Making the Change

I have to admit that making such a drastic change in my diet has not been easy, in fact, I'm still in the process of making the change.  One would think that with all the problems these food sensitivities have caused me I would ban such foods from my life forever.  Not so, I have a hard time being strong and saying no, especially after I've been denying myself some of the things I love for so long, I just get tired of it.  Dairy has been the hardest to avoid, CHEESE!  Here's the worst of it, when I do "cheat" a little, I figure, "might as well go all the way", go big or go home.
Other times I "cheat", not because I want to, but because I want to avoid the whole, "you don't have anything I want" food snobbery, as it can come across when I'm enjoying the hospitality of others.  I just don't want to burden other people and force them to go out of their way for me.  I'm slowly starting to get over this hang up though, and am starting to learn to either bring my own food (which still feels like snobbery) or let people know what I CAN eat.
So, besides cheating, which is part of making the change, learning your own weaknesses, my biggest tool for success has been family.  By family, I especially mean my mom.  She has food allergies too, and has waded through all the changes.  She's been a very big support helping find the best flour blends, bringing food we can eat to different functions we attend together, letting other people know my "special needs" when she knows I'm not going to say anything.  She has definitely been my biggest support and encouragement.
Other things that have helped:  Writing down, everyday, what I want to avoid and why I want to avoid it (daily reminders like this help bolster my will-power). Making sure I have alternatives on hand when I start craving something in the "forbidden" category.  Coming up with my own tasty recipes (some of which I will be sharing on this blog) that are healthy and satisfying.  Doing the research and figuring out the best and most cost-effective way to buy allergen free foods.  Learning to just do without certain things.  Trying to keep a positive attitude and enjoy the good health that is a result of making these sacrifices, these changes.