How To Change to a GFCF Diet
How Do I Get Started?
There are many ways to get started with a diet change, but parents have to make a decision on what works best for their child. Options include:
- Cold turkey - offensive foods are completely removed all at the same time
- Gradual transition - one or two offensive foods are removed in small intervals until they are completely out of the diet
Removal of offensive foods requires that other non-offensive foods be substituted so the child gets as many nutrients as possible. This can be difficult for many children with ADHD and autism due to sensitivies to taste, color and texture. One method that has proven effective is the Trojan Horse method - mixing, blending, or pureeing small amounts of new foods with foods your child already eats.
Many fruits, vegetables, and protein powders can be added to the following:
- Muffins
- Brownies
- Cookies
- Tomato sauce
- Pizza sauce
- Meatballs
- Peanut butter
The secret to a successful diet change is continuing to indroduce new foods, finding the ones your child will accept, and then continuing to incorporate the accepted foods into your child's diet regularly.