Please DON'T feel sorry for me! This is a BLESSING!

The last couple weeks have been wildly busy and if you read my last post you know how important is to be diligent in reading labels and taking time to take care of yourself. With everything that has been going on, I can't count how many times I heard: "I am so sorry. I feel so sorry for you. That has got to be so tough!"

First let me say THANK YOU for those of you would have kept me in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time in my life. I won't say that this is EASY or anything of the sort... what I will say is, it has been educational, beneficial, trying at times, emotional and yet a wonderful experience. Without the assistance of friends, family and co-workers, who have also begun to educate themselves and reading more labels because they wonder... "Hmmm... Can Heather eat this?", I am not sure where I would be.

Secondly, please DON'T feel sorry for me! Six months ago, I was exhausted, winded, barely able to make it up the stairs at work (thank goodness for the elevator), had a bad case of malnutrition and low blood protein and sick every two weeks because my stomach could not handle the things that I was putting in it. The doctor made this announcement, " No more GLUTEN, DAIRY or MEAT. Only cold water fish (this means no shrimp or crawfish - which is so SAD" The list given to me in a previous visit from the same doctor says NO SOY! Okay, so you ask yourself... What is left!

I have discovered there is actually quite a few things I can eat and actually like. I am very thankful that I LOVE LOVE LOVE veggies! Without the ability to eat mushrooms, asparagus, onions, peppers (ALL KINDS), eggplant, brussel sprouts and many others, I would have a severe case of malnutrition. I eat a large quantity of hummus (many varieties and I am working on more... soon that will come), veggies like crazy, Quinoa and multiple brands of GF Pasta.

The most bizarre change that has happened is my NEED for SWEETS! At many times in the past six months I have been at places where there is cake, brownies, candy and the like. Surprisingly enough, it doesn't bother me that others can eat those things and I can't. What I will say, is that I know that eating those things will make me feel BAD, and feel bad for a long period of time, so why would I want to put that in my body!

Eating right for me (or you) is what is important! If you are exhausted, worn out, fuzzy headed or any of those other sympotoms that could be anything, first start with determining what you are putting in your body. Just because it works for your friend or family member, doesn't mean it works for you!

So when I am visiting, or having dinner, or at the grocery store with you and you decide you want something I can't have, please don't feel sorry for me! Just know that I am learning what works for me and I am rising to the challenge of keeping dinner interesting!