Seven weeks into my real gluten-free diet the wheels came off. I was derailed. I fell off the wagon and on to a pizza. And a coconut cake. Go hard or go home, right?
It started Friday minutes after lunch. I just finished yellow dal with cardamom and clove basmati rice from the Indian station at work. A euphoric yet foggy feeling rolled through my head and then my stomach turned. A similar, more aggressive, reaction happened last week after eating black lentils but I ignored it. Turns out the lentils "probably" contain wheat flour to thicken the dal.
At first I was angry and blamed the cafeteria for luring me with spicy aromas and not labeling the food. But I reminded myself that I am consumer with food allergies and I have to ask questions. On a positive note, the lentils explain why I've itched consistently in past weeks.
Instead of eating clean after weeks of accidental gluten sabotage, I conscientiously ate foods that I shouldn't. First, Papa John's pizza topped with pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, and bell peppers. J ordered it after the Fitz & Tantrums concert. I didn't suggest or condone the purchase but I (temporarily) enjoyed it. The logic: I already have wheat in my system and will be itching so why not eat the pizza too. Poor, poor logic.
In the wake of gluten-consuming guilt, I cut a wedge of Jennifer's coconut birthday cake. Why not dig the hole a little deeper? Now, after packing consuming ingredients that cause my eczema flareups, the allergy symptoms are piling up. Waves of nausea. Itchy arms and scalp. Dry mouth. Numerous digestive issues. Looks like I'll be postponing my follow up with the holistic doctor since I haven't maintained a gluten free diet. And it appears I'll be making more Indian food at home, starting with chickpea curry.
