Didn't really read all the posts but here is a few things we do:

We order from squirrelsnest.com for candy they have marked stage 1 and 2 for feingolders.

I use pure maple syrup

the back of the book you will get will give you all kinds of great home made easy recipes to make great foods.

I shop at whole foods and Earthfare and other stores that i know contain what i need.

I buy almost all organic...never anything with dyes, hfcs, artificial flavors or preservatives. Sodium Benzote is a bad one as well to be aware of.

You will become an expert at label reading but be assured that not all companies list all ingredients. (this is where the shopping guide and email updates for it come in handy)

Stick with pure stage 1 until you are suppose to add things back. DO NOT do it early or you will do it all for nothing.

In the book there is also a page that you can give to teachers stating all you do and why you do it and what the kid can or cant have. (Your church would be a great place to give this too).

Order in advance for holidays from the candy places.

You will also get a shopping guide for your area. That will help you find your new shopping groove. After a few weeks will become second nature.

Good luck!

You asked how long to eliminate BHA,BHT & TBHQ --forever! Eliminate artificial flavorings (vanillin is a big one) and Aspartame. You are right to avoid hf corn syrup.

It's not hard -- you just get items free of the stuff. The Feingold Assoc. foodlist tells exactly which foods that are okay.

Here's the link to that Yahoo group: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Feingold-Program4us/

Well, I just placed my order for the Feingold package! I wonder how long it will take to arrive? I hope it will address some of my questions. Salad dressing is an issue. Her favorite was Hidden valley ranch, but I don't know about the words this stuff called EDT? Also, I guess anything that says artificial coloring and what about caramel coloring? The two hardest things so far is not the candy as much as her Ranch dressing and syrup. Real syrup is very strong! We have used Log cabin with no HF.

I guess I will get most of my questions answers when my packet comes. I ordered the paper copy and not PDF. Thought it would be eaiser starting out. She has had great days until today, so not sure exactly what was going on? Hard to believe that a smidge of syrup matters, but from what I read it does? That could have been part of it. She is still very stimulated by other children and enviroment... hope that gets somewhat better. I think the syrup, and mabye our bread are still culprits?

ksea36
Thank you so much everyone!!!

This post was edited on May 04, 2012 07:47 PM