Thursday, November 26, 2009

The blessings of food allergies

While it may seem easy and obvious to be grateful for the lessons of a food allergy and for being able to find locally grown, safe organic food -- I'm thankful, I'm grateful and I'm enjoying the blessings of a severe corn allergy this Thanksgiving.

I may not be so thankful this evening after being around 21 regular people who wear makeup, perfume, and use scented detergent. At this moment, I'm happy, I'm healthy and I'm full.

We cooked an heirloom turkey from farm yesterday. The first turkey I've had since high school. Just washed it, rubbed it with some good olive oil, some sea salt and organic pepper and stuffed some fresh rosemary, sage and diced onions inside. This toddler sized bird went on top of more onions and fresh spices and a cup or two of water -- into the oven for a few hours. I had no idea how amazing turkey is -- as a matter of fact I may have some for a snack now.

The blessing of a food allergy -- even before this allergy progressed to the instant karma of anayphylaxis, I would get sick during the holiday feasts, without a clue as to why. This year there will be no crazy indulgence, this year there will be no pumpkin pie or cranberry relish but there will also be no wobbling florescent jello ring with suspended bits of chemically altered and preserved fruit making me ill. There will be no corn-syrup marshmallow topped sweet potatoes and no joint pain. No butterball turkey (injected with corn filled saline) and no crashing headache.

This year there will be a feast. Made by me. There will be squash, turkey, field greens, spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots all from a local farm.

This year I will be healthy and thankful and full.

6 comments:

Marty said...

Food allergies have taught me to enjoy the get-togethers, the people I love and the fun and games without tying food into all that. Yes, I had food that was "safe" for me and I was plenty full, but when I finished the food I could eat, I settled back and enjoyed the day. You're right, there are blessings in the most unusual places.

Lyzz said...

I whole heartedly agree! Instead of dwelling on what we can't have with our allergies, focus on the good stuff we can put into our bodies. I know my daughter's food allergies have lessened the amount of prepared and artificial foods in our house.

gastric bypass surgery Los Angeles said...

Life is a celebration and it is an art to manage and be happy with what you have ion the basket.When you are struck with ill health or even as mild as allergy and can not touch some foods have to see the bright side of being able to touch the rest...that is lovely.

Greg T. said...

I'm uplifted by everyone's positive attitude here. It's easy to get frustrated having corn allergy since it's so hard to avoid. I suppose I can put off my euthanasia for a couple days....

GGG Dog said...

As someone with a corn and gluten allergy I know how hard it can be. However, I too have found the blessings of food allergies. My friends are always complaining that they're gaining weight because they eat too much junk food, however I'm not able to eat any of it. My allergy inflicted diet results in it being very difficult to gain weight. Instead, I always have to eat whole foods, meat, vegetables, etc.

I guess theres always a silver lining.

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