We have now returned from all of our summertime traveling (and now thankfully back to my website!). Nothing too far, but quite busy and fun!
We were off to the beach, off to visit family, friends, and relatives. Enjoying the sunshine, outdoors, parks, zoos, beaches, pools, picnics, shopping, sports, mini-golfing, movies, hikes, blueberry picking, Farmer’s Markets and lots of eating in new places. For those of us with food allergies, that always adds its own sauce to the mix so to speak.
This year our week at the beach was a bit different. I arrived ready for my relaxing “day at the beach” but yet found myself intrigued by watching what those around me were eating. We really are a society that eats what is in front of us. We reach for what is convenient, easy, quick- mostly by not thinking about it too much. Unless of course, you or a family member are one with a food allergy – then we may be overthinking it at times. But I have to admit, I was taken aback by how many people just eat so mindlessly.
Yes, my family and I do indulge a little on vacation – of course always sticking to our allergy safe foods. We enjoy that bucket of fries – the kids savor that while on the boardwalk. I found that you could pretty much order a bucket of fries, pizza, ice cream or fudge at nearly every corner while at the beach. Everywhere people were eating, eating, eating!
I had a hard time sleeping a few nights- thinking too much about all the food? Maybe . . . but then being overtired the next day, my appetite was way off! So, yes, I was wanting something to eat that I usually didn’t indulge in- and couldn’t find so easily with my allergies. Did you know that lack of sleep really messes with your gut, it goes into distress, messes up your hormones- and even makes you hungrier (but that is all for another post!) Sleep is so important to keep yourself healthy. For those of us with allergies or food intolerances, sleep is EXTREMELY important!
Maybe I was feeling a little sorry for myself (lack of sleep kicking in again!) But I was getting a bit discouraged to not just go out and grab food like everyone around me – especially for my children. I was a little shocked by my feelings as I went through all of this when first diagnosed with my allergies. It was a process to work through- but I got through it then. So, why was I having so much “want” of unnecessary foods? Hormones? Lack of sleep? Probably.
When we are away from our regular daily routine or home life, our bodies get a bit messed up. So yes, we have to be a bit more mindful of what we are wanting and eating. I totally believe that if you want that ice cream or big cookie, you should have it – NO – not if you are allergic or intolerant!! Not saying that! (Never make yourself sick on purpose!) I am saying if you want to eat a food that you do not always eat because you stay on your healthy living, keeping your body clean of junk foods – well, go right ahead. I think as a society we beat ourselves up on “oh I cannot eat that it will make me fat, or is not healthy for me!” Then we spend all day wishing we had just eaten it and feeling deprived. Eat the cookie. Enjoy it! Savor it – and go on with your day. You deserve a break. Should you do this all day, everyday . . . NO! If so, then you are just going to cause your body distress, and eventually fall off of your very healthy lifestyle – so NOT worth it! My feelings of deprivation passed, and I was fine again. But, it made me really think.
When we follow a different lifestyle than others, or need to watch what we eat very carefully – we are different from those around us. I am finding when talking to people to start eating healthier- they think, “No way! I am not giving up all of that!” We look at everything as deprivation. No one wants to go without. Well, of course not. I believe I was going through a little of this on vacation, being out of my typical environment. But, look at the other side of the coin – how you will be so much healthier for all of it. Following your allergy safe life makes you very mindful of everything you eat, very mindful of what foods are made of, very mindful of how food effects your body. All of that makes you much healthier in today’s world. Something to be thankful for of course!
So, even while away on vacation, always stick to your healthy gluten-free, or allergy safe life you follow. Fulfill yourself with friends, family, doing things that fill you up with joy – then you will just be happy and joyful with what you are eating along the way!
Hope your summer travels have been fun and fulfilling- and haven’t thrown you off of your allergy safe lifestyle!
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