Super update! That's really good news, especially in view of all the years you've been having to deal with MC. I hope your successful transition lasts forever.
Tex
Here's Why We Recommend Against Eating Out When Recovering
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Thank you for your kind wishes Tex. Perhaps this is the final issue I have to embrace to stay stable and get rid of all inflammation. As others have said here, it is a tough one, but for me I believe it's worth it.
Love,
Kari
Love,
Kari
"My mouth waters whenever I pass a bakery shop and sniff the aroma of fresh bread, but I am also grateful simply to be alive and sniffing." Dr. Bernstein
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On Valentine's day I broke my rule of not eating out. My SO and I went to a fancy, reliable restaurant. I had a long talk with the server who was very accommodating and "guaranteed" that I would do fine with the angus burger I ordered. He said they take great pride in serving safe meals to their patrons, and he would speak to the person preparing my food in an effort to prevent cross contamination. I also had a small salad w/baby arugula and simple oil and vinegar dressing. I'm sure you've guessed by now what happened. Yes, I had a reaction that took a couple of days to recover from. Proves the point - no eating out!!!
Jean - you've been a big motivating factor for me to finally "clean up my act":). Thank you.
Carol - thanks for your kind note - hope you're doing well.
Love,
Kari
Jean - you've been a big motivating factor for me to finally "clean up my act":). Thank you.
Carol - thanks for your kind note - hope you're doing well.
Love,
Kari
"My mouth waters whenever I pass a bakery shop and sniff the aroma of fresh bread, but I am also grateful simply to be alive and sniffing." Dr. Bernstein
Hi Kari,
I realize it was a big disappointment (to say nothing about the inconvenience and discomfort of having a reaction), but you've provided the strongest evidence we've ever seen of the ever-present problems associated with eating out. Thank you so much for the update. You've proven beyond a shadow of a doubt something that I've long suspected. We simply can't afford to eat out.
First you proved that a multiyear flare could be completely stopped by doing all your own cooking. Then you proved that eating out even at a reputable upscale restaurant where the meal was guaranteed GF, resulted in a flare. That's about as strong and indisputable proof as one could ever hope to achieve outside of a carefully controlled laboratory experiment. Congratulations — you're a researcher nonpareil. You have provided priceless data for all MC patients attempting to use diet changes to control the disease.
Love,
Tex
I realize it was a big disappointment (to say nothing about the inconvenience and discomfort of having a reaction), but you've provided the strongest evidence we've ever seen of the ever-present problems associated with eating out. Thank you so much for the update. You've proven beyond a shadow of a doubt something that I've long suspected. We simply can't afford to eat out.
First you proved that a multiyear flare could be completely stopped by doing all your own cooking. Then you proved that eating out even at a reputable upscale restaurant where the meal was guaranteed GF, resulted in a flare. That's about as strong and indisputable proof as one could ever hope to achieve outside of a carefully controlled laboratory experiment. Congratulations — you're a researcher nonpareil. You have provided priceless data for all MC patients attempting to use diet changes to control the disease.
Love,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Tex,
Thank you for your enthusiastic statement. I'm glad to be a part of shedding some more light on the management of this dreadful disease. Even though I know with certainty that BM's, as well as overall health, have improved from not eating out, I cannot claim to be in a "solid" remission. Normans are sporadic at best, but stools are formed and frequency has decreased to twice a day (from more like 3-4 times).
Another benefit of not eating out is that it is much easier to discern problematic foods. For instance, I have identified potatoes, carrots, cauliflower and asparagus as problems. To help in this regard, I have ordered the Antigenic Food Sensitivities Panel (C1) from Enterolab. It is something I have wanted to do since that test became available. The 3 foods on the panel I'm suspicious of are beef, tuna and oats, so I'll be curious to see the results.
Love,
Kari
Thank you for your enthusiastic statement. I'm glad to be a part of shedding some more light on the management of this dreadful disease. Even though I know with certainty that BM's, as well as overall health, have improved from not eating out, I cannot claim to be in a "solid" remission. Normans are sporadic at best, but stools are formed and frequency has decreased to twice a day (from more like 3-4 times).
Another benefit of not eating out is that it is much easier to discern problematic foods. For instance, I have identified potatoes, carrots, cauliflower and asparagus as problems. To help in this regard, I have ordered the Antigenic Food Sensitivities Panel (C1) from Enterolab. It is something I have wanted to do since that test became available. The 3 foods on the panel I'm suspicious of are beef, tuna and oats, so I'll be curious to see the results.
Love,
Kari
"My mouth waters whenever I pass a bakery shop and sniff the aroma of fresh bread, but I am also grateful simply to be alive and sniffing." Dr. Bernstein
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humbird753
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 1014
- Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2011 4:44 pm
- Location: Wisconsin
When I started eliminating gluten, dairy, and soy from my diet, I didn't eat out for over 4 years. Then... feeling so good, and able to think more clearly, I decided it would be safe to eat out occasionally, especially since "gluten-free" foods are advertised so much more by restaurants. I can honestly say that I have never felt good after eating any meal in a restaurant. I now only eat out if it's a special family gathering, and I'm unprepared to eat before or prepare ahead of time for myself. I used to feel sorry for myself because I couldn't eat the foods everyone else was eating. I now feel sorry for those whose regular diet consists of foods served in any restaurant, or for those who buy (for example) frozen, boxed, or already prepared highly processed foods. I personally believe that anyone is subjecting themselves to health issues when eating these foods, even though they aren't aware of it yet. Once my brain fog started to lift and I was at gatherings with family around a table of "so-called" foods, I listened a lot to conversations that went on. Most, if not all of them, are already sick and are not connecting it to what they are eating. And while they're eating, they are all feeling so sorry for me?!? I have found that the best option for me is to eat before going out to a gathering of friends or family, and to also bring along something I can snack on while there.
Kari - Like you said, preparing a healthy meal at home is really easy and delicious, and the rewards of feeling well are worth it.
In my opinion, getting back to the basics and eating simple meals would be beneficial for everyone.
Kari - Like you said, preparing a healthy meal at home is really easy and delicious, and the rewards of feeling well are worth it.
In my opinion, getting back to the basics and eating simple meals would be beneficial for everyone.
Paula
"You'll never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have."
"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass... It's learning to dance in the rain."
"You'll never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have."
"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass... It's learning to dance in the rain."
I agree with everything you've said. I feel fortunate not deprived and I feel sorry for the people who are sick and cannot or will not change their eating habits. It's so nice to see some of us old timers here who have experienced success by being very diligent in figuring out what we need to do and then sticking to it. I wish everyone who came here could accomplish the same thing. Plus I wish that more people understood how many health issues, not just gut issues, are effected by what they choose to eat.humbird753 wrote:When I started eliminating gluten, dairy, and soy from my diet, I didn't eat out for over 4 years. Then... feeling so good, and able to think more clearly, I decided it would be safe to eat out occasionally, especially since "gluten-free" foods are advertised so much more by restaurants. I can honestly say that I have never felt good after eating any meal in a restaurant. I now only eat out if it's a special family gathering, and I'm unprepared to eat before or prepare ahead of time for myself. I used to feel sorry for myself because I couldn't eat the foods everyone else was eating. I now feel sorry for those whose regular diet consists of foods served in any restaurant, or for those who buy (for example) frozen, boxed, or already prepared highly processed foods. I personally believe that anyone is subjecting themselves to health issues when eating these foods, even though they aren't aware of it yet. Once my brain fog started to lift and I was at gatherings with family around a table of "so-called" foods, I listened a lot to conversations that went on. Most, if not all of them, are already sick and are not connecting it to what they are eating. And while they're eating, they are all feeling so sorry for me?!? I have found that the best option for me is to eat before going out to a gathering of friends or family, and to also bring along something I can snack on while there.
Kari - Like you said, preparing a healthy meal at home is really easy and delicious, and the rewards of feeling well are worth it.
In my opinion, getting back to the basics and eating simple meals would be beneficial for everyone.
Jean
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humbird753
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 1014
- Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2011 4:44 pm
- Location: Wisconsin
Jean - I also feel fortunate, and not deprived. Some people may never experience the gut issues we do, but their health will be affected in other ways. It is unfortunate that they aren't connecting it to the choices they're making with the foods they eat.
Paula
"You'll never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have."
"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass... It's learning to dance in the rain."
"You'll never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have."
"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass... It's learning to dance in the rain."
It is so nice to see a post from you Paula. I used to follow your story when you were struggling, and am so happy you've found what works for you and are doing well.
Last night I went out for happy hour with neighbors. They were pretty amazed when I told them I don't eat out because of my allergies and had already eaten at home. Guess their reaction would have bothered me in the past, but it really no longer does. When the attention gets on my food issues, I politely answer questions, and then change the topic as soon as feasible. It worked and I had a good time.
I'm feeling better and better, and am so happy I finally adapted to not eating out. One of the first concepts I learned when studying psychology is that "people generally don't change until the pain of changing becomes less than the pain of staying the same". Well, I guess I got tired of explaining my situation to restaurant staff and then getting sick anyway. I really didn't think I'd be able to stop eating out, but here I am, getting healthier and happier day by day. I'm even starting to enjoy shopping and cooking!!!
I believe the reason it has taken me so long to reach this point is that I felt good enough to manage fairly well, but was never quite right. I also no longer had urgent WD's, but simply too frequent soft/watery BM's (which always niggled at me). I agree with you Jean - it's nice to connect with "old-timers" who have successfully worn down this disease through diligence and honest effort.
Love,
Kari
Last night I went out for happy hour with neighbors. They were pretty amazed when I told them I don't eat out because of my allergies and had already eaten at home. Guess their reaction would have bothered me in the past, but it really no longer does. When the attention gets on my food issues, I politely answer questions, and then change the topic as soon as feasible. It worked and I had a good time.
I'm feeling better and better, and am so happy I finally adapted to not eating out. One of the first concepts I learned when studying psychology is that "people generally don't change until the pain of changing becomes less than the pain of staying the same". Well, I guess I got tired of explaining my situation to restaurant staff and then getting sick anyway. I really didn't think I'd be able to stop eating out, but here I am, getting healthier and happier day by day. I'm even starting to enjoy shopping and cooking!!!
I believe the reason it has taken me so long to reach this point is that I felt good enough to manage fairly well, but was never quite right. I also no longer had urgent WD's, but simply too frequent soft/watery BM's (which always niggled at me). I agree with you Jean - it's nice to connect with "old-timers" who have successfully worn down this disease through diligence and honest effort.
Love,
Kari
"My mouth waters whenever I pass a bakery shop and sniff the aroma of fresh bread, but I am also grateful simply to be alive and sniffing." Dr. Bernstein
Hi Kari and all- your Happy Hour story is SO familiar to me. I have a group of friends (we went to college together!) and when we get together it’s always at a sports bar. I never eat fast food and sports bars are about the same, in my opinion. I go and get a drink then decline all offers of food, with occasional urging from others. (They don’t understand that cross contamination is a real thing). I’m persistent enough now that they know that’s just how it is, but yes navigating those social encounters is a never-ending challenge.
As I’ve gotten older I have friends who have had to start various diet restrictions. We’ve talked about having outings that don’t revolve around food. Going to a movie, museum, art gallery, ballet, symphony, etc. There’s just so much more to do where we can still connect with others than just eat. When I make those suggestions they are well received. I think it’s too easy to focus on what we/they think they are losing rather than other non-food ways to connect and have fun. I guess it’s just another way that LC has broadened my thinking.
Namaste’.
Carol
As I’ve gotten older I have friends who have had to start various diet restrictions. We’ve talked about having outings that don’t revolve around food. Going to a movie, museum, art gallery, ballet, symphony, etc. There’s just so much more to do where we can still connect with others than just eat. When I make those suggestions they are well received. I think it’s too easy to focus on what we/they think they are losing rather than other non-food ways to connect and have fun. I guess it’s just another way that LC has broadened my thinking.
Namaste’.
Carol
“.... people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
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humbird753
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 1014
- Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2011 4:44 pm
- Location: Wisconsin
Carol - As I've gotten older, more and more friends are having to start restricted diets as well. Although they may never understand the need associated with MC, they are understanding what needing to be restricted in their diet is all about. I enjoy eating at home, and then going to an event or gathering.
Paula
"You'll never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have."
"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass... It's learning to dance in the rain."
"You'll never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have."
"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass... It's learning to dance in the rain."
My family is finally understanding that I will eat or "take care of myself" before a meal or a birthday, or an occasion that revolves around cakes or parties or whatever and they are ok with it. Unless I make it myself or have had a hand in preparing it....I just don't eat it anymore. It is the rare occasion that I go to a mexican restaurant and have a meal I didn't cook.
To Succeed you have to Believe in something with such a passion that it becomes a Reality - Anita Roddick
Dx LC April 2012 had symptoms since Aug 2007
Dx LC April 2012 had symptoms since Aug 2007