Weight loss possible despite allergies

Lisa Ryckman, Rocky Mountain News

Published July 25, 2006 at midnight

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Question: After 37 years of no food allergies, I suddenly developed a tree-nut allergy and soy sensitivities. Before diagnosis, I gained 40 pounds because of medication to help me breathe.

I have spent the past 2 1/2 years trying to lose those pounds, but here's the problem: All of the diet foods that are readily available contain nuts or soy.

I need help finding a recipe for a protein bar/muffin or shake that will help my weight loss and hungry stomach.

Thank you for any ideas you may have.

Answer: Suzanne Farrell, spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association and owner of Cherry Creek Nutrition, says tree-nut allergies are among the most common food allergies in adults.

"Ingredients to avoid include almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, chestnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, nougat, nut butters, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts," she says.

"Although bars and shakes can be quick and convenient, try to choose whole foods."

Here are some ideas for quick and convenient snacks:

• Low-fat cottage cheese cups with fruit or baby carrots

• Low-fat yogurt with a banana

• Fruit smoothies made with yogurt

• Low-fat cheese, rice crackers and tomato juice

As for soy, it's found in baked goods, canned tuna, cereals, crackers, soups and sauces, Farrell says.

"Ingredients that indicate the presence of soy include hydrolyzed soy protein, miso, soy flour, soy protein isolate or concentrate, tamari, tempeh, textured vegetable protein and tofu," she says. "Soy oil and soy lecithin are usually not restricted because processing removes the protein that causes the allergy."

Farrell suggests going to www.eatright.org to find a registered dietitian near you who could help create a weight-loss program around your allergies.

Here's a quick and easy smoothie that will take the edge off afternoon hunger pangs. Substitute any kind of fruit that suits your fancy. Add ice cubes or use frozen fruit to make it instantly cold and thick.

Mango Smoothie

Makes 2 servings

1 1/2 to 2 cups mango, fresh (peeled, pitted and cut up), canned (drained), or frozen

1 cup low-fat or nonfat vanilla yogurt

1/4 to 1 cup low-fat or nonfat milk, as needed for desired consistency

• Place all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth.

Nutritional information per serving: 198 cal., 2 g fat (1 g sat.), 7 mg chol., 39 g carb., 98 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 8 g pro.

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