March 1st, 2010That’s the date I started my gluten free life style five years ago today. This anniversary means that I am no longer a gluten free toddler, I get to play with the big kids now! On that date I begrudgingly started my new ‘diet’ after eating all the gluten in the house, and most of the surrounding vicinity (yes, I know, terrible idea). While I was irritated by this change I wasn’t bogged down by the idea of it really, but was rather thrilled by the potential of finally being healthy after years of being sick. I was overwhelmed however with the prospect that this potential rested fully in my hands, that I alone could bring about this health. This reality is at once overwhelming and empowering.
While I do have my down moments where I just want to shove an entire glutenous pizza in my face (or throw it at a wall) I’ve accomplished much in these past five years. The ‘diet’ became a life style with the inception of this blog in May 2010, and my acceptance into a Social Work Masters program that same year which showed me the need to embrace all parts of yourself. Here’s just a glimpse of the things I’ve done since going gluten free:
- Planned a fully gluten free wedding that was a culinary hit with all the guests.
- Tolerated innumerable business and personal meetings where the food focus was glutenous, I hope with minimal irritation directed towards others.
- Advocated for youth with food allergies in a social work internship.
- Supported the local gluten free community by connecting to my local Gluten Intolerance Group and volunteering at their vendor fairs.
- Traveled to Canada, Mexico, and 19 new states.
- Learned to really love my food, and to nurture my body through nutrition. Through this I became truly connected to my body by watching how it reacts to different foods, or environments.
- Worked with a client transitioning to a gluten free lifestyle as part of a Gluten Free Health Challenge.
- Attended at least 5 weddings where my diet was respected and catered to with relative success.
- Helped host 20 potlucks with friends (and 5 friend thanksgivings, all taking into consideration the various dietary needs of our diverse group.
- Dined safely (with a few exceptions) at more restaurants than I cam remember.
The truth is that going gluten free didn’t solve all my problems, but it is the biggest thing I can personally do to keep myself healthy and keep the power in my own hands. Since going gluten free five years ago I’ve been diagnosed with Asthma, Fibromyalgia, Pre-Diabetes, and am now struggling with a rapid heart rate. While my diet needed more adjustments to address these new concerns, I now find myself in need of treatment with medications. This is new territory for me, but it’s another path I’m now more equip to walk down thanks to all that going gluten free has taught me. So, cheers to five years down and many more to go in this growing world of gluten free opportunities!