Eight months ago I was diagnosed with yeast overgrowth. I have faithfully followed a sugar-free, yeast-free, dairy-free, mold-free, fungus-free, aged-free, fermented-free diet, and have noticed significant changes in my health. I have come to enjoy little things that are permissible like yeast-free bread with a touch of butter to accompany a Spanish-fried egg for breakfast, and a bowl of Shredded Wheat with Rice Milk when I had to eat and run in the morning.
Recently, I was beginning to feel hopeful that someday – when I was fully recovered – I might be able to treat myself to a piece of pizza every few months, or even to enjoy a yogurt and fresh berry smoothie sweetened with a touch of unprocessed honey…just a touch? But just a couple weeks ago I received the news that I am both gluten and casein intolerant. My longings for a slice of pizza once in awhile or even a cup of plain yogurt now and then intensified immediately! I suggested to my husband that we run out and buy a big pizza with lots of crust and lots of cheese and chow down for one last binge. But, I have not done that, knowing the toll it would take on my body and the price that I might pay physically for several months to come.
I have had more than a few discouraging days since then. The first few days scrounging for something to eat since I had not had the time yet to go shopping. A lousy breakfast of I don’t even remember what just to get something in me when we were rushing out the door. The worst was making my in-laws favorite Sunday dinner – grilled cheese sandwiches – for them and my husband and smelling that wonderful aroma of melted cheese and butter on whole wheat bread while I ate my substandard, quite uninteresting makeshift dinner.
This past weekend we were with some friends in Washington. They had some wonderful meals planned and I brought along all of my substitutes just in case any of the forbidden ingredients from any one of my diets had entered the delicious meal set before us. But, our friends took delight in discovering what they could do to make my meals as savory and interesting as possible each day. I began to enjoy eating once again. More importantly, I resolved to rediscover the joy of cooking and eating without jeopardizing my dietary requirements. So, in this blog I plan to share my cooking and eating experiences…the highs and the lows…as I discover how to make savory meals with the new items in my pantry.
