I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in April of 2014. Living gluten free has NOT been easy, but finding people who can relate to my struggles makes it so much easier to manage. I've met a lot of people who are gluten free as well, but I also identify with people who have other common allergies like dairy, peanuts, or soy. We all know what it's like to ask for the allergy menu at a restaurant or to tell your friends you can't make a McDonald's run at midnight. So, here are the 10 things you know to be true when you have a food allergy:
1. Ordering take-out is a thing of the past.
For someone like me, who discovered their allergy at 16 years old, there is nothing I miss more than cheap Chinese takeout. Anyone want some homemade fried rice I slaved over in the kitchen for an hour?
2. You just expect the confused look from the waiter/waitress when you ask if they have an allergy menu.
We all know most servers don't understand allergies, so we're prepared to explain that yes, bread does have gluten in it.
3. Sometimes you forget, until you have to turn down free food somewhere.
Whether your friend's mom just made cookies or they're handing out free pizza on campus, it always breaks your heart a little to say, "No, thank you!"
4. You have to explain to everyone you meet that this isn't just some fad diet.
Trust me, I WISH I was doing this because I wanted to.
5. Every time you go to the grocery store you're on the hunt for something new that's safe to eat.
Gluten free, nut free, dairy free, soy free chocolate chip cookies? Not sure what else could possibly be in it, but let's give it a shot.
6. Every event you go to becomes an educating session on cross contamination or ingredients to look out for.
Everyone always wants to make sure the meal they prepared for you is actually safe for you to eat, so it's nice that they are always so interested in your health.
7. Allergy friendly apps will become your best friend.
There's nothing better than having an app at your fingertips to scan food labels and they'll tell you if it is safe or not. Or even better, the app that shows restaurants near you with an allergy friendly menu.
8. When you're exposed to your allergy, it becomes one of the worst days of your life
I'm lucky enough that when I'm exposed to my allergy, I only suffer from severe pains and a major attitude. I can't imagine having to carry an Epipen and worry about my life every time I ate something unfamiliar.
9. It's absolutely hilarious to watch someone pretend to like your food.
It's okay, I understand my food is sometimes dry, tastes weird, and is just overall disgusting. Just be glad you can go and eat something else after this.
10. Even though it can be a hassle at times, you can't imagine your life being any different.
