I've always been interested in learning about health and nutrition. My educational background is in nutrition, hospitality management and culinary arts. I have studied Italian cuisine and I have trained with a German pastry chef. I have also worked in 5 star restaurants and I have studied and implemented food safety standards. I have even lobbied to improve school nutrition, in Washington DC. My experience and educational background in food science, food management, food nutrition, food safety and my work as a lobbyist, has given me a solid foundation in the area of nutrition and culinary arts.
 

After becoming a mom, to three handsome boys, my life took me in a different direction. At age 2, my youngest son was showing signs of intestinal distress, including severe bloating. After consulting with his doctors, we were advised to try an elimination diet. Through this diet, we discovered he is unable to eat gluten in addition he has multiple food sensitivities. We also discovered a life threatening allergy to tree nuts and soy. With dietary management and alternative food choices, he is a happy and healthy child.
 
My middle son was showing developmental delays in the areas of speech acquisition and gross motor development. He was also developing fluid in his ears which caused him to have difficulty hearing. His doctors recommended very radical treatments, including surgery. We tried the elimination diet, again, and discovered allergies to dairy products. He also is unable to have gluten in his diet. My son shows no signs with his hearing or with his gross motor development; he has progressed very well in all areas.
 
My oldest son drank a soy based beverage, while we were on vacation. We quickly discovered that he had a life threatening allergy to soy-based products. After ingestion of this soy drink, he quickly developed difficulty breathing, nausea and urticaria (hives). My oldest son also, later developed seasonal and a bee sting allergy. We avoid these allergens, to the best of our ability and we monitor our son for signs of any other allergies.
 
As a result of all these allergy-related issues, with my children, I began to research and study food allergies and their management. My studies included tradition and non-traditional practices. I also studied at the Institute of Integrated Nutrition to educate myself and to support my children’s needs. Through this journey, I've learned a great deal and I would like to share this information with you. One of my favorite quotes is, "A worried mother does better research than the FBI." (Author unknown). I certainly feel that I have learned so much about working with and around food allergies and sensitivities. Additionally, I have used my culinary training to provide my family with delicious, allergy-free recipes. I look forward to developing this site so that I can help others to gain information, learn new recipes and share in our journey.
 

-Anna Laurie

Founder of Foodie -Q-Fit