Ok. Here’s the deal. When I was 16, I was diagnosed with Chronic Ulcerative Colitis. They determined that I would have my colon out before 30. It’s a painful and debilitating disease.
All right, fast forward to current day. I’m 52, and have been in remission for 7 years or so. Yes, I still have my original colon. 😉 Seven years ago, when I was heading for yet ANOTHER hospital visit, one of my friends suggested I try this “diet”. Anyone who knows me will tell you that “skeptical” is one of my foremost traits. Nevertheless, I picked up the book by Dr. Elaine Gottschall, called “Breaking the Vicious Cycle” http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/ (not sure if that link will work, I’m new to blogging). After reading the scientific stuff about how my body was or was not working, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to try it. In fact, she stated that you should be FANATICAL about the diet for a month, and if symptoms didn’t improve, then the diet won’t work for you. Well, within three weeks I had NO pain! Anyway, I stayed on it. Supposedly it will cure mild cases after 2 years, but me being an over-achiever, figure I’m on it for life.
Why am I telling you this? Mainly, it’s my background for this blog. I have to eat a certain way, and it’s (so far) the most restrictive diet regimen I’ve come across. My friends who would go to lunch with me would just tell the staff that, “She’ll just have a stick.”. hehe However, I’ve learned what to eat, how to order, and enjoy meals out, despite the restrictions. Just so you’ll feel better about whatever diet your doctor told you to be on, here is the list of things I CANNOT have:
- Sugar (no forms other than honey)
- Wheat
- Corn
- Rice
- Any grains really, the list is huge
- Soy
- Processed foods
- Soft cheeses
- Yogurt (any other than what I make myself)
- Peanuts
- Potatoes
- Milk products (I’m VERY limited)
As for fruits, most everything I can eat has to be peeled first. Actually, most veggies need to be peeled as well. There are more restrictions that I’m sure I’m forgetting, but you get the gist. Eating out was tough!
While watching a food critic show, I realized the food critics go to places but they aren’t restricted in what they eat. What good does that do for a gluten-free individual for example? My friends who have been suddenly diagnosed with eating restrictions are apprehensive about going out to eat. I’m hoping this blog will provide tips, restaurant reviews, photos, recipes (oh, did I fail to mention I’m also a chef?) and HOPE for people.
Welcome, and thanks for visiting! Let’s EAT!! 🙂
The Sensitive Eater 
Great job! Can’t wait to read the next blog!
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Can you eat ice cream? Everyone should be able to eat ice cream.
It’s great you not only figured this out but became a chef in it as well helping others. Cool
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Thanks George. 🙂 Unfortunately, no ice cream or milk.
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I can’t eat ice cream unless I want to lay in the fetal position for an hour or so 😒
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It’s a cliffhanger! I was sad when I came to the end of your first blog entry because it ended. I look forward to reading more.
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Ok, I know its hard, but lets see a list of things you CAN have! With many of us coming up with various new dietary ailments, it IS helpful to hear from someone who has succesfully navigated her way thru. Thank You for telling your story. Love Ya, Sue Novack
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Woohoo! This will be a great resource for many folks. Way to go. 🙂
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You now know what you can’t eat but there is so much out there that you can eat. I am glad that you figured it all out and that you are in remission! Thank you for sharing!!
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Found your site – keep it up Marti! This will really be a huge resource and help to the online world!
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Love it!!! Thank you for sharing your story and your knowledge. I look forward to reading each blog and even find myself rereading them. So helpful!
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I’m so glad you are still doing so well! I passed the 10 year mark earlier this year and when I have a “slip up”, my body reminds me why we choose this way of life. Major kudos to you for creating this website and blog…and you really should get the taco recipe on here…everybody I share this meal with falls in love with the taco shells! And the granola is a big hit too…added to the yogurt (although I have modified my baking procedure to spreading out the mixture on a pan thinly to get more thorough and even baking.)
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So good to hear you are still on course! Hugs! Yes, I think I’ll have to put the taco recipe up. Guess that means I’ll have to make a batch so I can take pictures. 😉
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