Well, the first thought that comes to mind is that it sucks. A lot. All the food I buy is mega expensive. It is hard to find something tasty on a menu when I go out. I watch people eat tasty things all the time and can't even try a bite. Sometimes I go places and literally cannot eat, I've been on trips where I've been a tad hungry for days. I have eaten entirely too many salads (and I like salads!)
I think the worst part is being "that girl." That girl who always has to ask lots of questions about anything she eats outside her home. That girl who has to send food back every once in awhile because she didn't catch every single ingredient the first go-round. I don't like being thought of as difficult, it's not like I chose this! Sometimes I tell people that I am gluten free and I can in their eyes that they are judging me. They assume that I want to be hip or want to lose weight. The worst was when I went on birth control and was informing my doctor (not the other way around) that not all birth controls are gluten free. She responds with "But, you won't die, right? You'll just have a little tummy ache?" No, you meanie head I will be exhausted for days and have an upset stomach for weeks.
However, it's not all bad. I have to admit that I am probably considerably healthier than most of my friends because I literally cannot eat dessert or that Snickers that looks so tasty in the check-out line. Also, if you believe that gluten is bad for you regardless of whether you are in intolerant or not, then I am ahead of the game. I am incredibly aware of what I put in my body and how my body reacts to what I put in it, which I also see as a benefit. Eating gluten free is a challenge at every single meal, especially if i'm not in my own home.
I think that makes me a stronger person.
