Finding a Groove

I had intended to document, to some extent, the food journey we're on. I had a post entitled "Week 2: Overview" all ready, but at this point, I have forgotten what we ate last week. But I do know that we ate!

I ended up being hungry more often, and that was discouraging. I tried a very simple version of guacamole on plain rice cakes...um, the first 2 were good, but I still have an avocado left and several more rice cakes and I don't know if I can do it again. They certainly didn't wow me; but like I said, it was a sad version of guac without tomatoes, sour cream or lemon juice.

On Saturday, I was able to spend the entire day working on my thesis. It was awesome. When I got home for lunch, I realized I had no ready-made food: bummer. But thanks to the flour mix and the pancake recipe from Steph, I was able to whip up pancakes in no time. Yes, please! Success!

This weekend I tried an allergen-free version of stroganoff. Scary--I mean the thought was scary. Stroganoff is one of the delightful comfort foods--creamy and flavorful. We cooked up some rice noodles (they take much longer) and threw together this dairy-free sauce. Both of us were skeptical. However, the result was delicious. Different than the traditional dish, yes. But still really good. I'd make it again next week. And, the plus is that it really isn't as bad for you as the traditional dish. One thing I'm learning and appreciating is that the things I "have" to make for myself are better for me, and not having dairy cuts out on some fat.

Have I mentioned the jelly beans I have found that are saving my sweet tooth? Gimbal's Fine Candies is a company I now love, and had never heard of three weeks ago. They keep the top 8 allergens out of their candy, and use real fruit juice rather and no high fructose corn syrup. The Cherry Lovers line is awesome, and safe for me. I have bought 4 or 5 bags so far.

This week we're looking at a lentil soup recipe that is very different from the ones we've loved in the past. No tomatoes (*sniff). But it looks and smells delicious -- tonight will be the first tasting. We'll serve it with the leftover rice noodles -- which taste very good, by the way -- and perhaps later with some rice. I'm contemplating freezing portions of this soup for my lunches.

Lunches are hard. If I have leftover pancakes or something small, I'm fine. But when I don't, like today, life gets tricky. Some days, I eat a few pieces of fruit and veggie sticks with roasted red pepper hummus. It's never enough, but what else? Where is my bread or yogurt? Those were my defaults. This week, I have a can of green chile refried black beans that I'll open, and I still have that avocado and rice cakes. Today I found a sweet potato in the veggie drawer -- that is a surprisingly filling meal. 2 carrots (whole carrots) and a sweet potato later, and I was on my way back to work. I had a time deadline today that didn't allow for anything else.

Sunday I experienced my first party-going gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, lemon-free, pineapple-free, tomato-free, nut-free, etc. experience. It was depressing, I have to admit. Of all the delicious and beautiful foods there--cakes, scones, spinach-artichoke dip, punch, cookies--I could have only the fruit salad I brought and some fresh veggies. And water. The party was to celebrate the engagement and upcoming marriage of a dear friend, so I tried not to let my personal issues detract from enjoying all the people, some of whom I rarely get to see. But it was hard during the "eating" time. I really wanted a cranberry, white-chocolate chip scone and a dark chocolate cookie with powdered sugar. I had the awkward moments where someone would offer something and I just had to say "No" when both they and I knew that I'd prefer to say "Yes!".

It foreshadowed the painful experience awaiting me later this week (a professional conference that I'll have to pack my lunch for) and later this month -- attending the wedding of my brother-in-law. Not that the wedding will be painful. But the whole eating with lots of people for 4 days will be excruciating. I don't want to do it. I'd avoid it if at all possible. Talk about being high maintenance. Good grief.

Is it wrong of me to want to hide out? To avoid social situations where it gets awkward or where I could easily forget that I can't have something that I truly enjoy eating?

When I am home and in control of my eating prep, I am confident. This is doable. It's the outside bit that scares me and makes me dread the upcoming weeks.