Everyone else was perplexed but me at yesterday's Labor Day barbecue. Once again, one of the biggest barbecue days of the year fell out on a Monday, a day that I consciously do not eat animal products in observance of Meat Free Mondays. I enjoy the “concerned” conversations that people start with me regarding my dietary choices, especially when I’m enjoying perfectly grilled fresh peppers without a bun (I don’t eat the bun because of my sensitivity to wheat).
Of course everyone has their opinions and questions about my dietary restrictions and preferences. Let it be known that I do enjoy meat and animal products, and my reasons for not eating animal products one day a week is quite simple, healthy and has some positive affect on the environment. I did nothing to demand attention. I wasn’t broadcasting my requirements, I was merely adapting to the available foods such as potato chips, vegetables, and some white wine. Somehow people kept approaching me and basically my entire gastrointestinal life story came out freely because I wasn’t embarrassed or afraid to show people that feeling well is paramount to “enjoyment” of foods that make me feel crappy – pun totally intended.
Not eating wheat or dairy is not challenging, dealing with people who are flummoxed by my restrictions is the biggest challenge that I actually embrace. I see it as an opportunity to educate people about the prevalence and growing amounts of diagnoses of food allergies and sensitivities. Additionally, my meat-free Mondays have become a great topic of conversation with people who have never heard of it – I start out by telling people that meat-free Monday is something that Paul McCartney started (it gives it a lot more credibility off the bat). I realize that my choices my sound different to some, but I truly enjoy my eating habits and feel AMAZING when I stick to the foods that I am able to eat while avoiding the foods that poison my body.
Of course everyone has their opinions and questions about my dietary restrictions and preferences. Let it be known that I do enjoy meat and animal products, and my reasons for not eating animal products one day a week is quite simple, healthy and has some positive affect on the environment. I did nothing to demand attention. I wasn’t broadcasting my requirements, I was merely adapting to the available foods such as potato chips, vegetables, and some white wine. Somehow people kept approaching me and basically my entire gastrointestinal life story came out freely because I wasn’t embarrassed or afraid to show people that feeling well is paramount to “enjoyment” of foods that make me feel crappy – pun totally intended.
Not eating wheat or dairy is not challenging, dealing with people who are flummoxed by my restrictions is the biggest challenge that I actually embrace. I see it as an opportunity to educate people about the prevalence and growing amounts of diagnoses of food allergies and sensitivities. Additionally, my meat-free Mondays have become a great topic of conversation with people who have never heard of it – I start out by telling people that meat-free Monday is something that Paul McCartney started (it gives it a lot more credibility off the bat). I realize that my choices my sound different to some, but I truly enjoy my eating habits and feel AMAZING when I stick to the foods that I am able to eat while avoiding the foods that poison my body.
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