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Today I had a pre Christmas dinner, just a gathering with a group of people in a restaurant. I am not ready yet to go and dine out, I want to be in charge of my food to be sure it is save to eat. But I did not stay home, I joined them a bit later, make sure I had eating something before I went there. I had a great evening. Just with the drinks, a glass of wine, a tea and lucky me for desert they also had fresh fruit.
I just realized it is important to keep in mind why do I go there, for the food or for the people. Before the MC it was both. Now it is the people. I was surprised how easy it is.
When I was just on this board I read a message (sorry don't remember who) but being on holiday. Go to your hotel room for diner, prepare something yourself and later join the rest in the restaurant for a drink. I just love that attitude and solution, practical.
I also have been thinking about the next diner invitation, I think I will say that I will bring my own dish. I don't expect them just for me to cook gluten, dairy, soy etc etc etc etc free, but I would like to come and join.
It's also part of me being quite practical, but also all the members here. In one or the other way it gives hope. Hope of getting better, getting your life back, how well others are dealing with it.
Just wanted to share this.
impact of diet on your social life
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
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barbaranoela
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 5394
- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 6:11 pm
- Location: New York
Harma----a great posting from U--cus this is Xactly how U have to plan a day with friends--including holiday invites--
When I was so plagued with this disease I more or less did the same--but I was more fortunate than others--for the simple reason that not too many ingrediants were my ENEMY!!!!
Another good idea==bringing your own eats~~~~ when friends understand issues they are only too happy that U can arrive to enjoy the time with them--
It is a way to enable one to *get out* and still enjoy life~~~
Barbara
When I was so plagued with this disease I more or less did the same--but I was more fortunate than others--for the simple reason that not too many ingrediants were my ENEMY!!!!
Another good idea==bringing your own eats~~~~ when friends understand issues they are only too happy that U can arrive to enjoy the time with them--
It is a way to enable one to *get out* and still enjoy life~~~
Barbara
the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control
Hi Harma,
It helps if you can check out a restaurant first. Going in to talk with the chef ahead may help - be sure to go during a non-busy time. That way you can find out exactly how they prepare their selections and specifically what they will be able to do for your intolerances. Waiters don't always know exactly what's in dishes, but chefs do. A "standard" safe dinner is usually a plain piece of beef/chicken/fish grilled in olive oil, a plain baked potato, and a salad (be sure to say ahead no cheese or croutons) with oil and vinegar or dressing that you bring from home.
I have been known to take my own GF pasta to an Italian restaurant and request that they cook it in a separate pot for me and then add their own sauce (if it's safe, of course). I have also taken my rice flour tortillas to a sandwich shop and requested they be used for me. I also request that a fresh pair of gloves be used if a sandwich-maker is handling bread before preparing my order. Places like Subway are more than happy to comply. And, believe it or not, I have even prepared a complete meal and taken it to a restaurant with me. I am no longer embarrassed by anything related to eating out. I guess after 10 years I am finally totally assertive!
Love,
Polly
It helps if you can check out a restaurant first. Going in to talk with the chef ahead may help - be sure to go during a non-busy time. That way you can find out exactly how they prepare their selections and specifically what they will be able to do for your intolerances. Waiters don't always know exactly what's in dishes, but chefs do. A "standard" safe dinner is usually a plain piece of beef/chicken/fish grilled in olive oil, a plain baked potato, and a salad (be sure to say ahead no cheese or croutons) with oil and vinegar or dressing that you bring from home.
I have been known to take my own GF pasta to an Italian restaurant and request that they cook it in a separate pot for me and then add their own sauce (if it's safe, of course). I have also taken my rice flour tortillas to a sandwich shop and requested they be used for me. I also request that a fresh pair of gloves be used if a sandwich-maker is handling bread before preparing my order. Places like Subway are more than happy to comply. And, believe it or not, I have even prepared a complete meal and taken it to a restaurant with me. I am no longer embarrassed by anything related to eating out. I guess after 10 years I am finally totally assertive!
Love,
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
When you take your own plate to gatherings, take some extra. You'll be surprised at how many others are curious about what you eat and will want to try. If the host is someone who likes to try out new recipes on family and friends, bring a lot extra. One of my sisters did Thanksgiving for the family for the first time this year. She likes to experiment on family and friends. I had to protect my plate from some of my other family members. There wasn't any "weird stuff" in the items on my plate.
Karen
Karen
Hi Karen (Is it you, moremuscle?),
You are so right. I have been in a restaurant eating from a plate of food that I have brought from home and have had other customers ask where on the menu I found my choices. They wanted what I had!
Love,
Polly
You are so right. I have been in a restaurant eating from a plate of food that I have brought from home and have had other customers ask where on the menu I found my choices. They wanted what I had!
Love,
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
Hi Polly,
Wrong Karen - (I believe we have at least 4 or 5 Karens, now). Check out the last post in this thread, for an update on moremuscle:
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=9858
Love,
Tex
Wrong Karen - (I believe we have at least 4 or 5 Karens, now). Check out the last post in this thread, for an update on moremuscle:
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=9858
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.
I have found most restaurants very willing to help. I carry a backpack and I often bring my own food. I have even brought a bag of popcorn to the movies. I now have a pretty good sized list of safe restaurants. Our local CSA does routine restaurant investigations and then sends out their reviews. We don't eat out near as often as we used to and I am very appreciative of a good restaurant meal. We are travelling for Christmas and I have done alot of legwork ahead of time and I have scoped out the Whole Foods so we can pick up some supplies. Planning is the key to a good experience.
Polly, good to see you posting again - hope you are all healed and feeling good.
Mary Beth
Polly, good to see you posting again - hope you are all healed and feeling good.
Mary Beth
Like many of you, I've found my ways to cope when eating away from home. Parties are the biggest problem, so as suggested I eat ahead of time, and then just nibble or have a drink in my hand. No one pays attention to what people eat at parties anyway. I don't I have found that bringing my own food is the best way to go when eating at people's houses. I've had friends and relatives who at the beginning would want to make something for me. But I would just explain that we both would feel a lot more comfortable if I brought my own. That way they didn't need to worry about an accidental contamination, and neither would I. Like Harma says, socializing with people is the important thing.
It's sad, but I have a 30 year old niece who recently found out that she is celiac and is going through a mourning process. She even started crying during a recent holiday dinner at my brother's house when she wasn't able to eat all the dishes. She just has to contend with gluten, while I have diary, soy and corn to avoid as well, so a small part of me was wondering why she was making such a big deal out of it. But she is early in the process of adjusting, so with time she will make her peace with it. I think she thought my plate of food that I brought was pretty pathetic, but I truly didn't mind. I've reached the point where it doesn't bother me to watch people eating food that I can't have. Oddly enough, it seems to bother the other people who are able to eat the food more. They seem to feel self-conscious, like they are making me feel bad by eating goodies in front of me, even though it isn't the case at all. But as my family and friends get used to my diet, they are much better at just taking it for granted. And like Karen and Polly I enjoy bringing tasty dishes to share so that they can see that I'm not feeling deprived of all enjoyment in food.
Rosie
It's sad, but I have a 30 year old niece who recently found out that she is celiac and is going through a mourning process. She even started crying during a recent holiday dinner at my brother's house when she wasn't able to eat all the dishes. She just has to contend with gluten, while I have diary, soy and corn to avoid as well, so a small part of me was wondering why she was making such a big deal out of it. But she is early in the process of adjusting, so with time she will make her peace with it. I think she thought my plate of food that I brought was pretty pathetic, but I truly didn't mind. I've reached the point where it doesn't bother me to watch people eating food that I can't have. Oddly enough, it seems to bother the other people who are able to eat the food more. They seem to feel self-conscious, like they are making me feel bad by eating goodies in front of me, even though it isn't the case at all. But as my family and friends get used to my diet, they are much better at just taking it for granted. And like Karen and Polly I enjoy bringing tasty dishes to share so that they can see that I'm not feeling deprived of all enjoyment in food.
Rosie
Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time………Thomas Edison
Very good point. I've noticed that a lot. Actually, it doesn't bother me one iota, if I can't eat a single thing, but it seems to bug the heck out of a lot of other people.Rosie wrote:Oddly enough, it seems to bother the other people who are able to eat the food more. They seem to feel self-conscious, like they are making me feel bad by eating goodies in front of me, even though it isn't the case at all.
Also, your point about discouraging others from cooking anything special for you, is a pet peeve of mine. Some people can't be convinced, and they will do it anyway, and if you don't eat it, then they become hurt, and upset. I hate a situation such as that, because I will almost invariably cave in, and eat some of it, so as not to hurt their feelings, and that has resulted in many an unnecessary reaction, over the years.
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.
Hey all
Posted this several years ago and it still works for me.
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=5278
Lots of ways to go about it. Last night I went to a party where the hostess got really concerned that there was nothing for me to eat. I simply put my hand on her arm and said. “I came to visit, not to stuff myself” She laughed . I laughed, and things went fine. I had a great time and the hostess relaxed.
Over the years I have discovered it never, never has to be difficult. In fact the more relaxed I am seems to make the host or hostess more relaxed and we all enjoy it the more and many, many times I can fly under the food radar with no one knowing. Just part of my attitude to keep the holidays still fun despite........
My Holiday blessing to all!
Love
Matthew
Posted this several years ago and it still works for me.
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=5278
Lots of ways to go about it. Last night I went to a party where the hostess got really concerned that there was nothing for me to eat. I simply put my hand on her arm and said. “I came to visit, not to stuff myself” She laughed . I laughed, and things went fine. I had a great time and the hostess relaxed.
Over the years I have discovered it never, never has to be difficult. In fact the more relaxed I am seems to make the host or hostess more relaxed and we all enjoy it the more and many, many times I can fly under the food radar with no one knowing. Just part of my attitude to keep the holidays still fun despite........
My Holiday blessing to all!
Love
Matthew