Johanne's Journal, 18 October 2010

It's really hard to have a social life when you have food sensitivities. Unfortunately, people aren't very understanding either. When your on the road, convenience stores are the best, because you can get dried fruit or nuts or some simple food to tide you over. 

It happens... but it's all behind you now. Just remember how bad you felt today the next time you see those foods. I had the same reaction to an excess of bbq pork at my friends house. I haven't been craving it since. 

I agree with cocobutt. Remember this feeling. It will serve you well in the future. My gall bladder acts horrifically if I have high fat, greasy foods, so whenever I have that urge to have fast food, I just remember how sick I will be for the next day. It works as a deterrent! 

@coco and whaea, I won't be doing it again anytime soon. New mantra . . . must not eat gluten, must not eat gluten, must not eat gluten. It's just that I'm so new to it. I haven't eaten onions willingly since I was tiny. I didn't realize until I was an adult and I started eating them again that they give me migraines. Most of the in-laws think this is really stupid. They have been making fun of me for years because of the onions. You can imagine how they reacted to the gluten intolerance. Runesinger is right. Social life with food sensitivities SUCKS!!! 

Try to carry stuff on you - natural granola bars and dried fruit hold up pretty well (even if they're in your glove compartment for a month). I don't have the sensitivities some of you do but I've found having something in my backpack or purse if I'm going to be gone for hours is a godsend.  

Sue, I do carry an emergency pack in my purse normally. Monday I left in a hurry and forgot to refill it. The problem is when you are at a full scale dinner and people feel slighted if you shun their food and pull out your own "snack" food. I know it's what I have to do, but it's very uncomfortable. By the way, you have to be really careful with granola bars. There aren't many that are actually gluten free, especially in my price range. 

I suffer from IBS and I have learned that albeit embarrassing, people tend to be very understanding when it comes to dietary preferences if you give them advance notice. Like when someone invites you to dinner, explain that you have a food allergy and then maybe offer to bring something so you can participate socially but not regret it later. I can handle some of my trigger foods in small doses, but if my meal is grounded with non-trigger foods I do alright. Also another trick I use for those who host and get easily offended, I eat a small meal before I go. This means I eat less of whatever they have prepared and it's likely to affect me less, my response to when they ask if I want more or why I don't want anymore, I just say its was GREAT/DELICIOUS/SO GOOD but this is enough for me. Sometimes people are receptive and other times you know they are not going to be, but you have to do what is right for your body. Also if you had a mcdonald's available you could have probably asked for lettuce instead of a bun even on their $1 menu burgers. It's just an idea. 

LOL. Crowned, everyone is great . . . just not my in-laws. They have cast iron stomachs and I think they think I'm doing this to get attention. Thanks for the suggestions and for caring. I appreciate it.  

I am pretty sure that Nature Valley granola bars, the "nut" varieties (roasted almond, pecan, and peanut butter) are gluten-free. They don't have any ingredients that appear to be gluten-containing and I have been eating one every day with no ill effects. I get them at Sam's Club, a 30-pack for around $8.  

Thanks. I'll look for them. I don't belong to a Sam's Club, but I would imagine Walmart must carry them, in that case.