Allies

While many people that I know have been really supportive of my new lifestyle, I was surprised to learn that there are a few people who believe that I caused my own gluten intolerance.

I lost about 70 pounds between October 2010 and the present.  Although I was experiencing issues with gluten intolerance at the time, I was not seeing any dramatic weight loss (which some people experience as a symptom).  After seeing pictures of myself at my best friend's wedding early in that month, I made the decision to finally get healthy.  I wanted to feel good again and be able to do all the things I loved, like hiking and backpacking, without difficulty.  I really scrutinized my portion sizes, and I worked out intensely.  The weight started dropping.  Despite having gained a lot of weight in the first place, I am generally very health conscious.  I have never smoked, done any illegal drugs, or even dyed my hair.  I'm also going to pat myself on the back and say that I think I'm kind of smart.  I know that the only permanent solution to weight gain is to take it off the way you put it on.  Burn more calories than you take in.  As a general rule, that's all you have to do.

Some folks believe that my rapid weight loss must have been due to the use of some kind of drug or medication (apparently either legal OR illegal).  In their minds, this drug or medication did some kind of damage to my digestive system, and that is their reasoning as to why I now have an intolerance to gluten.  If you have people in your lives who also either refuse to believe you have a gluten intolerance, or feel the need to manufacture their own possibly insulting cause(s) for your change in lifestyle, you most certainly have my permission (although you don't need it) to limit your exposure to them.  That's my plan.

Being gluten free can be difficult at times.  Due to my own poor planning this weekend, I was left for 8 or 9 hours without food that I could safely eat.  I was extremely lucky to have a very supportive spouse and sister with me, who were more than happy to leave an event early so that I could get some food.  Everyone needs these types of allies in their lives.  I'm not suggesting that what everyone needs in life are "yes" men who only tell you what you want to hear.  But, gluten intolerance/allergy/Celiac is not an opinion, or something that you can be talked out of.  It is something you do because you have to in order to be well.  And people that won't support you in pursuing your health and well-being don't deserve your time or energy.

I am extremely thankful for all the wonderful people that I have in my life who understand that this is new, and sometimes difficult.  I truly appreciate all the patience and care that you've had for me.  I hope that I can be as good to you as you all are to me.  Thank you!



*NOTE* Those who know me personally know that one of the reasons I really need to be appreciative and thank others right now is because of a very recent loss in my life.  A dear family member passed very suddenly and I think everyone close to him was reminded of how important it is to let others know how much you care about them as often as possible.  This is a very small way, but it's still important to say.