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Tuesday, July 05, 2011

I Can't Have What?!

I was (am) a foodie! I love food. I love trying new foods. I wanted to plan family vacations around food festivals! I pride myself on being the most adventurous and least picky eater in my family. I used to love eating things that would make my mom and siblings cringe. (Escargot, anyone? Tripe? Squid?)

So imagine my horror when my doctor recommended that I be tested for food allergies. What?! I don't break out into hives or go into anaphylactic shock. The only time I've even had heartburn was during pregnancy. How could I be allergic to food? I love it and it loves me. But she suggested that it could be the cause of my chronic depression, fatigue, and INSOMNIA. And I had friends who had been tested and it changed their lives.

Still, I told myself that the testing was too expensive and my insurance wouldn't cover it. But the truth is, I didn't really know how much they would or wouldn't cover because the real reason I waited an entire year to be tested was that I was terrified of what I would find out. What would I have to give up?

Well... a lot, actually (36 different foods, plus gluten). And I'm not happy about it. Not at all. But I will not be defeated by this. I will find a way to enjoy food without wrecking my body and mind in the process. And I'm going to help you do it, too! Maybe we'll help each other. Ready? Let's do this!

3 comments:

Nychole said...

Hey you want to know something amazing though? You can still go and eat at Disney World! Just go through their travel planning (I know might be a little more expensive but...) and tell them you have food allergies. They help you pick where you would want to eat (I know this might stink to know ahead a time where you want to go but in a way it helps you plan your trip where you will be for the day and such) and they can store you are coming and they will make your food separate and the way you can eat it. :)

RobynS said...

That is AWESOME! I've never been to Disney, but I'm sure someday we'll go. And now I won't stress about where to eat. =)

corrinacs said...

I am right there with you. Between my son and I, I cannot even grasp the number of food allergies we are avoiding!

In a good way though, having these allergies has made me and my son eat much better! I have to actually THINK about what I want to eat instead of just pulling things off the shelf :). I go organic/all natural these days :).

Can't wait to see what you manage! I too have a blog about food/crafting (I know all of my recipes are entirely milk/whey free, so take what you can) called The Crafty Apron!