Nothing can compare to the pain we were suffering up until our diagnosis, right?. We had this huge wave of relief wash over us once we realize it can all be controlled by a simple diet change.
Oh, did I say simple?
Well, it can be if we don’t let ourselves get too overwhelmed. We have such a huge resource available to us now and that is the internet. Amazon is one amazing site that ships a ton of items free – I am going to cover that in more detail later.
The biggest challenge out there: FAMILY!
You think, oh sure they are going to be totally supportive and this will be easy. For those of you who fall into that category GREAT! Unfortunately, there are many of us who don’t. The biggest comment I get is, “Oh a little won’t hurt you.” They don’t realize how wrong they really are!
My reactions are different from my daughters. Just like hers is different from many other people. I get lethargic and sleepy. Sometimes I get a migraine or just plain achy. But like my daughter, I do get the severe stomach aches. Sometimes they end up making me so sick I don’t know if I should sit or kneel. Sorry for that image but it is a reality for most of us. I have an amazing mother in law but she still does not understand the extent of this disease. She tried telling my daughter that, “Angel Food Cake does not have wheat in it. No, Only Flour!” That is what she said! Unfortunately, that is what a lot of people think. Where do they think flour comes from?
Ok, I may be getting a little snotty here… sorry, I just get completely exhausted and annoyed when I realize how little people actually know about what goes into their mouths.
Even before I knew I had this disease I knew what I was eating all of the time. If you are like me then this adjustment won’t be so hard. There are so many whole foods we still can eat. After I talk about the cleaning house portion I will be covering some simple ideas you can make from your pantry. Kind of a get started guide. Then we will expand to the more complicated things such as baking GF. It really isn’t that bad!
Should we just tell them it’s an Allergy?
If that gets the point across then so be it. It makes it a lot easier and people understand that it needs to be taken seriously. Some people do need to go to the ER if they can’t stop the vomiting or other side effects. Not to mention the long term effects that we suffer.
I agree it is very hard to tell people that you don't want to eat the food they offer you, especially the desserts. Our older kids know to turn it down but still working on the younger ones.
I can totally understand where you are coming from with family and friends. Sometimes they just don't understand.
I can totally understand where you are coming from with family and friends. Sometimes they just don't understand.