Got Food Sensitivities? Now what?

GOT FOOD SENSITIVITIES? NOW WHAT?

Food sensitivities are becoming increasingly more common today and have a wider and more varied impact on our health and well-being than previously realized. Attempting to manage food sensitivities can initially be overwhelming and confusing--but you can be successful. Based on how I was able to address my family’s food sensitivities by changing their diet, and working with others who have food sensitivities, here are my five best tips to get your started:

1. Have patience. Food sensitivities did not happen overnight; similarly, to fix the issues will take some time. The body is miraculous and can heal itself if given the chance. Changing your diet is a lifestyle change. It takes knowledge, preparation and patience. It is essential for you to feel empowered and in control.
2. Be willing to try new foods. Most often, people are sensitive to what they eat most frequently due to a leaky gut. True healing of the gut can result from a two step process: a) removing all offending foods and b) incorporating new things. If you cannot have gluten, for example, eliminate wheat, rye and barley completely. In their place, try pastas made with quinoa or millet. Similarly, there are ways to avoid dairy. Try using cashews for a creamy base. Summer is almost here and there is an abundance of fruits and vegetables with which to experiment with. Cooking is not as difficult as you think and variety in what you eat will keep you motivated. 
3. Learn how to shop smarter. One of the problems encountered on a food sensitive diet is that you may find yourself running from place to place because the food store where you used to shop does not carry all the foods that your new diet requires. If there are products you find and love, then you can still avoid visiting multiple stores by searching the internet and shopping online. You can also ask store owners or managers to carry the items for you. Additionally, you can create menu plans in advance, so you know exactly what you need- that way you are not going out at the last minute in search of a missing ingredient. 
4. Enlist help from those around you. It took some time, but once I was able to convince my husband of the need to eliminate certain foods and add in others, changing my family’s diet became much easier. I found guidance from my sister-in law who has been addressing Celiac Disease in her family for years. Friends asked questions and were considerate of our restrictions when we were out or in their homes. My daughter was able to go to a seven week sleep away camp, because the directors and staff listened and understood her dietary needs. People who know of our diet continue to send me articles and recipes that we might like all in an effort to encourage our lifestyle change. There are also hundreds of facebook pages and groups that provide a wealth of information and support.
5. Focus on the positives. On television I have seen that Special K’s new slogan is “What will you gain when you lose”. The same holds true here. By making the above dietary changes, I lost a little bit of convenience (and, maybe the pure enjoyment of having a great slice of pizza and my favorite blue cheese burger), but what my family has gained is, to me, truly priceless. Along with increased health benefits for my husband and a new career path for me, we gained a new form of stability in our family- I got my sweet, beautiful, wonderful daughter back. For years she was suffering, even with the “help” and “guidance” of medication, doctors and therapists. It was only when I changed our diets that the dark cloud began to lift and when she truly began to grow and thrive. We have all gained as a result. 

Carin Blatteis, L.C.S.W. is the founder of Define Your Wellness LLC, a consulting and advocacy resource for families and individuals living with food sensitivities. With a masters degree in clinical social work, training as a holistic health coach at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition and extensive personal experience managing the multiple food sensitivities of her family, Carin supports families and individuals with the day to day management and emotional challenges that arise from living with food sensitivities. Carin frequently provides workshops at Wellspring Health Collective.