s last blog ..Have you checked out the new Simple Living Media sites? =-.
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Hello. My question for Luanne is where do you start for a child with ADHD as far as diet? I am debating trying a gluten free diet or going right for GAPS type? Thanks. Kelly E.
.-= Kelly E.´s last blog ..January 2010 update =-.
[Reply to this comment]
Luanne Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 10:32 am
Hi Kelly! A good place to always start is eliminate all processed foods and junk foods. Anything with preservatives, dyes, ingredients you can’t pronounce, excess sugar, etc! Both diets you listed above are good options to move on to if you desire greater health and wellness. Do what feels right and manageable for your family. Diet changes are a process, so don’t get overwhelmed. Every little change makes a difference! And remember it could be years before you see the results of the changes sometimes so practice patience while making and implementing them. Good luck!
.-= Luanne´s last blog ..A Healthy Perspective…My Story =-.
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I left a comment on Luanne’s blog.
.-= Kelly E.´s last blog ..January 2010 update =-.
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Great giveaway! Here’s my question: My best friend recently gave up veganism after about 10 years because her health had gotten so poor. She is having a hard time getting her B vitamin levels up to where she wants them. Are there any dietary sources you could recommend?
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I subscribe to you by email
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Visited I’m Hungry for Something’s blog and left her a comment
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follow, tweeted
http://twitter.com/erunuevo/status/9866494297
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stumbled
erunuevo
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dugg
erunuevo
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google reader subscriber
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I entered all your other blogoversary giveaways!
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Wow – new to the kitchenstewardship blog – I *think* I may have come here via Kellythekitchenkop – not sure, lol! Luanne, I probably have TONS of questions… my main one that has prompted me toward more traditional foods is about lactation. Both my children, sadly, have been put on “hypoallergenic” formula to stop mucousy/bloody stool and severe colic from nursing. This was despite my many dietary eliminations to clear my milk of the most prevalent allergens. They’re 2.5 and 1 now and both seem to tolerate ALL foods without any apparent reactions. What would be the most likely health problems that would contribute to a mom synthesizing “allergenic” milk? Would love to win this giveaway – thanks for offering it
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visited Luann’s blog and left a comment
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just signed up for your emails
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