What's the worst possible place to be in the entire world if you are allergic to wheat? We'll let me tell you - ITS ITALY!!!
I'm totally relieved to figure out why I have looked pregnant for the last year ( I always knew I was secretly svelte under my protective layers!) but to be gluten intolerant in the land of waiving wheat is practically a life crisis. I live across the street from a wheat field for Christ's sake!
Not only is it difficult to avoid bread products in the land of pasta, but people for the most part, have no clue what gluten intolerance is. At dinner the other night I told the waiter I had a gluten allergy so I couldn't eat pasta. He suggested a pizza in response. Hello????
When I go for breakfast in the morning I now eat air because the only breakfast option here is a croissant. Of course they have a variety of fillings, but there is no fruit, no yogurt, and certainly no gluten free bagels to speak of in any local cafes. Truth be told, I have been so desperate to order a chocolate croissant and lick out the filling....breakfast of champions.
Seriously, it turns out that being gluten intolerant is doable, but you have to make some major adjustments. I even brought a rice "pizza" dough to a pizza party the other night so I wouldn't be left out of the festivities. I am accepting the reality that I will be one of those eccentric food-totaling people for the rest of my life. Gucci cooler anyone...
I have tried a variety of gluten -free pastas and the corn flour pasta is not that bad. But, for the most part, I am getting in touch with my inner-asian since most gluten-free products are rice based. There are some great chocolate rice cookies and rice crackers, too. Mostly, I have turned to more whole foods like legumes, veggies, meat and fruit. So, maybe this is what they call "a blessing in disguise". I want to use this diagnosis as an excuse to eat reduce the empty calories and increase nutrient rich foods. Is anyone out there buying this?
So far its been about 6 weeks of a gluten-free diet and I feel a whole lot better. More energy, less fatigue, no nausea and less, em, "private problems". I wonder how many people feel just generally physically crappy but not bad enough to be bugging the doctor for a reason. I would venture there are a lot of us out there who just don't know that their diet is making them sick. Maybe this article can help you.
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ReplyDeleteDear Noelle I can't imagine being gluten-free in Italy where I usually eat pasta daily and sometimes twice a day when my mom force-feeds me. I guess you still have one way out - risotto!!! Which I love as much as pasta
ReplyDeleteSalads from now on??? I hope you enjoy tomato and buffalo, that is all that is left on the menu to order!! To be honest, think I am with you on this one, but I am in denial, bread, bread and more bread, I tried to give up, and started just having salads, then found myself making my own croutons to add (doesn't really count as bread does it)?!?
ReplyDeleteIt is certainly a challenge here and I do eat more salads than ever before (and more dairy too, which doesn't necessarily agree with my body either) But, as Izabela said, I still have risotto and rice and cous-cous so I am finding ways to adjust. Plus, depending on the sauce, the corn pasta is not even noticeable so its definitely worth the sacrifice. I am like one of pavlov's dogs, after so many times of feeling or run-down it becomes easier not to be tempted. There are those days though...
ReplyDeleteHow were you finally able to determine that you were allergic gluten?
ReplyDeleteI heard that the gov't subsidizes gluten-free products in Italy, but now it seems like that was probably some craaaazy rumor.
I am one of the new transplants to Italy who eats pasta every single day, so you must get creative with your ordering :)
Hi Natalie,
ReplyDeleteAfter months of trouble-shooting and being treated for Collitis amongst other things, I started eliminating gluten just on a suspicion. I have done the blood tests and am still waiting for the results.....which is quite a wait here in Abruzzo. But, every time I tried to go back, I paid the price!
Haven't heard anything about the subsidies but its probably not true since wheat is such a staple crop here.
Glad you are still enjoying the pasta! Since you are a traveling writing, feel free to stop by Abruzzo anytime for a tour. How I do love a good conversation in English!
After reading your post, I came across this article.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/kay-goldstein/gluten-free-senze-glutine_b_688959.html.