When Food Fights Back

So, how would you like to find out after 18 years of eating anything you wanted, especially anything Little Debbie, and after a two-week detox found out you and Little Debbie just are never meant to be friends again? Yeah well, Little Debbie and I had that disagreement the last semester of my senior year of high school because my new friend, Gluten Allergy, came along. So, right before I came to college, I had to learn what my new diet would have to consist of. Of course, people ask if I have Celiac, which no I do not, just a very sensitive allergy, and what I can actually eat. I joke and say air, but let me tell you that I really do miss real bread and real pasta. My parents are pretty sure I have always had the allergy because ever since I was little, I had skin problems on my upper arms. Many dermatologists told me that it was just a skin condition that could be cured through creams and regimens, but nothing ever worked. When we found out about my allergy, my arms cleared up and the itching was gone, as if I had been blessed by a miracle. Coming to college, I honestly wasn’t as good as I should have been sticking to that diet (don’t tell my mom) and trust me there were times I payed for it. The after effects of eating gluten for me are not pretty, and no I won’t go into detail. But, after becoming more disciplined, I stick to the diet basically 99% of the time. In essence, my diet consists of eating very natural—vegetables, fruit and meat. Items that are labeled “gluten free” also find their way into my grocery basket and sometimes, when I’m feeling like blessing myself, I will even throw in some Reece’s. However, going out to eat with a group of friends can be hard because food options for you are not as plentiful and there is always the possibility of cross-contamination. So, thankfully I have been blessed with some amazing friends who make sure that the places we go I can eat more than air.

If you have a food allergy, or are even looking to make changes to your diet, one place I highly recommend looking for recipes and information is Pinterest. This platform has a ton of recipes and information regarding the symptoms of a gluten allergy, and of course I have my own board with lots of recipes pinned that I hope to try in the near future. If you take a look at it, don’t judge the amount of donut recipes that are on there…I have to find some way to replace the one thing that is practically irreplaceable. And if you have a different food allergy or dietary restriction, Pinterest and Google are still amazing resources to use. Just know that you are not alone, we are out here too! If anyone has recommendations or questions regarding a gluten allergy and such, please comment below, link recipes and share the goodness!