them throughout life. Kids may have the urge to eat anything and everything that is available, especially “fun foods” that are brightly colored, super sweet, or overly salty, but these are not the right choice for their overall wellbeing. Food sensitivity reactions are like an SOS message telling us something is wrong. Listen to the cues, keep a food journal, read labels, and experiment with alternatives. You can do this. Your keiki, your ohana, and your gut will thank you someday! The benefits of figuring out what foods may be triggering your keiki’s belly problems are numerous. Besides reducing their discomfort after eating, many parents also notice an improved attitude and better overall disposition. This makes sense: when your stomach hurts and you’re bloated and gassy, you feel irritable and grumpy, right? These symptoms can also interfere with school success. Teaching your kids to be careful about what they eat and be aware of their bodies’ reactions is an invaluable tool that can help “Children may be especially affected due to their less developed digestive systems.” 98 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2024 Scan the QR code for Down to Earth’s recipe for dairy and gluten-free scalloped potatoes. Yummy Recipes with Alternatives to Common Problem Foods: Dairy-free & Gluten-free Lasagna: www.downtoearth.org/recipes/entrees/wheat-free-tofu-lasagna Dairy-free & Gluten-free Scalloped Potatoes: www.downtoearth.org/recipes/appetizers-and-sides/vegan-scalloped-potatoes Eggless Egg Salad: www.downtoearth.org/recipes/eggless-egg-salad Gluten-free & Soy-free Brownies: www.downtoearth.org/recipes/desserts/nutty-carob-brownies Eggless Loco Moco: www.downtoearth.org/recipes/entrees/broke-da-mouth-loco-moco
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