haha yes, this title was kind of inspired by those old Disney Channel commercials where they would "pass the plate" and teach you about different foods and cultures. I thought it would be fitting in order to talk about the dietary restrictions that come with a chronic illness.
One of the hardest things for me to learn was that food can completely destroy me and send me into a major flare. In the beginning, it seemed impossible to give up the foods I had known and loved for eighteen years. However, in the moment where you hit the lowest point you can, you are willing to do whatever it takes in order to feel better, even if it means giving up the foods you once loved.
For me this was gluten. I used to love Publix cake, brownies, Chic-Fil-A fried nuggets, Pub Subs, etc. I have found great alternatives, however I used to think these foods were worth getting sick over. It was hard for me to know what they taste like and suddenly have to give them up, however once I did and stopped cheating, I notice I started feeling better. Not 100%, but better.
When Covid hit, being gluten free became extremely difficult. The people who do it for diet culture stocked up on all the gluten free noodles and would buy out the gluten free section. I once talked to a lady in the store who was annoyed that she would have to go back to actual noodles for dinner that night and I told her she should be thankful that she can. People with celiac or other illnesses that do not allow gluten don't have the option to just switch back to normal noodles and bread when they feel like it. When the store is out, they have to figure out .new meal for that night and find other alternatives. I realized in the store that day, that there are people out there who do not realize that others don't have this option. They think that not eating gluten is always a choice.
I have been gluten free for about a year and a half now. I'm here to tell you it gets easier. You will stop missing those foods and get used to it. I know it's hard, but you got this!
Yours truly,
Kaitlyn
@trusting.my.gut