Miss The Convenience

[The Glutenator]

I just went for a follow-up biopsy yesterday to see if the gluten-free diet is working at fixing up any damage (since my Ab levels are still through the roof after diligently being gluten-free). I had a very early appointment and, in my groggy state on the way home from the hospital, all I wanted was to stop at a coffee shop or bakery for a fresh muffin. Most of the time I am perfectly content with the gluten-free lifestyle, but sometimes I just REALLY REALLY wish I could pick up something fresh (usually sweet) easily. The feeling is worse when I am grumpy or sick and crave a fresh bun, or sometimes just want...for example...a muffin.

Needed a bit of a rant to those who understand.

[crimsonviolet]

I totally get you. Yesterday I was grocery shopping and I was just so worn out by the whole reading labels, checking for hidden gluten, etc. I caved 2 days ago and ate some fast food that I knew had gluten, and sure enough I reacted. Both my kids and hubby are currently reacting to hidden cross contamination from eating Snickers (mfg in a plant that uses malt.)

It's hard, but it's so worth it when we feel good instead of crappy.

[srall]

Totally understand.

[missy'smom]

I get it. I honestly don't miss the individual foods most of the time. Most of the time it's the convenience and not having to think about everything I put in my mouth. I had a rare melt down in the car and cried on the way home from the grocery store tonight because I was feeling that there's so little I can eat and so tired of the same things and tired of seeing label after label that has ingredients in it that I can't have. I've been to 3 stores in 2 days, while out running errands and couldn't even find a plain iced tea that didn't have sugar! DH ran to the store afterwards today and bought me individual bottles in bulk and put them in the extra fridge so that I can take my own along next time I'm out and about on a hot day!

[Food Allergy Therapist]

I think it's totally normal to have moments where you just wish things were different and you could just have whatever you wanted, whenever you wanted. Changing your diet so drastically and giving up once beloved foods is really challenging and there really is a grieving process you have to go through. After awhile, you may feel like you have it all down, but there may still be moments when it gets the best of you. Important to ackowledge this and not fight it...it's just part of the grieving process. What gets me are Starbucks muffins...I don't know why...but I used to love their muffins and pastries...and when I get a craving, it's often for that. Then I remember how much better it feels not to get glutened.

[The Glutenator]

Yeah, I agree. I think for the rest of my life there will sometimes be moments when I say "damn!", but unfortunately that is just how life is. At least celiac disease is manageable and it could be a lot worse!

[SaraKat]

Going out to eat is a real nightmare so far. No one knows what celiac or gluten is unless I am in NYC.

[BcG3987]

Comepletely understand!! I am at work right now and am staring down at a huge delicious looking pizza from my favorite place with all of my favorite toppings and honestly considered just taking a bite. I have only been doing this a month this time and this past weekend i have tried to convice myself i would be ok with just a bite, but luckily have had the willpower to talk myself out of it. I miss easy food too!!

[Aphreal]

yea, sometimes I really want a sandwhich on some soft bread or have rye toast with apple butter. Alas, we refrain.

[Aphreal]

Going out to eat is a real nightmare so far. No one knows what celiac or gluten is unless I am in NYC.

Do some research and find out what places have gluten-free items. There are maybe 3 places I go that I have their gluten-free menu memorized. Pretty much gave up on eating out other than that.

[bridgetm]

The only "fast-food" I'll eat is Noodles & Company (Pad thai's the only safe thing on their menu for me) or a bowl from Chipotle. It sucks because you can't find those off every freeway exit like McDonald's or Subway. I really miss impulse shopping. I could wander around Walmart with friends, not really needing anything, and walk out with $10 worth of junk food. Now I might grab some dark chocolate just because my friends are grabbing Pop Tarts and donuts to eat in the parking lot. In some cruel irony, the gluten-free aisle in the Mankato Walmart is located right next to the Pop Tarts

Look at it this way... Not only are we more healthy than them, but we are also saving money. Those dollar menu stops add up.

[mbrookes]

I understand!!! My idea of State Fair (starts here next week) is walking around with a lemonade and a corn dog. This year I'm making corn dogs and smuggling them in in my purse. I even have the little packets of mustard. Not like the real thing, but I can pretend!

Last year I cried all the way home because I couldn't have a corn dog. This time I'm ready!

[lucia]

I feel genuinely disabled sometimes, I feel so freakishly different than everybody else. The things they take for granted would make me sick for a week.

But other times, it's ok. I just remember to bring an avocado with me, or some nuts, whatever.

[cap6]

We rv'd for 3 months this summer (just got home) and I got so tired of restaurants saying they had a gluten free menu only to get there and find out that their idea of gluten free was a choice of 3 different salads. I was really really tired of salads. lol Guess you have to call ahead and ask what is on the menu! What a learning precess.