When you have a food allergy or intolerance, it can be easy to become frustrated by the limitations of your diet. No matter how much better you feel for staying true to your dietary requirements, it doesn't help that everyone around you can seemingly eat whatever they want. Dealing with this feeling on a regular basis can become tiring and with time your interest in food can start to wane.
For many people with allergies or intolerances, it's not such a big deal day-to-day. When you are cooking for yourself, eating at home and bringing pre-prepared food to work or school, you are in control of what you are eating. However, when you go to a friends house for dinner, go out for a meal or attend an event or celebration where food is involved, things can suddenly become much more challenging.
Let's take a look at a few simple tips you can use to ensure that you maintain a positive relationship with food when you have an intolerance or allergy to contend with.
Try New Things
If you have recently been diagnosed with a food allergy or intolerance, the world of ‘free from' food might seem daunting. While a few short years ago, the number of specialist allergen-free foods was a lot less. Nowadays, there is usually a dedicated ‘free from' aisle in most supermarkets selling a range of lactose-free cheeses, sugar-free chocolates, dairy-free milks and even gluten-free beer! Don't be afraid to try some of these products to replace whatever it is that you can no longer eat. You might be pleasantly surprised at just how good some of these alternatives can be.
Call Ahead
When you are eating out, be sure to do a little research ahead of time. Friends and family will usually be aware of your requirements and will usually be more than happy to go somewhere that you can be catered for. Most restaurants and cafes will be able to organise something for you, especially if you give them some notice. If they are not able to accommodate you, be sure to find another restaurant nearby that will or enquire about bringing your own specialist food as a compromise. Being able to celebrate special occasions with friends with a meal out will help you to maintain a positive relationship with eating good food.
Learn To Cook
Depending on what allergy or intolerance you are dealing with and the severity of your condition, your food choices could be quite limited. Every person on the planet who deals with a food allergy learns to cook because, honestly, this is often the best way to get delicious, healthy tasty food that caters perfectly to your needs. Search for recipes online, check out food blogs that cater to your requirements, buy books, watch TV shows and start getting excited about food again. Embracing your inner chef and allowing your creativity flow, you will soon be creating your own unique allergen-free dishes.
Don't Let Your Intolerances Or Allergies Get In The Way Of Your Love For Food
Yes dealing with food intolerances or allergies can be frustrating and it can be easy to give up on your relationship with food altogether. However, there are so many amazing fruits, vegetables, protein sources and other modern allergen-free foods available nowadays to meet the needs of those with even the strangest dietary requirements. Maintaining a positive relationship with your food, despite having an allergy or intolerance, will ensure that you have more energy, that you feel better and that you are in a better mood overall. Remember, you are what you eat, so be sure to eat a diet that is good for your body and enjoy all of the benefits that a healthy approach to food can provide.
