I know Iāve said it before, but here am going to say it again… Food Allergies saved my family.
Before food allergies we ate, well… like crap. lol No really, weād eat take out, frozen meals, cheesy artery clogging meals, fried foods galore, and because none of us were overweight (donāt ask how we achieved that, I still have no clue) I really didnāt think much of it. Until our youngest came along and his food allergies changed our lives.
I realize now that most people have nut allergies, or possibly just a small amount of allergies that would not make them completely change their eating habits. So when those people read how I feel about food allergies Iām sure they think that Iām out of mind. However, if you take into account all the food that our son with allergies was unable to eat, you can see just how it changed our lives, for the better.
Take a look.
DINNERS BEFORE ALLERGIES
lasagna
chicken broccoli alfredo
macaroni and cheese
fried chicken
fast food
pizza
frozen dinners
chinese food
one dish meals with cream of something soup
grilled chicken, roasted potato, steamed veggies
fish tacoās (minus the cheese and sour cream)
chicken tortilla soup with whole grain bread (again minus cheese and sour cream)
large salads with small amounts of grilled lamb, beef, or poultry
pork tenderloin, vegetable quinoa and roasted veggies
REAL FOOD, WHOLE FOOD, HEALTHY FOOD
One of the most asked questions I get when people find out about our sonās allergies is “What CAN he eat”? Thatās when I realize just how convenience foods have changed how we eat and cook and live. When I read the labels of food at the store, or when I read the nutrition facts on restaurant websites I am shocked and disgusted by what I find. Those foods are the same ones we were eating, before allergies. I never once thought about it, or if I did, I dismissed it because I didnāt WANT to think about it. Our son eats normal food, real food: vegetables, fruits, grains, meats, poultry, fish. Isnāt that what the food pyramid tells us to eat? (along with nuts and dairy)
Now that we eat differently, we feel healthier. On the few occasions that my husband and I go out on a date and eat at a restaurant, we come home feeling horrible. Our bodies are no longer used to digesting those types of foods. It makes for an unpleasant evening. š So we have also changed our restaurant choices. We eat soups and salads. (so strange) We find ourselves continuing to eat “allergy diet” even when heās not around.
Iām still in disbelief that this is our life. We eat salads? frequently? and no one rolls their eyes or complains when they see it on their dinner plate? weird. My husband makes real oatmeal with berries for breakfast and he likes it? weird. My sons get excited when I put down a huge platter of fruit and devour it like candy? weird. I used to hate people like that. Now Iām one of them. WEIRD!!!!
P.S. This in no way means you will not find me at any given moment sneaking a chocolate bar or a scoop of ice cream. I may eat healthier, but come on…. Iām female! Jeesh! š
-Elizabeth š
Aggie says
This is so true! I had some onion rings last week and the grease is just so gross. My husband and I were both overweight and lost tons of weight after diagnosis. Allergies definitely saved our lives.
Elizabeth DiBurro says
I know what you mean. We had fried fish a few weeks ago and I used to love it. But now it tastes wierd and makes me feel gross!
Jacqui says
love this post! So true!
Elizabeth DiBurro says
Glad we're not the only ones! š
Jennifer says
I agree. I hate food allergies, but it's one of the best things that has happened to our family's health.