Oh dearest friends...
Please join me in mourning the loss of my palate. For it will never be the same again.
I have found out the cause of my nine-month sinus infection.
And it is very very devastating.
I'm talking cry-in-the-doctor's-office-tragic.
I am allergic to MILK, EGGS and WHEAT.
Yes, you read that correctly...I am allergic to all foods known to man.
The doc put me on a very strict "Caveman Diet" of meat, veggies and fruit.
FOR EIGHT WEEKS!!!
What am I supposed to eat for breakfast?
How about a nice slab of bacon with a side of pineapple?? GMO!
He is hopeful that after the eight week diet from hell that we can rotate in some other foods and check my tolerance levels and adjust from there.
I am not going to lie... I have been really depressed about this. I am a lover of all things edible. I plan menus and dinner parties in my sleep. I am always thinking up new ways to cook such and such. I love to cook and try new things. And oh my soul do I love a good dessert! And Lucy made some peanut butter cookies yesterday that I had to SAY NO TO.
This is very frustrating.
Today is better. I have chosen to look on the bright side.
1. I will be really really healthy (like Daniel!... you know Daniel in the lion's den? minus the meat, of course)
2. I will probably drop a few lbs. Maybe this is the Lord's very humorous way of granting my pleas to look like Jessica/Katherine. Maybe my gluten-free bod will be way better than theirs??
3. I do not have cancer. It could be worse.
4. No more antibiotics. I hope hope hope that this current one I am on will be the last. They just make me feel yucky.
5. I will most likely gain a new perspective on food. My current outlook is borderline obsessive, but I figure that I will learn to see it as fuel for my body rather than "When can I get to Gambino's for a plate of shrimp Alfredo?" This could possibly be a good change.
I am really writing this list for myself. So tomorrow when I change my mind (after going to Supper Club and not eating any of the goodies there) I can come back and remember my fleeting moment of positivity.
If you have any advice or know any wheat-free, egg-free and milk-free recipes, please email me.
echappell at espcfairhope dot org.
I'm going to drink a Coke. Because I can.
oh em! that stinks!
ReplyDeleteBut it will be amazing if this really makes you feel better! and you'll be able to cheat if you dont mind dealing with the consequences...
you can have grits for breakfast...they are made from corn! Just check the package or buy local organic to get them without gluten.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking for things every time I go to the store!!! You know I'm looking out for you....LOVE, LOVE!
ReplyDeleteI have a great pork recipe, for pork tenderloin or pork chop recipe. Anyway it includes pineapple (fruit) and this other fruit sauce. Its good. I will think of other things.
ReplyDeleteI have some yummy chicken recipes I will send you. Can you do rice, polenta, couscous like stuff? I'm sorry Em, I know your passion for food. We will find some yummy stuff. My question is did you just develop this allergy? Out of the blue??? I've had soy milk once when my doctor thought that I was lactose intolerant. It wasn't so bad.
ReplyDeleteThis totally sucks. I have a friend whose daughter is allergic to lots and she has been on a very sparse diet since breastfeeding. She would be totally willing to get you some recipes. her blog is No Expectations and Joanna. The link is on my blog.
ReplyDeleteOh My Goodness! I think I specifically remember you talking about how devastating it would be to be allergic to wheat...I'm so sorry!!! Hang in there chica & hopefully the nasty sinus infection will improve!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry Emily! One of my twins was allergic to dairy and eggs until he was 2 and it was hard. You should be able to eat Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Rice Krispies or grits for breakfast. You may be able to eat oatmeal too. My boys loved soy yogurt - may be worth a try. I know most nicer grocery stores have a whole section now for people with food allergies - gluten/wheat free foods, soy, etc. Some of them are surprisingly good. When you are looking at food labels, make sure you look for the words casein and whey - those are milk proteins that aren't always spelled out as milk. Good luck! Let me know if I can help you!
ReplyDeleteWait - no more Activia? This is an appalling diagnosis. I would go crazy without my rice chex. I'll be thinking about you, friend - hang in there!!
ReplyDeleteOh sad Em!!! I would be just as devastated because you know I love food as much as you do. Do they think you'll be able to add all these foods back in eventually?? I'll see if I can find some good recipes that will fit your diet. :( I am so sorry!!
ReplyDeleteOh man! Those are some serious allergies! Im very sorry for your loss. I will be looking for recipes. Yes, you are going to be even skiinnier...
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry, Em! I thought the "positives" list was pretty good of you though! It's so crazy how dependent we are on good food! It's is a crazy, strict diet, but like some of the posts say-there's a whole section in grocery stores b/c it's so common. I hope the 8 week diet will cure you!
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