Food Sensitivity

Over the weekend I gained a new respect for those with food sensitivities.  I spent a couple of days with people who have to alter their eating habits for their health.

I spent Saturday night with friends watching hockey, playing card games and enjoying BBQ.  One friend has to eat Gluten Free.  While everyone else chowed down on hamburgers with buns and delish cupcakes she wrapped her burger in lettuce and ate a gluten-free cupcake.  Now, I didn’t eat a burger with a bun either, but that’s my own choice, not because it would make me sick.  And not every bakery sells gluten-free cupcakes to indulge on.  Although I try to stay away from carbs I can’t imagine my world without tortillas and beer.

I think I could live without bread, but chocolate … kill me now.  Speaking of bread and sugar … someone else near and dear to me has been diagnosed with diabetes.  I immediately signed up for the job of assistant grocery shopper for this person.  I thought it would be my time to shine and to be bossy.  I was ready to stand on my soap box preaching the good life of diet and exercise.

I didn’t even survive Trader Joes before I was kicked off the box.  HOLY COW.  I did not realize so many “healthy” food items are not diabetic friendly.  I felt defeated.  Congratulations … you get to live off of shrimp and spinach the rest of your life.

Meal planning has to be crucial for those that have food restrictions.  Especially when first diagnosed.  Without a plan or really knowing what you can and can’t have you will visit two grocery stores and leave with a handful of items and a broken heart.   Sunday wasn’t so much of a funday!

Today I am blessed that my husband and I can visit the grocery store and are free to pick and choose what we want.  I am thankful that I can create my own diet and control it – not let it control me.

Do any of you have food allergies, restrictive diets, etc?  How did you cope when you were first diagnosed?  I would love to hear some tips and tricks!

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