So safe to say that my list of food options just got a heck of a lot smaller.
I grew up loving anything with wheat as a kid, from pastries to simple homemade sandwiches and even a good bowl of rice, my world had been just one big gluten ball. The same when for anything with dairy, I mean, ice cream was just simply a staple in my life.
Yet, as we get older our bodies naturally change, whether by anatomy or the environment, nothing stays the same for long. But, I didn’t know that my change would have such a drastic twist on my diet.
I noticed that there was something up when I started bloating like crazy from eating simple meals that I use to enjoy, some of the favs being quesadillas, roots bowls and even Chipotle (true fact, but actually very sad fact).
Meals like those would send me into a spiral at which resulted in me lying on my dorm floor for almost an hour. It got to the point that I was scared to bloat so any food became unappetizing.
Of course as a food lover I knew that something had to happen, so after a quick little doctors trip and a diagnosis from a nutritional diet expert it was concluded that I have a severe allergy to gluten and a moderate one to dairy.
Yeah, should’ve figured that one out.
From this information, meals plans became important, as well as label reading and tons of time spent on Google. I thought I could cut everything out at once and I found out the hard way that was just not the case.
So instead I’m taking it in increments, slowly starting to find alternatives for the things that once use to love.
My parents as well as my friends here at PSU have been so supportive in helping me figure out everything, as well as also keeping me in check about what I’m eating.
My roommate especially.
Penn State also has been helpful as I have discovered new means to get the appropriate food for me, such as the dietary filters on the menu items on the Penn State Go app, as well as ordering specialty meals by filling out a form.
Although sometimes I may want to venture out and head to downtown State College and grab a bite, I simply do some research and know what they may have, or even my order as soon as I walk in.
Snaps, Fiddlehead and Hello Bistro are just some of the places that offer some really good gluten and dairy free menu items.
I’m not gonna say that its easy all the time though. I do get sad (maybe even reminiscent) about all the things that I once enjoyed, but I’ve come to realize that my health is important, especially when it comes to my body.
I think it’s just all about educating myself, and in today’s world there is so many alternatives and options for individuals with special dietary needs.
Although it’s rough now, I know It will definitely be okay, I just have to read the labels.