July 27, 2013

The Time I Cheated and Learned My Doctor Failed At

My mom just thought being gluten intolerant consist of not eating anything with wheat flour in it. Well, yes, my dear mom and whoever is not familiar with this dietary intolerance, it indeed is that and so much more.

Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye and triticale which is a cross between wheat and rye. It makes plenty of people sick. It's been a blessing to read and find people who are struggling with this silly thing called gluten. One of my best friends is gluten intolerant as well, so we are the happy crazy girls trying stuff and helping each other out when we are about to fail and reach for a regular donut.<br>

Today, there's tons available that is gluten free; from pasta, bread, cereal, cookies, sauces, chips, make-up (yes yes!!!), and drinks. What is comfort food for you when you eat a donut or go to your favorite Italian restaurant three corners down your street is pure horror to others. I'm only intolerant and have to deal with stomach aches, bloating, gas (hello, sexy!), constipation, a very pregnant-looking belly, headaches, dizziness or an off-balance feeling, fatigue, and facial outbreaks. I am okay with my gluten free pizza at Pieology being touched by the same gloves that touched a regular non-gluten free pizza a few seconds earlier. However, I know a few people cannot even have that. No bueno.


As you know, this is new to me and I'm okay so far. I've had my issues in the beginning and still deal with occasional difficulties to find stuff or places for the past two months in Switzerland that are more open to it but I'm doing okay. I learned that my lovely Luzern is actually really narrow-minded when it comes to this and needs to face the fact that this is happening. Not just for my sake, for plenty others out there. Other cities in Switzerland are a little more open to the gluten free diet. Other countries as well. Germany was a freaking blessing you won't believe it. So I cannot wait until I land in lovely California again...the land/state that allows me to go out to a restaurant and actually ask for a gluten free menu. YAY.

Anyways, I simply digress.
What I wanted to share with you is that I failed following a strict gluten free diet here in Europe. There, I admit it. Finally. I mean, imagine food you haven't eaten in a year or even half a year which your body and mind had been longing for. Just imagine it. Those food items instantly remind you of fond childhood memories you want to hold on a little longer. But, what if you can't have any food your body and mind so desperately looked forward to? It blows. BIG TIME.

So, I cheated. And yes, I failed. As much as I enjoyed the taste in my mouth and how I felt eating my beloved food I wrestled with the consequences. Once I stayed in bed for two days. I was walking around as if I had morning sickness 24/7. It wasn't worth it. Clearly, I had to stop my childhood memories from wanting to come back to me when it came to food and I simply had to say good-bye and move on.



I broke up with my temptations.
I researched, and also found out that my Swiss Doctor failed to find out that I had this allergy. For years I had been struggling with constant dizziness, fatigue, nausea, constipation, and what not. For years I was treated for low blood iron which yes, I had too. But when the dizziness etc didn't stop we checked and found my iron to be perfect. So, my lovely Swiss Doc? Did I really have to go to my US Doc and learn about my intolerance to gluten? I think I did.

So my lovelies, this is my quick story...my way to vent, and my way to accept who I am with or without allergies. I may have cheated on gluten once or twice or maybe even four times, but I won't ever do this again. Ever. It's not worth it and it hurts.

I will certain think before I eat or come close to temptations. Then again, my friend in CA is waiting for me so she can scold me for my misbehavior. ;) LOL

If you want to see recipes, here's a blogger who just recently learned she's not only gluten but also dairy intolerant. So far Kristen is really trying to make her new diet fun, edible, and doable - looks like she's doing a great job. 

Have a fun and safe weekend everyone.
Any plans?


I will be staying home mostly. It's going to be close to 100 degrees and it's not going to be fun here. No AC and all. Yikes.


xoxo

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5 comments :

Vett Vandiver said...

loved this post! my sister in law is allergic to gluten and she's taught me a lot about what she can and can't eat. hope you find yummy gluten free things soon!

Heather (Live.Love.Laugh.) said...

I've been GF for 2 years. I have celiac so no cheating and no cross contamination for me. Sucks but now I'm not even tempted with gluten goodness goods bc I know I will feel like crap. Love that graphic!

Pooja Mittal said...

It must be so difficult to always eat hlutan free..
Maybe we can follow each other..!!
keep in touch
www.beingbeautifulandpretty.com

Marina said...

That must be hard, but there is so much gluten free food now and great recipes - so it is getting easier I guess :)

Unknown said...

I feel really lucky to be able to eat gluten, because I've seen how hard it is for other people. I know a ton of people who have had to go gluten free. So good for you for realizing it isn't worth it to eat something delicious and feel like crap.

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