birthday cake replacement

[noodle-o]

I have a son who is ADD (though the diagnosis is still unofficial). I have to control his sugar intake almost as if he were diabetic. He cannot handle simple sugars such as breads, cereals, (grains) - and especially not processed sugars like table sugar, honey, or junk food. He becomes a completely different child even if he is allowed to eat unsweetened homemade oatmeal. He has a very strong sweet tooth and seems to be able to handle stevia. I have to keep him on a very high protein / high fat diet to help him control his condition. He has extreme mood swings, twitches/spasms that he can't seem to control, he just seems to vibrate if he has the smallest amount of sugar. Fruits in controlled doses seem to be the only form of sugar he can handle.

I would like him to have a treat for his birthday - something that resembles a birthday cake. Does anyone have any suggestions? I am looking at making the Date Nut Torte in Allisa's book.

[Raspberry4]

This is off topic - but just a suggestion. Has your son ever been blood tested for gluten intolerance? Just a thought - especially if he is reacting so strongly to oats, and wheat products - it may be the gluten in there that is doing it to him. Both my sons are gluten free. It costs more and takes some time to make sure they are not getting any gluten but it is one more thing I am trying in order to help them both (they too have neurological issues). There are breads and pastas and pizza dough made from alternative grains available in health food stores and now in my local Heinen's grocery store. Just a suggestion. Good luck.

PS - before you make the date cake - how does he do with dates???

[noodle-o]

It has been a while since I have given him any high-sugar fruit. I am not sure how he would do with dates.

I was also looking at the chocolate cake recipe in the book. I like the idea of the "cake" having such a high content of nuts and using the avocado in the frosting. He really needs that fat.

I have not had him tested for gluten intolerance. Where would I go for that? A regular doctor?

[crystalmoon]

Hi the date torte spikes me sugar wise, Im afraid it is very sweet. I have to eat it in small chunks about an inch in size if I dont want to be buzzing. I also react very strongly to raw cacao...it is kinda trippy & speedy for me. I dont have ADD but one of my sons does & the other two are dyslexic. I do suffer from food intolerances though & am not good with gluten foods or nightshades. I make a type of cake using ground up goji berries & nuts. I dont tend to use agave much, I add raisins or sultanas to get some sweetness or add a dash of apple juice to the mix. I top this with fruits like kiwi or pear cos they dont spike me. HTH

[Dakini]

How about a fruit torte? Making one of those nut and date crusts, cashew cream fillings & layering some beautiful fruit on top? I made one with Comice pears with a berry center, it was really beautiful, it would make a nice birthday cake.

[wyjoz]

noodle-o according to many many research articles there is no such thing as ADD; I would search deep into this; Celiac disease; read Dangerous Grains there is pH factor there is 'dairy' issues; check out Lorraine Day's take on ADD?

http://www.drday.com/attentiondeficit.htm Joz

[lalakis]

oh! i cant help you here, but i would LOVE the same thing, since my birthday falls on thanksgiving this year :)

[wyjoz]

http://legallyraw.blogspot.com/


check this blog on September 18 for LEGALLY RAW BIRTHDAY CAKE ! Joz

[Raspberry4]

I have to disagree with you - there really IS ADD and ADHD; however, I do agree with you that other forms of therapy can also be applied - such as whole foods diet, cut out gluten, cut out sugar, more veges and fruits, behavior modification, and other therapies that can be incorporated into a total plan of care (not just medication). ADD/ADHD does exist; however, the management of it involves many disciplines and trial and error. A label, is a label (just like Fibro or diabetes, etc.) . What is important is the committment to treatment and adding more whole foods, fruits, veges, and taking out gluten is a very good step.

Dr. Day is one opinion - there is alot of information available regarding the neurological functioning of the nervous system and the synergism of the neuropeptides and brain chemicals.

I am not trying to start a debate - just putting more information out there. Pick and choose what works for you.

[wyjoz]

There is too much out there: So we must sort it out! Check out all conditions; symptoms; and causes; before submitting to a ADD/ADHD label?


and here is a very interesting site: http://www.uhuh.com/education/ritpsych.htm

[Rawkinlocs]

Because this is the recipe section, I think it's best if you all started a new, separate thread in the Raising Raw Kids section about the whole ADHD discussion! Thanks!