[boysrus]

I am trying to figure out what the best diet would be for my family. I also need practical advice on how to implement it!!<br><br>
I am 33 years old. When my father was 20 years older than I am now(53) he had a 5 way heart bypass. He died of a stroke at the age of 64. So, that is a big concern to me. I just had a cholesterol test and it was normal and my bp is always really low, but I still want to be concerned, for myself and my boys. My mom is 74 and healthy as a horse, but she does have osteporosis(sp) her whole family suffers from it. SHe has stopped it with calcium tabs. She had nine children, but didnt nurse any of them. I am on my 8th year of being pregnant or nursing. i have not really taken clacium tabs, except when I was pg. I had severe hyperemesis with my babes too, and that took a huge nutritional toll on me, esp the last two pg.<br><br>
My dh has alot of cancer on his side of the family. Not a ton of heart problems. DH appears to be hypoglycemic. He has huge sugar crashes.<br><br>
We are meat and dairy eaters. My 7 yo ds is a vegetarian for ethical reasons. My kids dont like stir fry(that is about the only thing they dont usually eat)<br><br>
I was having reflux a few months back and cut wheat out of my diet. It seemed to have helped the reflux. It also took a huge cchunk out of my migraines. I went from having to take advil two-five times a week to taking it once or twice a month. My sister also has a wheat allergy.<br><br>
My oldest has aspergers and my other two have sensory issues. I am consiering taking them off of wheat and maybe going gluten free.<br><br>
I would love to take us off of meat, but it really helps keep dhs hypoglycemia in check. Also, I have noticed that if I dont have meat or dairy and eggs, I will get a migraine that day.<br><br>
I would love to buy more organic too. We are on a very tight budget. Family of 5, maybe we can spend $100 a week on groceries. I would like to do a csa next year, but cant afford it this year. I cant figure out how to container garden. I only have a small patio to put things in, and I dont have any containers. We do have an apple tree and a plum tree in the front yard. And there are a lot of free berry spots around here. But, that wont be blooming for another month. So, what to do in the meantime?<br><br>
Also, we have all been suffering alot of colds and allergy type stuff. And I am absolutley plagues wit yeast.<br><br>
I want to eat really healthy and turn our little family around. But, I want to do it for cheap.<br><br>
SO, what should we eat?

 

[kerc]

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<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">I would love to buy more organic too. We are on a very tight budget. Family of 5, maybe we can spend $100 a week on groceries. I would like to do a csa next year, but cant afford it this year. I cant figure out how to container garden. I only have a small patio to put things in, and I dont have any containers. We do have an apple tree and a plum tree in the front yard. And there are a lot of free berry spots around here. But, that wont be blooming for another month. So, what to do in the meantime?</td>
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this doesn't help much for this year -- but here there's a community garden. you pay some $$ and they till it for you and then you can plant whatever you want.<br><br>
i don't do wheat free, but i imagine that if you jack up your veggies consumption that might help. Salads are a hit here.<br><br>
You have lots of questions in your post, if no one else answers, maybe try to split them into several. It is hard to address so many in one! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[boysrus]

Yes, I might try to do that. I will give it a day or two.<br>
As fr as community garden, I hae a ver intense three year old. We are not ready for community gardening!!

 

[boobear]

Start mixing in/replacing to have healthier versions of what you currently eat. Keeping the foods seperate for those with allergies..<br><br>
whole wheat<br>
brown rice<br>
roast a chicken with herbs in it<br>
beans<br>
buy organic when it makes sense$$ & see thread of "top ten" items<br>
to buy organic<br>
mix in lots of dark green veggies for added calcium (do a web search<br>
on which ones are loaded with calcium)<br><br>
Pick one item at a time and change it, part of changing is breaking a routine (purchasing different items). It's overwhelming to change it all at once. I started 3 years ago and found that I gave up a few times because, when tired or rushed, I reverted back to my old shopping/eating ways.<br><br>
It is hard to offer advice since you have posted many concerns. I'd also mix in an outdoor activity every day (like walking or getting the kids out to a playground) to keep you and the rest healthy and in a good daily routine.<br><br>
Good luck, and don't get discouraged, keep it as simple as you can.