My Body Is Obviously Insane.

[Emilushka]

Newly diagnosed Celiac, still working out what other intolerances I have. The most recent theory was lactose intolerance, so I started taking lactaid (checked the bottle - the pills are gluten-free).

Yesterday and today I had sausages (gluten-free both by ingredients and as marked on the packaging, not made on shared equipment or in a shared facility) and shredded cheese. Both times I took my lactaid. Yesterday, they felt great. No reaction. Today I added sausages and cheese to my rice pasta fettucine alfredo, and I felt awful. Mega reaction, almost instantaneously. Last night I ate Pad Thai and felt awful, again almost immediately. This morning I had soy milk in my coffee and felt a little icky. Then later this morning, I had a Lara bar and felt great.

So what in the world am I reacting to? I'm obviously reacting to SOMETHING. There's no soy in the sausages and cheese, and there's no dairy in the soy milk or pad thai, and I took my lactaid (2 tablets!) every time I ate dairy. Everything's made at home (or prepackaged with certified gluten-free labels and no gluten ingredients and no cross-contamination in the facility listed on the packaging). No restaurant foods.

HELP. I feel awful. I want to stop feeling awful. My body hates me for something I am eating and I cannot do the math because it seems like CRAZY PEOPLE MATH. What is going on? What should I cut out? How can I stop feeling like my body wants to turn itself inside out, Alien-style?

Edited to add: I did add some tofu to the pad thai, too.

[ravenwoodglass]

You could be reacting to casien (milk protein) along with lactose. You could also be reacting to soy. Or you may not have healed enough yet to handle as much processed food as your eating. Can you go with naturally gluten free whole foods for a bit instead of all the processed stuff? That will help you heal faster with less risk of CC issues. It might be a good idea to drop soy and dairy entirely for a bit. Also our reactions can be delayed so what you seem to be reacting to right after eating may not be what you ate today but instead something you ate yesterday or the day before. A food diary can be helpful for some to pinpoint reactions that are delayed.

[macinthedesert]

I concur, I have been diagnosed for four years- healed for two- and on my recent biopsy- not healed any longer while following a strict gluten-free diet...

You could be reacting and having delayed reactions to many different things that you are eating. I am currently in allergy testing and food challege testing at the Mayo Clinic to try and determine why and what is going on. You are just in the early steps of a long journey- stress, dramatic emotional changes can all cause allergic reactions like you are experiencing - with or without Cealiac disease- more likely with.

Keep your choices simple, don't eat processed food which includes tofu, soy, if it is in a box- don't eat it. When my system short circuits- I eat clean-

organic fruits and vegetables

grass fed beef

organic, humane poultry products

no grains at ALL

apples could be causing reactions because of either the wax that is used on them (even if they are organic) to you are actually having an allergy to the apple.

Outside of gluten I am allergic to : fish, shellfish, nuts, tree nuts, peanuts, perservatives (so many I can't count), soy-- be patient...

When in doubt narrow you menu/diet plan- keep it simple-this is going to take time-

Best of Luck...

You could be reacting to casien (milk protein) along with lactose. You could also be reacting to soy. Or you may not have healed enough yet to handle as much processed food as your eating. Can you go with naturally gluten free whole foods for a bit instead of all the processed stuff? That will help you heal faster with less risk of CC issues. It might be a good idea to drop soy and dairy entirely for a bit. Also our reactions can be delayed so what you seem to be reacting to right after eating may not be what you ate today but instead something you ate yesterday or the day before. A food diary can be helpful for some to pinpoint reactions that are delayed.

[Emilushka]

Yeah. I was eating more "pure" foods for a while but I've been studying a lot so I was going for the processed foods for convenience. I will go back to all the cooking.

I was afraid I was reacting to the casein at first, but I don't seem to react to all dairy the same. The worst seems to be melted cheese. Everything else is not so bad. (Unless it's a delayed reaction, like you're talking about.)

Honestly, I'd be willing to give up dairy. I would be sad, but willing. But I cannot give up soy! I will DIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEE ... [cue the world's tiniest violin]

So from here ... cut both and then add one back at a time? Cut one and see if it helps? Which is the better approach?

ETA: I just realized that the week I cut out all dairy in addition to having cut gluten was the week I felt the best overall. With that in mind ... immediately cut dairy and see if that's enough? I'd love to keep my beloved soy if I can ...

[GlutenFreeManna]

Lactaid pills don't work for everyone with lactose intolerance. People have different levels of lactose they can tolerate. If your body is very damaged than lactaid may not help. When I first started out i could not even do lactose free cheese, after about 5 or 6 months dairy free I could do yogurt and small amounts of lactose free cheese.

Also I have to be honest, but I would feel aweful from both of those meals even if I had no intolerances-- from the first because it sounds very heavy with sausage/cheese/gluten-free pasta. And the Pad Thai if it is a boxed meal could it have had MSG or high sodium levels? Neither emals are exactly healthy. Try a spinach salad with apples cut up on it-- especially if you are studying--it's good brain food. Grill some chicken to put ont he side and you have alight healthy, low fuss meal.

[Emilushka]

I was doing a lot better when I was making a lot of steamed veggies and chicken and tofu over quinoa or rice. I just got sick of always having to cook something. I guess I need to get over that.

[GlutenFreeManna]

I was doing a lot better when I was making a lot of steamed veggies and chicken and tofu over quinoa or rice. I just got sick of always having to cook something. I guess I need to get over that.

I understand it does get old making the same bland things over and a over. You could try making extra for some things and freezing them for quick meals. Also a crock pot is a great investment.

[Emilushka]

I have a crockpot. My main problem is that I'm cooking for one. My fiance has no interest in gluten-free eating, and he and I really don't share similar tastes in foods. So that's a no-go. Crockpots and most recipes make SO MUCH FOOD. I seriously can't eat that much, especially since Celiac (my poor, abused stomach).

[Dixiebell]

What you need to do is just cook meals, gluten-free of course, and don't mention it to him. Just make it really tasty. My husband was like that for a while. He used to say "what gluten free goodies are we having tonight?" He was being a smarty pants of course. Pot roast, chicken and rice and chili all can be made in the crock pot and if you don't want leftovers for the week you could freeze them for another week. Mine don't make it to the freezer, my husband likes to have them for his lunch.

[sa1937]

I have a crockpot. My main problem is that I'm cooking for one. My fiance has no interest in gluten-free eating, and he and I really don't share similar tastes in foods. So that's a no-go. Crockpots and most recipes make SO MUCH FOOD. I seriously can't eat that much, especially since Celiac (my poor, abused stomach).

I live alone so also cook for one...I couldn't get along without my crockpots (several different sizes). A lot of foods I fix are naturally gluten free and have been for my over 50-years of cooking. There's nothing like having a stash of single servings in the freezer when I either get home late or simply don't feel like cooking. I've tried only a very few already prepared foods and am usually disappointed.

Does your fiance like soups, chili or spaghetti...pretty easy with a crockpot (ok, you'd have to cook the spaghetti separately but the sauce can be made in the crockpot). I can start something in the morning and basically forget about it. There really are a lot of gluten free foods available...not specialty foods, just plain whole foods (shop the outer rim of the supermarket). Or you could post what you'd like to cook and I'm sure someone here will come up with a recipe or two...or six.

As far as dairy is concerned, I have been gluten free for six months and still don't know if I can really handle dairy well. I'm about to try again when I know I'll be home for a couple of days, just in case. Just in the past two or three weeks, I've started to consistently feel well every day. Knock on wood! I have been able to use Lactaid milk but have never found Lactaid tablets to be very effective. I really miss cheese and have only tried very small amounts and not every day. But if casein is a problem for you, that would be a no-no. It's just so darn hard to figure out what's bothering us.

Hope you feel better soon.

Oh, and if you are not casein intolerant, Breyers does make lactose free ice cream.

[Emilushka]

I live alone so also cook for one...I couldn't get along without my crockpots (several different sizes). A lot of foods I fix are naturally gluten free and have been for my over 50-years of cooking. There's nothing like having a stash of single servings in the freezer when I either get home late or simply don't feel like cooking. I've tried only a very few already prepared foods and am usually disappointed.

Does your fiance like soups, chili or spaghetti...pretty easy with a crockpot (ok, you'd have to cook the spaghetti separately but the sauce can be made in the crockpot). I can start something in the morning and basically forget about it.

What do you usually make for yourself, since you're cooking for one? I am intimidated by the concept of 8 servings of ANYTHING. We don't have that big of a freezer!

[Emilushka]

What you need to do is just cook meals, gluten-free of course, and don't mention it to him. Just make it really tasty. My husband was like that for a while. He used to say "what gluten free goodies are we having tonight?" He was being a smarty pants of course. Pot roast, chicken and rice and chili all can be made in the crock pot and if you don't want leftovers for the week you could freeze them for another week. Mine don't make it to the freezer, my husband likes to have them for his lunch.

Our tastes really don't match up well. For the most part, I don't want to eat what he considers delicious. It's his major fault, so I'm willing to forgive it. ;-)

[sa1937]

What do you usually make for yourself, since you're cooking for one? I am intimidated by the concept of 8 servings of ANYTHING. We don't have that big of a freezer!

Anything and everything! I've even made pork and sauerkraut in my crockpot and frozen it in single servings. Yes, it did work as leary as I was when I first tried it. That is definitely not something I want to eat every day for a week!

I'm about ready to make chili again and will probably use my 4 qt. crockpot. I also need to make spaghetti sauce and will freeze it in single servings. I find that a lb. of Italian sausage or ground beef (browned and drained) added to a 26 oz. jar or can of spaghetti sauce works well (gotta read the labels). I doctor it up by using additional herbs and garlic. For that amount I have a 2 qt. crockpot that works well and then I don't have to make it for awhile.

I also just made a pot of veggie-beef soup...browned lean beef stew meat on the stove top and then added it to a crockpot along with chopped onion and celery and a 2 lb. bag of frozen mixed veggies. I also added some other seasonings. It never turns out the same way twice since I don't use a recipe.

I also make a lot of other types of foods...not just crockpot types. A pork chop, baked potato, veggies for example. Meatloaf, baked chicken, kielbasa...you name it. I also like large meal-type salads but definitely am more in the mood for them in the summer...this is the time of the year I like oven meals, too. I cook simple meals, which is what I grew up eating...I prefer to call it "real" food.

My side-by-side fridge/freezer is not that large either and I gave my son my big freezer as I felt I no longer needed it. But it sure is nice to just grab a single serving of something and have lunch or dinner if I don't feel like cooking or if I'm in a rush.

Are there any particular foods you and your finance enjoy? If so, those 8 crock-pot servings would turn into 4!

[Rowena]

On the subject of what to make for dinner, I think you need to first find some foods that both you and your fiance will eat. You can make a gluten free version of almost anything. That seems to me to be the biggest problem now. It would be easier on you to cook for both of you, than havin to make two separate meals, and him eatin what you eat will also help you feel better about the diets you have to be on. Not that makin yer own meals is bad, and I definitely like the idea of makin single servings packets and puttin em in the fridge/freezer. In fact I have to do that anyway so I have lunches for work... But the fact my husband eats what I eat, (although we do have some glutened foods here for him to add on or have alongside.) He helps me maintain my resolve on my diet, but doesnt feel forced into the diet because he does have other things to eat too. Maybe this is what you and your fiance could do as well. Come to some sort of arrangement where he can still have his gluteny stuff, but agree to eat together and the same meals. Of course you'd have to work out some methods so there aint cross contamination or nothin, but it does work.

As for your body, you really shouldnt eat so many processed foods, processed foods are hard on most peoples bodies. And you have said that you do feel better when you eat steamed veggies and similar things. Also, if you think dairy and soy are problematic, I would eliminate them one at a time, probably startin with dairy. I think that many people are to some degree lactose intolerant. Its hard on the body methinks. (Like I am allergic/intolerant to only ag few things cheifly fish/seafood, and now gluten. But I think to some degree, I too am lactose intolerant, possibly because my mom was and as such I rarely had things with milk. Like I hate ice cream... it makes me sick even thinkin about it... Sorbet is my favorite on the other hand. And now I completely stopped drinkin regular milk and feel so much better...) But an elimination diet startin with dairy would work. And hopefully it aint soy if you love it so much. (Id hate to be allergic to soy as well. I am in love with my soy milk) And then if you still feel gross try soy.

[ravenwoodglass]

What do you usually make for yourself, since you're cooking for one? I am intimidated by the concept of 8 servings of ANYTHING. We don't have that big of a freezer!

You can get small crockpots and you can also halve recipes. I do that all the time. I sit with the recipe and a pen and cross out the measure given and write in half that amount so I don't mess up when I make whatever it is.

[Emilushka]

Are there any particular foods you and your finance enjoy? If so, those 8 crock-pot servings would turn into 4!

I'm going to try your beef stew idea. I think the other thing that intimidates me is that I'm a very small-volume eater now. I just can't stomach large quantities anymore. So there's no way for me to really enjoy something and have it go away any faster. Also, my fiance has the taste buds of a picky 5-year-old (not an exaggeration - we're actually debating calling him a supertaster) and I really like to eat foods with flavor, so it's hard to cook anything that we both would like. I think the two things we can make are steaks and spaghetti with meat sauce, neither of which is healthy.

On the subject of what to make for dinner, I think you need to first find some foods that both you and your fiance will eat. ...

As for your body, you really shouldnt eat so many processed foods, processed foods are hard on most peoples bodies. ... But an elimination diet startin with dairy would work. And hopefully it aint soy if you love it so much. (Id hate to be allergic to soy as well. I am in love with my soy milk) And then if you still feel gross try soy.

As of yesterday afternoon, I'm gluten-free, dairy-free. So far I'm starting to feel better (miserable morning, though - my Celiac was not happy to see me today). See above about my fiance ... we just really cannot eat together. I realize that sounds silly, but we have tried. I promise you it's just not going to happen. I seriously wish we could share food, but we cannot. It would make life SO MUCH EASIER.

You can get small crockpots and you can also halve recipes. I do that all the time. I sit with the recipe and a pen and cross out the measure given and write in half that amount so I don't mess up when I make whatever it is.

Is there a problem with using my bigger crockpots and only filling them halfway or something? Would the foods burn in them? I like your idea of halving, but I already have 2 big crockpots and would rather not buy another crockpot unless I really need to.

[ravenwoodglass]

Is there a problem with using my bigger crockpots and only filling them halfway or something? Would the foods burn in them? I like your idea of halving, but I already have 2 big crockpots and would rather not buy another crockpot unless I really need to.

Should be no problem with that. Some stuff may cook a bit sooner in a smaller amount so check if about 3/4 the time for the one in the recipe.

[sa1937]

I'm going to try your beef stew idea. I think the other thing that intimidates me is that I'm a very small-volume eater now. I just can't stomach large quantities anymore. So there's no way for me to really enjoy something and have it go away any faster. Also, my fiance has the taste buds of a picky 5-year-old (not an exaggeration - we're actually debating calling him a supertaster) and I really like to eat foods with flavor, so it's hard to cook anything that we both would like. I think the two things we can make are steaks and spaghetti with meat sauce, neither of which is healthy.

As of yesterday afternoon, I'm gluten-free, dairy-free. So far I'm starting to feel better (miserable morning, though - my Celiac was not happy to see me today). See above about my fiance ... we just really cannot eat together. I realize that sounds silly, but we have tried. I promise you it's just not going to happen. I seriously wish we could share food, but we cannot. It would make life SO MUCH EASIER.

I understand being a small eater. I used to almost dread eating knowing I'd probably have problems afterwards. But as time went on (I've feel really good right now) my appetite has increased and I am eating much better. But this is after being gluten free for six months. So there is light at the end of the tunnel! Just giving up dairy (in addition to being gluten free), you may find you will also feel much better. It's worth it but give it time. It takes time to heal and you're really very new to this. Actually I'm still new to celiac having been diagnosed on April 9...many members here have been gluten free for years and we can both learn from them.

I don't think there's anything especially unhealthy about either steaks or spaghetti. It's all about moderation and eating a wide variety of foods depending on your possible intolerances. Anything home-cooked is usually better than grabbing some ready-to-nuke prepared food.

Bummer about your finance being so picky! Are you cooking two meals...one for him and one for you? Or does he cook his own? I'd have a hard time with that. Do you like stir-fries or ethnic foods...might be something for both of you to explore to find some new foods that appeal to both of you.

[Emilushka]

Should be no problem with that. Some stuff may cook a bit sooner in a smaller amount so check if about 3/4 the time for the one in the recipe.

Thanks! I'll keep eyes on it. I already cooked today, but I used the rice cooker + steamer attachment. That's been my go-to mechanism of cooking since getting diagnosed. But it's getting a little old, since I've been (over)using it. Time for crockpot goodness!

I understand being a small eater. I used to almost dread eating knowing I'd probably have problems afterwards. But as time went on (I've feel really good right now) my appetite has increased and I am eating much better. But this is after being gluten free for six months. So there is light at the end of the tunnel! Just giving up dairy (in addition to being gluten free), you may find you will also feel much better. It's worth it but give it time. It takes time to heal and you're really very new to this. Actually I'm still new to celiac having been diagnosed on April 9...many members here have been gluten free for years and we can both learn from them.

I don't think there's anything especially unhealthy about either steaks or spaghetti. It's all about moderation and eating a wide variety of foods depending on your possible intolerances. Anything home-cooked is usually better than grabbing some ready-to-nuke prepared food.

Bummer about your finance being so picky! Are you cooking two meals...one for him and one for you? Or does he cook his own? I'd have a hard time with that. Do you like stir-fries or ethnic foods...might be something for both of you to explore to find some new foods that appeal to both of you.

Yeah, the only real problem is that the steak and spaghetti are seriously the only two things that we will both eat. So that means zero variety or healthiness. He also balks at vegetables. A "salad" to him is made of iceberg lettuce + croutons + French dressing. So ... yeah. Doesn't really work out for us to eat together.

There is no way I would cook for him and then cook again for me! No way in the world. I go to medical school. He can cook his own stupidly bland, unhealthy food for himself! Then again, I don't expect him to cook for me, either. We just each do our own food thing. More like roommates than the stereotypical eating together. It's his one big flaw as a person (having crazy taste buds) so I'm pretty happy to forgive it. Of all the things that could be nuts about him, that's not a bad one. Even though it makes this whole cooking thing harder.

A lot of it is the time/effort problem. Medical school eats your soul and spits it back out again in shreds, or so it feels sometimes. It's rough. Sometimes it's just easier to eat junk.

That whole fear of food thing is something I still struggle with because I keep having problems. Since cutting the dairy at noon yesterday I've started feeling better already, though. My stomach is slowly getting less raw. The rest of my body isn't trying to expel everything at lightning speed. It's getting better.

[Rowena]

Holy snapple. You ain't kiddin when you say picky! I ain't been that picky since I was eight. Wow. But no worries, I think you'll be fine, and just have fun experimenting with your crock pot. There are a million and one things to make in your crockpot. As for being dairy free since yesterday, YAY!!!!!!!!!!! I hope you continue to feel better!

PS I highly recommend a minestrone type soup, if you can eat beans, that is. I make a mean one. Though don't ask me for the recipe, I couldn't tell ye. I have very few recipes. Oh and you should make some chicken things in your crockpot. I love how chicken turns out in the crock pot... Now you are making me want to get out my crock pot. And I don't get home until too late to make a crockpot dinner. Darn. Maybe I can convince my husband to put something on in the pot... Not sure what I want though...

Oh, pot roast is another excellent crockpot dish. (I have also made a chicken roast, which I mean I roast chicken breasts, in my crockpot, that's delicious.) And that's fairly easy and not so bad to make in small proportions either.

As for Med school eating away your time, ugh... Exactly why I ain't never doin' med school. But if you plan on having a busy day you should do a crockpot meal, and let it cook for some time while you are gone. Then it will be ready when you get home/are ready to eat. I think the most important part is planning meals ahead, (something I am horrible at) so that you can have everything ready and waiting to go when you need it.

[sa1937]

Thanks! I'll keep eyes on it. I already cooked today, but I used the rice cooker + steamer attachment. That's been my go-to mechanism of cooking since getting diagnosed. But it's getting a little old, since I've been (over)using it. Time for crockpot goodness!

Yeah, the only real problem is that the steak and spaghetti are seriously the only two things that we will both eat. So that means zero variety or healthiness. He also balks at vegetables. A "salad" to him is made of iceberg lettuce + croutons + French dressing. So ... yeah. Doesn't really work out for us to eat together.

There is no way I would cook for him and then cook again for me! No way in the world. I go to medical school. He can cook his own stupidly bland, unhealthy food for himself! Then again, I don't expect him to cook for me, either. We just each do our own food thing. More like roommates than the stereotypical eating together. It's his one big flaw as a person (having crazy taste buds) so I'm pretty happy to forgive it. Of all the things that could be nuts about him, that's not a bad one. Even though it makes this whole cooking thing harder.

A lot of it is the time/effort problem. Medical school eats your soul and spits it back out again in shreds, or so it feels sometimes. It's rough. Sometimes it's just easier to eat junk.

That whole fear of food thing is something I still struggle with because I keep having problems. Since cutting the dairy at noon yesterday I've started feeling better already, though. My stomach is slowly getting less raw. The rest of my body isn't trying to expel everything at lightning speed. It's getting better.

Ummm....yes, that's picky!!! I guess I don't know what to suggest except that you will really have to just continue cooking easy, simple meals for yourself with spaghetti and an occasional steak thrown in for good measure. It must be difficult! And if you need something really quick maybe rice cakes with peanut butter, a baked potato topped with chili, some Larabars or Kind bars, a handful of almonds, fruit and veggies...that sort of thing when you have no energy to cook much of anything. Also some Progresso soups are gluten free...kind of handy to keep on hand.

I know all about my body expelling everything at lightning speed...hopefully that'll not be an issue any more for me but it's taken quite awhile to get to this point. By eliminating dairy I hope you'll be on your way to feeling better. It's terrible to have life revolve around where the nearest bathroom is.

[Emilushka]

Holy snapple. You ain't kiddin when you say picky! I ain't been that picky since I was eight. Wow. But no worries, I think you'll be fine, and just have fun experimenting with your crock pot. There are a million and one things to make in your crockpot. As for being dairy free since yesterday, YAY!!!!!!!!!!! I hope you continue to feel better!

PS I highly recommend a minestrone type soup, if you can eat beans, that is. I make a mean one. Though don't ask me for the recipe, I couldn't tell ye. I have very few recipes. Oh and you should make some chicken things in your crockpot. I love how chicken turns out in the crock pot...

I think the most important part is planning meals ahead, (something I am horrible at) so that you can have everything ready and waiting to go when you need it.

The hardest part is the planning. I'll give minestrone a try for sure. And lots of chicken options. I just need to start playing around with it.

So far, I'm starting to feel a bit better. I just still have some pain from the damage done while I was eating the dairy. Put myself on the bananas-and-rice diet to try to let my body heal. We'll see if it works.

[Emilushka]

Ummm....yes, that's picky!!! I guess I don't know what to suggest except that you will really have to just continue cooking easy, simple meals for yourself with spaghetti and an occasional steak thrown in for good measure. It must be difficult! And if you need something really quick maybe rice cakes with peanut butter, a baked potato topped with chili, some Larabars or Kind bars, a handful of almonds, fruit and veggies...that sort of thing when you have no energy to cook much of anything. Also some Progresso soups are gluten free...kind of handy to keep on hand.

I know all about my body expelling everything at lightning speed...hopefully that'll not be an issue any more for me but it's taken quite awhile to get to this point. By eliminating dairy I hope you'll be on your way to feeling better. It's terrible to have life revolve around where the nearest bathroom is.

Yeah. I just need to get over the aversion to constantly cooking! Sometimes one just has to pick oneself up, dust oneself off, and get over the "it's not fair" BS so that life can continue in a productive, happy manner. I am also feeling whiny about the no-dairy as I will really really really miss cheese.

BUT WHATEVER. I feel bad enough right now that it actually makes sense to fix things. I have a feeling I will never doubt that choice because every slip-up will be pretty painful.

[Rowena]

The hardest part is the planning. I'll give minestrone a try for sure. And lots of chicken options. I just need to start playing around with it.

So far, I'm starting to feel a bit better. I just still have some pain from the damage done while I was eating the dairy. Put myself on the bananas-and-rice diet to try to let my body heal. We'll see if it works.

Yeah I have a problem planning too. Like I still havent thought about what I am gonna make for dinner tonight, and I'm heading home in 15 minutes. Oops. Probably another night with chicken, but I don't know. Don't really feel like cooking, it's been a long day at work.

And good luck with your body healing. I bet you'll be all right in a few days. Dang I just realized how hungry I am. Why did they make me eat lunch so early? *groan* And I wasn't anywhere near my snacks all day neither. Gah... *mumbles about work*

[sa1937]

Yeah. I just need to get over the aversion to constantly cooking! Sometimes one just has to pick oneself up, dust oneself off, and get over the "it's not fair" BS so that life can continue in a productive, happy manner. I am also feeling whiny about the no-dairy as I will really really really miss cheese.

BUT WHATEVER. I feel bad enough right now that it actually makes sense to fix things. I have a feeling I will never doubt that choice because every slip-up will be pretty painful.

Yeah, I know...sometimes I have an aversion to cooking, too. It gets old! But that's where a stash of things in the freezer makes it a lot easier. Or today for me...last night's dinner was also tonight's dinner.

It was harder to give up cheese than wheat, rye, barley and oats. I never realized how much I would miss cheese. One of these days I'll see if it likes me again...