THANK YOU!!!!!

First of all...Thank you, thank you, thank you for helping me out! You guys are amazing! Thanks for all of the ideas for my new "diet." I am proud to report that I have had no more major breakdowns in grocery stores. I am feeling much better. I don't get sick after meals anymore. Here's a few learning moments I have had over the past few weeks...

1. McDonald's can say their french fries are gluten free, but this girl had a major reaction. I decided to "treat" myself for a little treat after my first full week of gluten/dairy free. I was sick for the next 2-3 hours. The good thing is, I realized that it was how I felt after every meal before, and it felt miserable. I have heard that you never know how bad you felt until you start to feel better, and I am starting to realize that it is true.

2. Of course, I would have an allergic reaction to... LIPSTICK. That's right. One of my side effects had been chapped and broken out lips, but I figured that would go away once I switched to gluten free. It has actually gotten worse, though my other side effects have decreased. So I researched it on the celiac website, and most lipsticks have gluten and it's a common response. I am sure it's real inexpensive, too.

3. Taco bell is a good fast grab for people with allergies. I was out shopping and had a blood sugar dip, so I went to googled Taco Bell on my handy dandy phone, and got 2 tacos off their fresco menu. Dairy and gluten free. Of course, they claim that it may come in contact with gluten products, but I had no reaction! And McDonald's claims they aren't in contact with gluten, and you see what happened.

4. Gluten/dairy free does not mean an easy healthy pass. You still have to watch it. I have definitely overindulged on potato chips and Frito scoops. And Dr pepper and sugar as well.

5. Eating out isn't that much fun. I'd rather eat in. Not to be a fuddy-dud, but most restaurants will tell you almost everything has gluten b/c they don't want to be liable. I have eaten out twice, once at California Pizza Kitchen where I had a salad, chicken, and olive oil. They couldn't guarantee what the chips were made of so the salad was it with me, and I was still hungry after I left. The other time was at Chili's, and I ordered a steak with no butter/no seasonings as they suggested and veggies with no butter/no seasoning. I did have the chips and salsa at Chili's there, even though they weren't on the gluten free menu and I was fine. All this to say, if I am going to pay $13 for a meal, I want it to be memorable. So eating in is just easier and more relaxing.

6. I am doing well! This is do-able. More than do-able. I am very blessed. I have great friends who have been supported and my life is more than what I eat. God has helped me keep things in perspective.