Moving to the Safe List....I think?

This summer I have been diligent about reading labels, cooking from scratch, and gently testing certain foods for reactions.  In the last couple weeks in particular, I haven't had a breakout of hives at all! Here's what I've learned:

CORN:  Yep, definitely react to this.  Especially, corn syrup, cornstarch, maltodextrin, and modified food starch.  It seems however that some of the derivatives don't bother me.  I'm not as worried about citric acid, guargum, xantham, etc.  They don't seem to bother me.

SOY:  The jury is still out.  I seem to do fine with Soy Lecithin and haven't noticed reactions from Soy Oil in products.  I will still limit it's consumption anyways since it's not supposed to be beneficial for thyroid function.

EGG:  This was extremely borderline in my testing.  The technician told me she only added it to the list because it was one of the ones that I came in questioning.  My reaction was 5/8.  Not even close to my reactions with all the other allergens.  I'm definitely moving EGG to the safe list.  This is such a relief as far as breakfast goes.  But I still won't have it everyday.

I think this is good progress.  I'm feeling better, have learned lots in the kitchen, and am leading a generally healthier life.

What a week away can do.

I just got back from a week visiting my sister in St. Kitts.  I left my garden in the hands of my husband.  I knew he could do a good job, but was a little concerned since I knew he was super busy with work.  To top things off, I have been combating a case of powdery mildew on my pumpkins.  I was a little concerned that my garden would not be the same when I returned.

Well I was right!  It wasn't the same.  It was even BETTER!

The eggplant has taken off.  There were two more large pumpkins.  The tomato plants have replenished their leaves.  A whole new batch of tomatillos were ready.  And three bell peppers are taunting me.

Oh and remember the basil that I had so many problems with?  The earwigs attacked it.  I transplanted it after it was overshadowed by the huge tomato plants.  It hung to life with one half eaten leaf.  Well, it has gotten over its shock and is now flourishing.

We also got our first fig harvest.  I had never had fresh figs before.  They are DELICIOUS!