I am gluten-free. It is NOT by choice. In 2012-2013 I was in and out of the ER, saw numerous doctors’, and many specialists. No one could figure out what was causing my stomach problems. I was throwing up everything I ate, I had constant stomach aches (like you can’t even walk stomach pain), and I was gaining weight, fast. After 6 months of this I finally saw a nutritionist who diagnosed me as gluten intolerant. I cut gluten out of my diet, in the first week I had amazing results. I lost 15 pounds, stopped getting stomach aches, and no longer threw up daily. It was amazing! I finally felt better!
And then it all set in…I cannot eat anything! Sandwiches are my favorite food. I LOVE bread! French, sourdough, ciabatta, and good old white sandwich bread. I tried to eat things like lettuce wraps and it was not the same. Gluten-free bread should not be called bread. It does not taste good. I have tried so many brands and nothing compares; I mean I eat it, but it is only okay. I was told I would crave gluten products less the longer I was gluten-free, but this is simply just not true.
I also find it embarrassing to go into a restaurant and ask for a gluten-free menu. Since being gluten-free became a diet fad a couple years ago, things have been better and worse for me. It was better because now there are more gluten-free options than ever! I can go to most stores and find gluten-free food, I can order off most menus. But when I tell a server that I would like a gluten-free menu they usually roll their eyes at me. Most people think I am just one of those people who are choosing to eat this way, but I really have an allergy. I am still told by people that it is all in my head. Gluten allergies are not real; I am being dramatic. Not only do I have to give up the food that I love, I am judged severely for it. Every person I meet has their own opinion. I was told by an old coworker that it’s a "women’s thing" to believe I have a gluten allergy. It is super offensive sometimes. Most days, I let it roll right off but some days it really gets to me. I am put down because something caused me physical/medical problems and I chose to change my diet to fix them. So if you are one of those lucky people who can eat gluten, eat some for me!
