Seeing Too Much 'normal Food' At The University

[num1habsfan]

I know all I ever seem to do is rant, but I think it is time to do so again.

I really don't know why this is happening to me, but I'm really feeling overwhelmed, seems like more and more every day, by being at this university.

The thing is, the only places a person can really sit at a table happen to be at one of 2 cafeterias. So what I have to do is see a ton of people eating pizza, subs, sandwiches, fried chicken, chicken fingers, junk food, etc. I cant seem to avoid it, and it is seriously driving me NUTS.

I've had Celiac for 5 years already (as you all know) so I am not sure why it is getting to me...all I keep thinking in my mind is "oh-my-god i want to eat thattttt!!" even though i KNOW it's evil and I'd be sick for weeks.

But again just now I nearly broke out in tears from seeing this food I can't even touch or smell nevermind eat...another good example was a few weeks ago a teacher was using a bag of Salt & Vinegar Old Dutch chips as an example (which used to be my favourite Old Dutch product) and he talked about it for about 1/2 hour and by the end I couldn't even look up at him and wanted to cry...

Please give some advice guys, if you can think of anything, for how I can stop this feeling.

~ Lisa ~

[~alex~]

I don't really have a solution for you, but just a suggestion.

Think about how much money you are saving! Realistically, buying lunch (food + drink) is probably going to to cost you near $10 when you factor in the jacked up prices they charge at university cafeterias.

So if you buy lunch once a week in the ~32 weeks of university you spend $320. That's quite a bit of money you could put to new clothes, an ipod . . . whatever you've been wanting to buy.

People who buy their lunch almost every day are spending about $1500 a year!!! That could be a nice trip, a great stereo, lotsa money in the bank etc., etc., etc.

I had no food restrictions when in University but after spending WAY too much on food one year, I made a bet with a friend the next year that I could go all year without buying any food on campus. I kept a fairly close running tab of the money she spent on on food throughout the year which ended up being about $800!!! I took the $800 that I saved and with my grandpa's help I put it in a Canada Savings Bond. (I realize this isn't feasible for everyone -- it's just what I wanted and was able to do with the money.)

Not sure if this is the kind of suggestion you are looking for but just an idea that might help keep you encouraged. Maybe pick out something you want to buy in 6 months, 1 year, or whatever and put the money you would use to buy food on campus towards that.

[YoloGx]

I don't really have a solution for you, but just a suggestion.

Think about how much money you are saving! Realistically, buying lunch (food + drink) is probably going to to cost you near $10 when you factor in the jacked up prices they charge at university cafeterias.

So if you buy lunch once a week in the ~32 weeks of university you spend $320. That's quite a bit of money you could put to new clothes, an ipod . . . whatever you've been wanting to buy.

People who buy their lunch almost every day are spending about $1500 a year!!! That could be a nice trip, a great stereo, lotsa money in the bank etc., etc., etc.

I had no food restrictions when in University but after spending WAY too much on food one year, I made a bet with a friend the next year that I could go all year without buying any food on campus. I kept a fairly close running tab of the money she spent on on food throughout the year which ended up being about $800!!! I took the $800 that I saved and with my grandpa's help I put it in a Canada Savings Bond. (I realize this isn't feasible for everyone -- it's just what I wanted and was able to do with the money.)

Not sure if this is the kind of suggestion you are looking for but just an idea that might help keep you encouraged. Maybe pick out something you want to buy in 6 months, 1 year, or whatever and put the money you would use to buy food on campus towards that.

That is a great idea! Its better to stay positive rather than poor me. Also I suggest you might talk with someone at the university who arranges the food to see if they could have a gluten free area. You might think nothing will happen from it but you never can tell, it just might. Someone else here on the board was saying how her university actually does. If we don't make waves nothing will happen. Plus it might cheer you up to start a discussion. You could even write to the school newspaper about it!

Meanwhile make your own damn non gluten pizza if that is what you crave--it will do wonders for your inner child crying out to not be deprived. They have packages of the stuff -- as well as bread -- you can bake yourself out on the market.

For me however its still dicey since I am allergic to yeast, cheese and soy--and don't take that well to white rice flour except very occasionally. Nevertheless I still got one of those pizza packages for the rainy day I really want it--I can just make it without the yeast and put my own toppings on it. Plus it helps just to know its there.

Yolo

[YoloGx]

That is a great idea! Its better to stay positive rather than poor me. Also I suggest you might talk with someone at the university who arranges the food to see if they could have a gluten free area. You might think nothing will happen from it but you never can tell, it just might. Someone else here on the board was saying how her university actually does. If we don't make waves nothing will happen. Plus it might cheer you up to start a discussion. You could even write to the school newspaper about it!

Meanwhile make your own damn non gluten pizza if that is what you crave--it will do wonders for your inner child crying out to not be deprived. They have packages of the stuff -- as well as bread -- you can bake yourself out on the market.

For me however its still dicey since I am allergic to yeast, cheese and soy--and don't take that well to white rice flour except very occasionally. Nevertheless I still got one of those pizza packages for the rainy day I really want it--I can just make it without the yeast and put my own toppings on it. It helps just to know its there.

Yolo

[num1habsfan]

That is a great idea! Its better to stay positive rather than poor me. Also I suggest you might talk with someone at the university who arranges the food to see if they could have a gluten free area. You might think nothing will happen from it but you never can tell, it just might. Someone else here on the board was saying how her university actually does. If we don't make waves nothing will happen. Plus it might cheer you up to start a discussion. You could even write to the school newspaper about it!

Meanwhile make your own damn non gluten pizza if that is what you crave--it will do wonders for your inner child crying out to not be deprived. They have packages of the stuff -- as well as bread -- you can bake yourself out on the market.

For me however its still dicey since I am allergic to yeast, cheese and soy--and don't take that well to white rice flour except very occasionally. Nevertheless I still got one of those pizza packages for the rainy day I really want it--I can just make it without the yeast and put my own toppings on it. Plus it helps just to know its there.

Yolo

I tried bringing up gluten-free in this place before, when I came before classes started for that orientation and couldn't eat anything at lunch, so I waited 30 out of the 45 min lunch break for them to bring me a gluten-free salad, and what did they do? put ham instead of chicken. I was too hungry though so ate it.

Someone on this forum here went to the U of R also (you know who you are lol) and they were the ones who said nothing is safe. It sucks when they're not enough of us out there. But maybe I can try talkig to the lady at the disabilities office. I think if there's anyone who can help it would be her.

By the way, your idea is pretty cool Alex...never thought about things frm that point of view, maybe its something i'll have to give a try (once I have the time to think about anything else besides my exams haha)

~ Lisa ~

[Glutenfreefamily]

My way is morbid but it works for me I just think in my thoughts of how much healthier I will be than those eating gluten since so many people would benefit from it. Colon cancer and the many many other horrible illnesses they can keep and I will be nice and healthy in my old age.

[ravenwoodglass]

I know all I ever seem to do is rant, but I think it is time to do so again.

I really don't know why this is happening to me, but I'm really feeling overwhelmed, seems like more and more every day, by being at this university.

The thing is, the only places a person can really sit at a table happen to be at one of 2 cafeterias. So what I have to do is see a ton of people eating pizza, subs, sandwiches, fried chicken, chicken fingers, junk food, etc. I cant seem to avoid it, and it is seriously driving me NUTS.

I've had Celiac for 5 years already (as you all know) so I am not sure why it is getting to me...all I keep thinking in my mind is "oh-my-god i want to eat thattttt!!" even though i KNOW it's evil and I'd be sick for weeks.

But again just now I nearly broke out in tears from seeing this food I can't even touch or smell nevermind eat...another good example was a few weeks ago a teacher was using a bag of Salt & Vinegar Old Dutch chips as an example (which used to be my favourite Old Dutch product) and he talked about it for about 1/2 hour and by the end I couldn't even look up at him and wanted to cry...

Please give some advice guys, if you can think of anything, for how I can stop this feeling.

~ Lisa ~

Doesn't the college have a library with tables? The cafe can't be the only place you can find with a table to study at. If it bothers you to that much of an extent to have folks eating gluten food around you the best thing may be to find someplace to sit that doesn't sell food. If that isn't possible then do as another poster said and make yourself a nice gluten-free pizza or bring some gluten-free snacks with you.

[Phyllis28]

Lisa,

Is there a place you might be able to sit in the disability office? When I spoke with the disablility office at my son's community college they told me he was welcome to come in a sit in the reception area (they have a couple of couches and a coffee table) anytime.

[num1habsfan]

Lisa,

Is there a place you might be able to sit in the disability office? When I spoke with the disablility office at my son's community college they told me he was welcome to come in a sit in the reception area (they have a couple of couches and a coffee table) anytime.

Hmm well i'm going to have to find out about that. Once things settle down I'll definitely go have a talk with the lady. First I need to manage to get through these midterms and move ...in 4 days from now, after I START packing on Friday, AND trying to get my soon ex-roomate to leave the $200 for my parents before saturday (when she's running away to avoid us) ...ahhh

~ Lisa ~

[num1habsfan]

make yourself a nice gluten-free pizza or bring some gluten-free snacks with you.

That i did...brought some of the oatmeal chocolate chip muffins i made on Sunday, and a 6" pizza that i added some meat to. But i have to eat the pizza cold (right now lol) and it doesnt really taste the yummiest...haha. There are microwaves, I think i know where, but none that I would ever trust!!!

~ Lisa ~

[ravenwoodglass]

That i did...brought some of the oatmeal chocolate chip muffins i made on Sunday, and a 6" pizza that i added some meat to. But i have to eat the pizza cold (right now lol) and it doesnt really taste the yummiest...haha. There are microwaves, I think i know where, but none that I would ever trust!!!

~ Lisa ~

Those muffins sound good. I envy the oatmeal, I was hoping I could do gluten-free ones but not the case, so eat an extra one for me okay? I hope your move goes smoothly this weekend. I know you must be looking forward to the freedom of walking into your own gluten-free space, although I know it will also be a lot of work.

Best wishes with the move and and the testing.

[Cynbd]

Ha ha -- I have a college professor that constantly talks about CAKE as examples in production/process management ARGH. I personally have learned to like it because it is as close as I will get to ever having it again and the memories of how good cake is makes me smile. So, I guess I say it's all in the attitude. I even like the smell of foods I can't have, like a really good pizza :-) At least I know what these things taste like. I wonder what I would think if I had never had pizza before (My once all-time favorite food and staple)

(I know I can have gluten-free cakes and pizza, but it's not the same... close, but still not the same :-) and I am dairy free too.

I go to college in California, so the weather is generally nice and I can eat outside around the quad. But my campus also has student lounges and study areas that I have been known to eat in.

The other thing that helps me is to make sure I eat all the time and don't get too hungry, because being hungry makes me more "desperate" about what I can and can't eat.

I eat fruit and Lara Bars throughout a long day, and I try to eat those snacks before lunch or dinner so I am not as hungry. It really is a much healthier diet.

[num1habsfan]

Those muffins sound good. I envy the oatmeal, I was hoping I could do gluten-free ones but not the case, so eat an extra one for me okay? I hope your move goes smoothly this weekend. I know you must be looking forward to the freedom of walking into your own gluten-free space, although I know it will also be a lot of work.

Best wishes with the move and and the testing.

Sure I'll be eating plenty of them, am having ome right now with my tim horton's coffee . How come you can't tolerate the gluten-free oats??? Or do you not get the Only Oats brand in the US?? I'm about as sensitive as a person can get, as you know, and i never did from this brand..I bet people won't even know i'm eating something different

~ Lisa ~

[ravenwoodglass]

Sure I'll be eating plenty of them, am having ome right now with my tim horton's coffee . How come you can't tolerate the gluten-free oats??? Or do you not get the Only Oats brand in the US?? I'm about as sensitive as a person can get, as you know, and i never did from this brand..I bet people won't even know i'm eating something different

~ Lisa ~

The protein in oats is similar to the one in gluten, not all of us can tolerate oats. I really loved them but even the certified gluten free ones give me nasty stomach pain and other gluten type issues. Not as bad as wheat but still not nice. So it seems unfortunately I am one of the celiacs who can't do them. Do you eat a lot oatmeal? Have you ever cut it out for a couple of weeks to see if maybe you aren't tolerating it? I know you have still been having some issues so it might be worth trying if you haven't before. I saw your post about the doctors referral, it is too bad it is a month or so away but at least you finally got one. Hopefully it is timed so it won't impact your studies, but with it so far away you can give your instructors plenty of notice.

[num1habsfan]

The protein in oats is similar to the one in gluten, not all of us can tolerate oats. I really loved them but even the certified gluten free ones give me nasty stomach pain and other gluten type issues. Not as bad as wheat but still not nice. So it seems unfortunately I am one of the celiacs who can't do them. Do you eat a lot oatmeal? Have you ever cut it out for a couple of weeks to see if maybe you aren't tolerating it? I know you have still been having some issues so it might be worth trying if you haven't before. I saw your post about the doctors referral, it is too bad it is a month or so away but at least you finally got one. Hopefully it is timed so it won't impact your studies, but with it so far away you can give your instructors plenty of notice.

That sucks!!! I don't eat them often. I just use the Only Oats mixes for the muffins and cookies and pancakes. And that is only once in awhile. Otherwise i hate the stuff . Never eaten anything like oatmeal or those breakfast things before and don't plan to start eating the gluten-free stuff either if its not in baking.

Yeah waiting forever sucks...I'll give the school no choice but to work around it. I can turn their lectures back in their face and say if i have prolong doc appts how do you expect me to raise my grades when i get worse

~ Lisa ~

[Glutina]

Aw I totally understand your frustration....I am also a university student, and my faculty is far away from any food, period. All we have is vending machines....so no quick-grab options for me (but I know that's all just junk anyway, but still...)

It doesn't help that our cafeteria(s) are also filled with the pizza/sub/junk choices...it seems nearly impossible to find a gluten-free choice! (which is why I just pack my own food as often as possible). My only option is a smoothie place a loooong walk away, and while my friends can just go quickly grab something, I have to run or set aside a good chunk of time to get something.

Personally, I get over the feelings of self-pity by imagining if I ate the foods and what I would feel like shortly after and for the next few days. This reality check usually works for me. Also, it helps that I genuinely enjoy the taste of healthy and gluten-free foods anyway

Anyhoo, I just wanted to say that I totally understand where you're coming from!

-Glutina

[YoloGx]

That sucks!!! I don't eat them often. I just use the Only Oats mixes for the muffins and cookies and pancakes. And that is only once in awhile. Otherwise i hate the stuff . Never eaten anything like oatmeal or those breakfast things before and don't plan to start eating the gluten-free stuff either if its not in baking.

Yeah waiting forever sucks...I'll give the school no choice but to work around it. I can turn their lectures back in their face and say if i have prolong doc appts how do you expect me to raise my grades when i get worse

~ Lisa ~

I have found adding cooked quinoa and some sorghum flour to my breads and pancakes gives them a similar texture to oats. Adding a little Xanthum gum also helps give the breads etc. a more spongy gluten like texture.

I too can't eat oats. Was doing so a few years ago and it got so bad I was starting to get the shakes when standing up. Oats always made me feel tired so I had mostly avoided them for years. However I was eating barley/buckwheat pancakes and was having trouble sleeping. I didn't realize there was a connection. I read in my herb books how oats are often used as a kind of sedative. So I started eating oats at night regularly.

It worked however in the short term and even was kind of addictive--I had them raw soaked with soy milk or some such. However in the meantime it pretty much destroyed me for a while with the shakes and recurrence of chronic ill health. After that I finally went to see a doctor who thought I had leaky gut. I looked it up in the Merk manual and thought no, not really, but it does look like this celiac.

I tried the diet out and in 3 months my fingernails and teeth started to harden and I no longer had the shakes. Though it wasn't until recently I realized I needed to be even more careful about eliminating trace gluten. The old Merk didn't let me know that one needed to be so careful and no doctor at Kaiser bothered to tell me...

Yolo