Failsafe and Thermomix chat thread

[brazen20au]

will put some links in here in a few days
(trying to get ready for a party tomorrow and too much to do!)

[Dean]

Hi Everyone,
So what is the FAILSAFE diet?  FAILSAFE is an anagram (well sort of) of a diet free of additives, low in salicylates, amines and flavour enhancers (FAILSAFE) for health, behaviour and learning problems.  We've been additive free in our household for about a year but decided to do the FAILSAFE elimination diet about a month ago.  It has certainly been very challenging, but having a TM31 made life a lot easier.  We've had mixed success so far, but I've been pleasantly surprised by how much calmer I have been.  Now I just need to find the food triggers....
For more information please go to http://www.fedupwithfoodadditives.info/
Best wishes,
Karen3

[Thermomixer]

Thanks karens

[riv_mum]

Have also done the failsafe elimination diet and had amazing results!!
We are not as strict now but still eliminate all preservatives, colours, flavours and flavour enhancers. This is not as difficult as completley failsafe and the kids are still calm and happy (most of the time)!

[brazen20au]

i'm thinking of doing it for myself to try to work out what affects me. i wouldn't mind doing it for the kids too (especially ryan) but i'm not sure i'd have dh's support to do so...

[riv_mum]

I was amazed at the change in the kids by just cutting out the additives and preservatives. I use the little card of codes found on the fed up website and always take it shopping. Anything with those numbers i dont buy. You do have to be careful as they are sometimes not listed either. Just need to use common sense ie canned soups, pasta sauces, tinned spag all have MSG which is not always listed.
My hubby thought I was loopy when i first started but doesnt mind now he has seen the changes!
It really is just eating more fresh and homemade foods rather than bought biscuits, snacks, drinks etc. Which is easy with thermomix!
There is also a failsafe cook book by Sue Dengate which is fantastic! Heaps of recipies from snacks to deserts.
I would recommend anyone with kids to have a look at the website and just try cutting out those codes for a month, even if you dont want to do the whole Failsafe diet. You WILL notice a difference!

[I Love Bimby!]

In our home I've tried to cut out whatever nasties I can (perservatives, additives, flavours etc) and have noticed a huge change in DD and my health (particulary asthma developing out of chest infections each time we got a cold).  Now after DD goes to XH's home where she eats mostly processed foods she has a huge change in behaviour for the worse and often comes home feeling ill and looking like she's developing a cold. After a couple of days at home she is right again.

Think I'll order the book "fed up" and learn more and how to manage our bodies better.
 

[brazen20au]

for the failsafers, do you recommend the fed up book or the cookbook if i was to buy one only?

[riv_mum]

Depends on what info you want - the fed up book has lots of info on the health effects of the individual chemicals and additives and the common foods they are found in. The cookbook has some of the same info in the intro and first few chapters and then heaps of failsafe recipes and ideas.
I just borrowed the fed up book from a friend to read. Then bought the cook book as i was going to use that more and wasnt confident with creating failsafe meals from scratch. Lots of good ideas and similar info to the fed up book.

[I Love Bimby!]

Thanks RV that's good to know! 

[brazen20au]

i think i might try to borrow them both from the library first

[I Love Bimby!]

Good thinking Karen!  I never think of the Library - actually I could probably safely say it's been 10-12 years or more since I've stepped inside our local one. Just told Miss 3 (who is home today after being too worn out from her party yesterday) that we'll head up there now - very excited!

[Dean]

Hi Everyone,
Karen - the ACT libraries have the Fed Up series of books.  I borrowed them first and then bought the cookbook.  I still borrow the books from time to time.  I can breath easier since avoiding certain preservatives.
Cheers,
Karen3

[brazen20au]

i've ordered both, 1st in the queue for one and 2nd for the other. hopefully won't take too long...

i do try to avoid colours and preservatives but i have to say that it's hard to get lollies in paritcular that are gluten free AND ok with colours etc. snacky things like twistie things etc too. (not that we eat stuff like that often but for the party on the weekend for instance...)

[I Love Bimby!]

Got the cook book today and on the waiting list for the other one.

i do try to avoid colours and preservatives but i have to say that it's hard to get lollies in paritcular that are gluten free AND ok with colours etc. snacky things like twistie things etc too. (not that we eat stuff like that often but for the party on the weekend for instance...)

Agree - it's hard. Grace had her party on Sunday at an indoor play centre where they cater. The food is pretty disgusting and I had talked to them about healthier options - but with no luck. Not even a fruit platter... Thankfully Grace doesn't have any allergies so I just had to bite my tongue and remind myself it was only for one 'meal'...