Traveling Gluten-Freee

Traveling and remaining GF is difficult. I know the tricks--even a fast food hamburger can be eaten with a knife and fork, bun-less. I don't eat fast-food salads, ever. I can either taste the chemicals they've doused over the produce, or I have a very good imagination. And, they are always wilted, not crisp or fresh. The greens are a crime.

I embrace Taco Bell, kind of. At least the corn tortillas are less harmful than bread. But, I do worry about the meat... Panera is everywhere any more. I've eaten their tuna sandwiches without bread and with a fork. In a pinch. Chipotle is my salvation. A rice bowl. Tortilla chips and guacamole.

Last week's trip to Napa I decided to indulge; experiment. I ate croissants at Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bakery several times. I researched a Thai Steak Salad endlessly, determining the noodles would be rice noodles. They weren't. I ate some pizza. I even ate a hamburger bun at In-and-Out on our last afternoon, knowing it would be the only meal I'd get that day.

I'm paying the price. Really. I've been trying to convince myself it's all my imagination, but it isn't. My legs and arms ache. My fatigue has increased. I am suffering a general over-all weakness. My sleep cycles are upside down.

I'm a born-again GF girl. 5 days sober. No cheats. This requires planning ahead; grocery shopping; baking GF. I'm doing all of these. And, I re-mourning the loss of Gluten. In my lifetime I've researched the best of everything, food-wise. I delight in a great baguette, a worthwhile muffin, the best thin-crust and deep-dish pizzas. Pasta has been a passion.

I'm a great cook and baker. But, everything I bake GF is inferior. Disappointing. I miss cooking pasta dishes. I never thought I'd say this, but I miss gravy. And, biscuits.

So, I'll focus on beautiful vegetables and fresh fruit, high-quality meats, European butters and cheeses. My taste buds will adjust. My memories will fade.

And, I still have chocolate!

Prevailing

 

Yes, I'm continuing my wheatless (witless) journey, quite successfully and happily. A few adjustments and tastes along the way, but my dedication is unwavering. Feeling 25-30% better is remakable.

Through two road trips and last week's beach-city gourmand adventure. Grits are my friend. Geechie Boy, especially. Red meat, seafood, dark green leafy treats, and pickled beets, etc. Chocolate and cheese. I am w(h)ineless.

 

Something's Amiss

Absolutely delicious.

 

Not sure what's going on, but a few of my symptoms that were lessening have revolted.

IBS (2x in 2 days)

Fatigue (increased and debilitating)

Sleep disturbances

Increased muscle/body aches

Hand and feet numbness, tingling

Leg aches upon resting

Sharp cramping in upper-mid chest (scary)

 

Suspicions

Dietarily, I tried oatmeal from Starbucks, commercially-prepared Rice Krispie Treats, Talenti Gelato, and spicey chicken sushi from Caputo's.

Talenti Gelato

 

Will save the gelato for rare special occasions; cease eating suspect Rice Krispie Treats; and try the sushi another day under controlled conditions.