Re: Whining and Moaning: What to Do when You can't eat out

[Guest guest]

There are two ways of looking at this: they should accommodate us, or we should

adapt to them. The consequence of complaining at work may be that you set

yourself apart. The point of office events like retreats and pizza parties is

team building. Unfortunately, when you separate yourself from the team, you risk

being excluded or branded

as difficult or different which may have costly professional consequences such

as missed promotions or even being laid off if there is a cut. Food events

promote bonding and socializing which is so very important.

I look at it this way: I want to be part of the team. I want to be perceived as

healthy and normal. It is not their fault I am on SCD, it is my responsibility.

Therefore I try to make my food issues as inconspicuous as possible.

In the beginning of SCD, I brought my own food, and ate privately at odd times.

Then I joined the group and had tea with them while they ate. As long as I did

not make a big deal of it, they forgot about it and we had a good time.

As to the cost of paying for food, I see it as the cost of attending an event-

like a movie or play. I am there for the event, the food is minimal. I look at

the cost of the food vs the cost of missing out, or the cost professionally of

being an outsider.

This is not forever. A year into SCD and you could probably handle a salad at

Panera, plain with lemon juice for dressing or bring your own. They have apples

too. Not much of a lunch, but I tuck a Lara Bar in my purse and that holds me

until I can get home.

I try very hard to keep life as " normal " as possible. I don't want to be treated

or perceived as different.

Just my 2 cents,

PJ

>

> Hi... me again. My office is having this " retreat " . A cheapie " retreat " where

we're going to a book store... then they're holding meetings at a bookstore and

two restaurants: Panera Bread and Dairy Queen. They know I have dietary

restrictions with Bread and Dairy, but seemed to go out of their way to choose

places they knew I couldn't eat at. (There's only six of us in the office).

>

> Unfortunately, I have to go to the " retreat " anyway. I called ahead to Panera

Bread to see if there's anything I could possibly eat. Unfortunately, everything

contains sugars (including the salad dressings) and bread (gluten galore.)

>

> I'm still at stage one of the diet -- (no raw veggies even)... so salads are

out. I called ahead to get the menu, from the manager -- who (my luck!) is also

on a restricted diet without starches, soy, sugars, dairy, etc; ..but not SCD.

Unfortunately all have sugar in them -- even the salad dressings. Luckily, I can

bring in my own meals to the restaurant.

>

> The thing is, I feel like I should say something about this whole " retreat " .

Again, I'm having to pay money out of my own pocket to participate in something

(first the pizza party --where I couldn't eat the pizza) and now the " retreat "

with the food.

>

> I want to confront my manager, I know how she is, and she'll put up a big

stink about it. My coworker said they knew about my dietary restrictions

(including not being able to eat gluten.) But, I don't feel it's right to have

to mandatorily attend an event I was specifically excluded from?

>

> What should I do?

>

[Guest guest]

What should I do?I think it is completely UNreasonable that you should have to PAY for the luxury of sitting in a restaurant and watching people eat!!! If she makes a big stink, you should make a bigger stink!! Well, not so big that you get fired, which I guess is easy for me to say since it's not my job that's in jeopardy =) But still, I do NOT think you should have to pay. Peace =)Alyssa 16 yo UC April 2008, dx Sept 2008SCD June 2009 (restarted)Azathioprine 75 mg 1x per dayPrednisone 30 mg 1x per day

[Guest guest]

I definitely agree with PJ that you should not sacrifice your professionalism over this. If I were in your position I would be the bigger person and just live with it this time. Bring your own food and what not. It's going to take other people time to adjust as well.

But maybe next time, if you know a head of time, you could suggest a place that you like. Or maybe even take the person who organizes these events a list of restaurants that are easier for you to eat at, include phone numbers, menus and whatever other info you can get. This way they have some idea's on hand and have less guess work to do. Make sure this incident is well behind you though, that way the events are unrelated and this action doesn't seem like a reaction, but rather as proactive.

Since it's a small company, maybe you could offer to organize some of these events, or be part of the event organization. That way you have influence of these functions.Don't be too pushy, but instead try and make it easy for them to make better choices for you. It sounds to me like this is and issue of the company (or the person organizing the events) has a hard time thinking outside the norm. You have to help show them change, and hope they accept.

I'm not sure if I'm assessing the situation correctly since I only have your few emails to go by, but I hope these suggestions help. Hang in there. Try and be proud of these adversities that you are over coming to take charge of your health. It's worth it, and it makes you a stronger and more able person.

~

 

Yeah, you're right.

> >

> > Hi... me again. My office is having this " retreat " . A cheapie " retreat " where we're going to a book store... then they're holding meetings at a bookstore and two restaurants: Panera Bread and Dairy Queen. They know I have dietary restrictions with Bread and Dairy, but seemed to go out of their way to choose places they knew I couldn't eat at. (There's only six of us in the office).

> >

> > Unfortunately, I have to go to the " retreat " anyway. I called ahead to Panera Bread to see if there's anything I could possibly eat. Unfortunately, everything contains sugars (including the salad dressings) and bread (gluten galore.)

> >

> > I'm still at stage one of the diet -- (no raw veggies even)... so salads are out. I called ahead to get the menu, from the manager -- who (my luck!) is also on a restricted diet without starches, soy, sugars, dairy, etc; ..but not SCD. Unfortunately all have sugar in them -- even the salad dressings. Luckily, I can bring in my own meals to the restaurant.

> >

> > The thing is, I feel like I should say something about this whole " retreat " . Again, I'm having to pay money out of my own pocket to participate in something (first the pizza party --where I couldn't eat the pizza) and now the " retreat " with the food.

> >

> > I want to confront my manager, I know how she is, and she'll put up a big stink about it. My coworker said they knew about my dietary restrictions (including not being able to eat gluten.) But, I don't feel it's right to have to mandatorily attend an event I was specifically excluded from?

> >

> > What should I do?

> >

>

[Guest guest]

This is always interesting to me. You mentioned strawberry or mango

milkshakes--there is no comparison to DQ. Why don't you have one

ready and keep it in an insulated cup. Ask to store it when you get

there.

Eat before you go and have a nice supper planned for when you get off

work. If you've ordered coconut or cocoa butter, you could make

brownies and have that to snack on. Or take a baked chicken breast

and broccoli--something anyone/everyone eats. A bottle of water.

They already know you are on a special diet so I doubt they will say

anything.

Eventually maybe they will not require you to pay for anything if you

don't participate (eat). I wouldn't take it personal.

I wouldn't take enough for everyone or something anyone else can

taste. But it should look good. SCD food is expensive and you don't

want to be put in the position later to have to bring food because

it's good. <g> trust me, I let someone taste the cheesecake and next

thing I knew, I was trying to take the spoon away from him. If you do

give a taste, use a DQ tiny spoon. Funny how things change like that.

Debbie

>

> Yeah, you're right.

>

>

>> >

>> > Hi... me again. My office is having this " retreat " . A cheapie " retreat "

>> > where we're going to a book store... then they're holding meetings at a

>> > bookstore and two restaurants: Panera Bread and Dairy Queen. They know I

>> > have dietary restrictions with Bread and Dairy, but seemed to go out of

>> > their way to choose places they knew I couldn't eat at. (There's only

>> > six of us in the office).

>> >

>> > Unfortunately, I have to go to the " retreat " anyway. I called ahead to

>> > Panera Bread to see if there's anything I could possibly eat.

>> > Unfortunately, everything contains sugars (including the salad

>> > dressings) and bread (gluten galore.)

>> >

>> > I'm still at stage one of the diet -- (no raw veggies even)... so salads

>> > are out. I called ahead to get the menu, from the manager -- who (my

>> > luck!) is also on a restricted diet without starches, soy, sugars,

>> > dairy, etc; ..but not SCD. Unfortunately all have sugar in them -- even

>> > the salad dressings. Luckily, I can bring in my own meals to the

>> > restaurant.

>> >

>> > The thing is, I feel like I should say something about this whole

>> > " retreat " . Again, I'm having to pay money out of my own pocket to

>> > participate in something (first the pizza party --where I couldn't eat

>> > the pizza) and now the " retreat " with the food.

>> >

>> > I want to confront my manager, I know how she is, and she'll put up a

>> > big stink about it. My coworker said they knew about my dietary

>> > restrictions (including not being able to eat gluten.) But, I don't feel

>> > it's right to have to mandatorily attend an event I was specifically

>> > excluded from?

>> >

>> > What should I do?

>> >

>>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

As to the cost of paying for food, I see it as the cost of attending an event- like a movie or play. I am there for the event, the food is minimal. I look at the cost of the food vs the cost of missing out, or the cost professionally of being an outsider.Lol PJ, and I said the exact opposite =) You're probably right though, it's probably better to NOT make a big stink about it if possible. I mean, I guess you just have to weigh the options. Peace =)Alyssa 16 yo UC April 2008, dx Sept 2008SCD June 2009 (restarted)Azathioprine 75 mg 1x per dayPrednisone 30 mg 1x per day

[Guest guest]

Paying is the lesser of two evils. If you don't pay, they are going to think

you are cheap and only bring your own food to save money.. Ron

>

> > As to the cost of paying for food, I see it as the cost of attending

> > an event- like a movie or play. I am there for the event, the food

> > is minimal. I look at the cost of the food vs the cost of missing

> > out, or the cost professionally of being an outsider.

>

>

> Lol PJ, and I said the exact opposite =) You're probably right though,

> it's probably better to NOT make a big stink about it if possible. I

> mean, I guess you just have to weigh the options.

>

> Peace =)

> Alyssa 16 yo

> UC April 2008, dx Sept 2008

> SCD June 2009 (restarted)

> Azathioprine 75 mg 1x per day

> Prednisone 30 mg 1x per day

>

[Guest guest]

SCD Lady,

I don't think there is any threat to your professionalism in any way, shape, or

form by offering to pay for the cost of the retreat minus any money that will be

earmarked for food. This isn't complaining, this isn't being unreasonable, and

if your manager isn't willing to work with you, then it's a statement on her

professionalism and the quality of her personhood. Let her put up her stink.

I'm not sure how and what they are charging for the retreat, but any third

grader should be able to figure out how to deduct the price of the meal. It is

simply right that you should not pay, but if you are refused by your manager,

and there is no other choice than to attend, pay graciously this time, and

repeat the whole process over again the next time. Keep expressing your needs

in a positive, loving way, and they may come to realize how important it is for

you to follow this diet. I don't expect anyone to accomodate my dietary needs,

but I do expect them to act in a fair and equitable manner. Don't let it get

you down....We're here, we've been there, and we hear you.

Ellen

>

> I want to confront my manager, I know how she is, and she'll put up a big

stink about it. My coworker said they knew about my dietary restrictions

(including not being able to eat gluten.) But, I don't feel it's right to have

to mandatorily attend an event I was specifically excluded from?

>

> What should I do?

>

[Guest guest]

My office has staff meetings once a month and cake day once a month. We have

several off site events. They never consider my diet. Linh, my firm admin, tries

but it's just to inconvenient. I just bring my own food and roll with it. If

is getting staff lunch from a place I can order from, I'll order my own

food, have her pick it up, but I have to pay for it. I've been at this job

almost 2 years... you'd think they'd at least pick up the tab when I can order

from the place.

Misty

CD - no meds

SCD - 2 + years

>

> Hi... me again. My office is having this " retreat " . A cheapie " retreat " where

we're going to a book store... then they're holding meetings at a bookstore and

two restaurants: Panera Bread and Dairy Queen. They know I have dietary

restrictions with Bread and Dairy, but seemed to go out of their way to choose

places they knew I couldn't eat at. (There's only six of us in the office).

>

> Unfortunately, I have to go to the " retreat " anyway. I called ahead to Panera

Bread to see if there's anything I could possibly eat. Unfortunately, everything

contains sugars (including the salad dressings) and bread (gluten galore.)

>

> I'm still at stage one of the diet -- (no raw veggies even)... so salads are

out. I called ahead to get the menu, from the manager -- who (my luck!) is also

on a restricted diet without starches, soy, sugars, dairy, etc; ..but not SCD.

Unfortunately all have sugar in them -- even the salad dressings. Luckily, I can

bring in my own meals to the restaurant.

>

> The thing is, I feel like I should say something about this whole " retreat " .

Again, I'm having to pay money out of my own pocket to participate in something

(first the pizza party --where I couldn't eat the pizza) and now the " retreat "

with the food.

>

> I want to confront my manager, I know how she is, and she'll put up a big

stink about it. My coworker said they knew about my dietary restrictions

(including not being able to eat gluten.) But, I don't feel it's right to have

to mandatorily attend an event I was specifically excluded from?

>

> What should I do?

>

[Guest guest]

Here's one consolation, seeing as how you can't eat the food. It's terrible.

I ate there once when I was gluten free but not yet SCD, the salads/salad

dressing were god-awful, like they were made in the main plant and

just shipped out to the branches. Just unpalatable.

Have no desire ever to eat at one again.

Bring something you particularly enjoy eating for lunch and

have that.

Mara

> SCD Lady,

>

> I don't think there is any threat to your professionalism in any way, shape,

or form by offering to pay for the cost of the retreat minus any money that will

be earmarked for food. This isn't complaining, this isn't being unreasonable,

and if your manager isn't willing to work with you, then it's a statement on her

professionalism and the quality of her personhood. Let her put up her stink.

I'm not sure how and what they are charging for the retreat, but any third

grader should be able to figure out how to deduct the price of the meal. It is

simply right that you should not pay, but if you are refused by your manager,

and there is no other choice than to attend, pay graciously this time, and

repeat the whole process over again the next time. Keep expressing your needs

in a positive, loving way, and they may come to realize how important it is for

you to follow this diet. I don't expect anyone to accomodate my dietary needs,

but I do expect them to act in a fair and equit!

> able manner. Don't let it get you down....We're here, we've been there, and

we hear you.

>

> Ellen

>

>

>

>

>

>>

>> I want to confront my manager, I know how she is, and she'll put up a big

stink about it. My coworker said they knew about my dietary restrictions

(including not being able to eat gluten.) But, I don't feel it's right to have

to mandatorily attend an event I was specifically excluded from?

>>

>> What should I do?

>>

>

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

My daughter is allergic to peanuts. I wanted her life to be as normal as

possible, so I always brought something for her to eat at parties, school events

and others. With the risk of a life threatening reaction, I wanted to be sure

she was safe. If I brought the food, I knew there was nothing in it that would

hurt her. I always brought enough of something for the whole group to share-

cookies, whatever- so she would not stand out with separate food.

Eventually, it just got easier if I coordinated the parties. I think I have been

in charge of school/clubs food events ever since- even though she is grown. I

have always accommodated other kids' food issues- because I have been there/done

that, but other parents, just don't have a clue. They are happy to volunteer in

other ways.

Instead of asking them to accommodate you, maybe you could volunteer to help

plan the next retreat or group food event. Then it would appear that you are

stepping up to the plate. This way, perhaps you could pick the restaurant. If

the group orders pizza, then you could order a fruit tray, or bake and bring

some SCD cookies for the group, or do a " pot luck " event and bring legal food to

it yourself.

I think the pay off of being as normal as possible in group events is worth the

effort. You want to be perceived for who you are, not what you eat or don't eat.

It would be ideal if they accommodated you, but unless someone has been in your

shoes, they won't be very tuned in to it. My daughter attends a lot of things

without eating. We are so much more than a diet- that's what I want everyone to

see.

PJ

> >

> >

> >>

> >> I want to confront my manager, I know how she is, and she'll put up a big

stink about it. My coworker said they knew about my dietary restrictions

(including not being able to eat gluten.) But, I don't feel it's right to have

to mandatorily attend an event I was specifically excluded from?

> >>

> >> What should I do?

> >>

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > ------------------------------------

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I completed our company retreat today. I made almond flour crackers, grilled

chicken and zucchini (sans the skins) and took it along with me to the retreat.

I still paid, but when lunch came, I just brought along my homemade meal.

I felt really bad that I whined yesterday. Sorry, everyone, I should have been

more of an adult yesterday. It's funny, now they want to sample my

wheat-free/almond flour crackers. I might bring one for them all to taste.. but,

yeah.

Bringing my own food -- fixing it ahead of time, saved me a headache, and a lot

of explaining.

>

> Hi... me again. My office is having this " retreat " . A cheapie " retreat " where

we're going to a book store... then they're holding meetings at a bookstore and

two restaurants: Panera Bread and Dairy Queen. They know I have dietary

restrictions with Bread and Dairy, but seemed to go out of their way to choose

places they knew I couldn't eat at. (There's only six of us in the office).

>

> Unfortunately, I have to go to the " retreat " anyway. I called ahead to Panera

Bread to see if there's anything I could possibly eat. Unfortunately, everything

contains sugars (including the salad dressings) and bread (gluten galore.)

>

> I'm still at stage one of the diet -- (no raw veggies even)... so salads are

out. I called ahead to get the menu, from the manager -- who (my luck!) is also

on a restricted diet without starches, soy, sugars, dairy, etc; ..but not SCD.

Unfortunately all have sugar in them -- even the salad dressings. Luckily, I can

bring in my own meals to the restaurant.

>

> The thing is, I feel like I should say something about this whole " retreat " .

Again, I'm having to pay money out of my own pocket to participate in something

(first the pizza party --where I couldn't eat the pizza) and now the " retreat "

with the food.

>

> I want to confront my manager, I know how she is, and she'll put up a big

stink about it. My coworker said they knew about my dietary restrictions

(including not being able to eat gluten.) But, I don't feel it's right to have

to mandatorily attend an event I was specifically excluded from?

>

> What should I do?

>

[Guest guest]

Glad it worked out, and don't worry. When I started out on SCD I used to cry

alone in my room every day I would be learning to cook in the kitchen in a

different way and cry too. I was so overwhelmed and scared.

It is overwhelming to always feel different, which is why I focus on the

" normal " But we are here on this board for each other: the tears and the

happiness too.

I thought my family would look at my SCD food as weird, but now I can't keep my

daughter out of " my " food. Chances are it would be a hit at any event.

Glad you had a good time.

PJ

> >

> > Hi... me again. My office is having this " retreat " . A cheapie " retreat "

where we're going to a book store... then they're holding meetings at a

bookstore and two restaurants: Panera Bread and Dairy Queen. They know I have

dietary restrictions with Bread and Dairy, but seemed to go out of their way to

choose places they knew I couldn't eat at. (There's only six of us in the

office).

> >

> > Unfortunately, I have to go to the " retreat " anyway. I called ahead to

Panera Bread to see if there's anything I could possibly eat. Unfortunately,

everything contains sugars (including the salad dressings) and bread (gluten

galore.)

> >

> > I'm still at stage one of the diet -- (no raw veggies even)... so salads are

out. I called ahead to get the menu, from the manager -- who (my luck!) is also

on a restricted diet without starches, soy, sugars, dairy, etc; ..but not SCD.

Unfortunately all have sugar in them -- even the salad dressings. Luckily, I can

bring in my own meals to the restaurant.

> >

> > The thing is, I feel like I should say something about this whole " retreat " .

Again, I'm having to pay money out of my own pocket to participate in something

(first the pizza party --where I couldn't eat the pizza) and now the " retreat "

with the food.

> >

> > I want to confront my manager, I know how she is, and she'll put up a big

stink about it. My coworker said they knew about my dietary restrictions

(including not being able to eat gluten.) But, I don't feel it's right to have

to mandatorily attend an event I was specifically excluded from?

> >

> > What should I do?

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I'm glad things worked out. It is tough dealing with the social changes this diet brings. When I was in the intro stages and still learning how to cook SCD (well, I'm still learning, but I'm a bit better now) it was really hard for me to deal with eating with other people. But eventually, like you said with the almond crackers, your food starts to look pretty interesting. It's a nice feeling when someone asks " What item is that on the menu " or " Oh, I didn't see that at the buffet line! " .

~

 

I completed our company retreat today. I made almond flour crackers, grilled chicken and zucchini (sans the skins) and took it along with me to the retreat. I still paid, but when lunch came, I just brought along my homemade meal.

I felt really bad that I whined yesterday. Sorry, everyone, I should have been more of an adult yesterday. It's funny, now they want to sample my wheat-free/almond flour crackers. I might bring one for them all to taste.. but, yeah.

Bringing my own food -- fixing it ahead of time, saved me a headache, and a lot of explaining.

>

> Hi... me again. My office is having this " retreat " . A cheapie " retreat " where we're going to a book store... then they're holding meetings at a bookstore and two restaurants: Panera Bread and Dairy Queen. They know I have dietary restrictions with Bread and Dairy, but seemed to go out of their way to choose places they knew I couldn't eat at. (There's only six of us in the office).

>

> Unfortunately, I have to go to the " retreat " anyway. I called ahead to Panera Bread to see if there's anything I could possibly eat. Unfortunately, everything contains sugars (including the salad dressings) and bread (gluten galore.)

>

> I'm still at stage one of the diet -- (no raw veggies even)... so salads are out. I called ahead to get the menu, from the manager -- who (my luck!) is also on a restricted diet without starches, soy, sugars, dairy, etc; ..but not SCD. Unfortunately all have sugar in them -- even the salad dressings. Luckily, I can bring in my own meals to the restaurant.

>

> The thing is, I feel like I should say something about this whole " retreat " . Again, I'm having to pay money out of my own pocket to participate in something (first the pizza party --where I couldn't eat the pizza) and now the " retreat " with the food.

>

> I want to confront my manager, I know how she is, and she'll put up a big stink about it. My coworker said they knew about my dietary restrictions (including not being able to eat gluten.) But, I don't feel it's right to have to mandatorily attend an event I was specifically excluded from?

>

> What should I do?

>

[Guest guest]

At 06:00 PM 5/18/2010, you wrote:

What should I

do?

Well, you probably can't do what I did for the Historical Novel Society

Conference, where the membership includes two breakfasts, two dinners and

a lunch. I bring my husband as my designated eater. They give him a

tag that admits him to the meals, he eats the food I've paid for, and I

eat my own safe food.

Can you handle the souffle bread? Make souffle bread, make some chicken

or turkey or beef sandwich mix, and take some nice, meaty roll-ups. Take

a small container of honey-vanilla yogurt and some cooked fruit for

desert.

I do an easy burger florentine -- brown a pound of ground beef or bison.

Add two to two and half cups thick tomato sauce. Add a teaspoon of

homemade Italian seasoning and some pressed garlic. Stir. Stick a 10

ounce brick of frozen chopped spinach in the middle, cover, and simmer

for about 15 minutes. Stir to distribute the spinach. Place in

containers, and top with freshly grated Parmesan. I get four meals out of

this. My husband eats half a recipe for dinner. It's best hot, but can be

eaten cool is carrying a thermos is a problem.

I now wear a Medic Alert bracelet with " food allergies " on it

-- they have on file what I can and cannot eat. It's funny how few

arguments I get these days when I say I can't have something, and tap the

Medic Alert bracelet. You don't even have to explain anything.

—

Marilyn

New

Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

Darn Good SCD Cook

No Human Children

Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

Babette the Foundling Beagle

[Guest guest]

Bring something you particularly enjoy eating for lunch and

have that.

Maybe if they see you eating something that looks delicious, there

will be some pressure from the others to eat at a better class

restaurant next time!

[Guest guest]

I would probably buy a bottle of water if I had to eat out at work.  Some places, as long as you buys " something " then it's ok.  It depends on the place.

 

I agree with E on the no touch policy.  It takes too long and it costs too much so if they like it...;-) guess who will get asked each time to bring food to eat.  No way.

 

Debbie 41 cd

 

haven't followed this thread completely but i agree everyone and their mother always makes fun of scd -but say my food looks delicious - and I DON " T SHARE!!!! not even with my kids - lol the no-touch policy is in affect!! make it as tasty looking as possible and make them jealous!!

eileen >> Bring something you particularly enjoy eating for lunch and

> have that.> > Maybe if they see you eating something that looks delicious, there > will be some pressure from the others to eat at a better class > restaurant next time!> >

>

[Guest guest]

I have a mini fridge in the car that plugs into the cigarette lighter.Of course

you would not want to plug in in while the car is parked and run down the

battery. I sometimes tuck a blue ice pack in it too for times when the car is

parked.

I also carry food with ice packs in coolers. Some food can be frozen first and

thaws in the cooler for later.

You will get used to this. I always travel with my own food.

PJ

> > >What should I do?

> >

> > Well, you probably can't do what I did for the

> > Historical Novel Society Conference, where the

> > membership includes two breakfasts, two dinners

> > and a lunch. I bring my husband as my designated

> > eater. They give him a tag that admits him to the

> > meals, he eats the food I've paid for, and I eat my own safe food.

> >

> > Can you handle the souffle bread? Make souffle

> > bread, make some chicken or turkey or beef

> > sandwich mix, and take some nice, meaty roll-ups.

> > Take a small container of honey-vanilla yogurt

> > and some cooked fruit for desert.

> >

> > I do an easy burger florentine -- brown a pound

> > of ground beef or bison. Add two to two and half

> > cups thick tomato sauce. Add a teaspoon of

> > homemade Italian seasoning and some pressed

> > garlic. Stir. Stick a 10 ounce brick of frozen

> > chopped spinach in the middle, cover, and simmer

> > for about 15 minutes. Stir to distribute the

> > spinach. Place in containers, and top with

> > freshly grated Parmesan. I get four meals out of

> > this. My husband eats half a recipe for dinner.

> > It's best hot, but can be eaten cool is carrying a thermos is a problem.

> >

> > I now wear a Medic Alert bracelet with " food

> > allergies " on it -- they have on file what I can

> > and cannot eat. It's funny how few arguments I

> > get these days when I say I can't have something,

> > and tap the Medic Alert bracelet. You don't even have to explain anything.

> >

> >

> >

> > — Marilyn

> > New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

> > Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

> > Darn Good SCD Cook

> > No Human Children

> > Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

> > Babette the Foundling Beagle

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I love cooking, P.J. - it's just hard to get used to cooking for myself now, and

every night...and taking out food too.

> > > >What should I do?

> > >

> > > Well, you probably can't do what I did for the

> > > Historical Novel Society Conference, where the

> > > membership includes two breakfasts, two dinners

> > > and a lunch. I bring my husband as my designated

> > > eater. They give him a tag that admits him to the

> > > meals, he eats the food I've paid for, and I eat my own safe food.

> > >

> > > Can you handle the souffle bread? Make souffle

> > > bread, make some chicken or turkey or beef

> > > sandwich mix, and take some nice, meaty roll-ups.

> > > Take a small container of honey-vanilla yogurt

> > > and some cooked fruit for desert.

> > >

> > > I do an easy burger florentine -- brown a pound

> > > of ground beef or bison. Add two to two and half

> > > cups thick tomato sauce. Add a teaspoon of

> > > homemade Italian seasoning and some pressed

> > > garlic. Stir. Stick a 10 ounce brick of frozen

> > > chopped spinach in the middle, cover, and simmer

> > > for about 15 minutes. Stir to distribute the

> > > spinach. Place in containers, and top with

> > > freshly grated Parmesan. I get four meals out of

> > > this. My husband eats half a recipe for dinner.

> > > It's best hot, but can be eaten cool is carrying a thermos is a problem.

> > >

> > > I now wear a Medic Alert bracelet with " food

> > > allergies " on it -- they have on file what I can

> > > and cannot eat. It's funny how few arguments I

> > > get these days when I say I can't have something,

> > > and tap the Medic Alert bracelet. You don't even have to explain anything.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > — Marilyn

> > > New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

> > > Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

> > > Darn Good SCD Cook

> > > No Human Children

> > > Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

> > > Babette the Foundling Beagle

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

It is hard. Seriously- when I first started SCD, I used to cry in the kitchen.

It's hard to learn a whole new way of cooking. I also try to cook in large

batches and freeze, so I don't have to do it as much.

I keep a lot of " grab and go " things in the fridge: soups, frozen hamburger

patties, cooked apples.I will cook 12 burgers at a time and wrap them up

individually.

You will get used to it.... hang in there.

PJ

> > > > >What should I do?

> > > >

> > > > Well, you probably can't do what I did for the

> > > > Historical Novel Society Conference, where the

> > > > membership includes two breakfasts, two dinners

> > > > and a lunch. I bring my husband as my designated

> > > > eater. They give him a tag that admits him to the

> > > > meals, he eats the food I've paid for, and I eat my own safe food.

> > > >

> > > > Can you handle the souffle bread? Make souffle

> > > > bread, make some chicken or turkey or beef

> > > > sandwich mix, and take some nice, meaty roll-ups.

> > > > Take a small container of honey-vanilla yogurt

> > > > and some cooked fruit for desert.

> > > >

> > > > I do an easy burger florentine -- brown a pound

> > > > of ground beef or bison. Add two to two and half

> > > > cups thick tomato sauce. Add a teaspoon of

> > > > homemade Italian seasoning and some pressed

> > > > garlic. Stir. Stick a 10 ounce brick of frozen

> > > > chopped spinach in the middle, cover, and simmer

> > > > for about 15 minutes. Stir to distribute the

> > > > spinach. Place in containers, and top with

> > > > freshly grated Parmesan. I get four meals out of

> > > > this. My husband eats half a recipe for dinner.

> > > > It's best hot, but can be eaten cool is carrying a thermos is a problem.

> > > >

> > > > I now wear a Medic Alert bracelet with " food

> > > > allergies " on it -- they have on file what I can

> > > > and cannot eat. It's funny how few arguments I

> > > > get these days when I say I can't have something,

> > > > and tap the Medic Alert bracelet. You don't even have to explain

anything.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > — Marilyn

> > > > New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

> > > > Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

> > > > Darn Good SCD Cook

> > > > No Human Children

> > > > Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

> > > > Babette the Foundling Beagle

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Slightly random side note: I live in the DC area. I don't eat out very often

but I found that BD's Mongolian BBQ in Bethesda (near a metro stop) will cook

your food separately from everyone else's if you tell them that you have food

allergies. Just tell them to use olive oil as the sauce and choose whatever

other ingredients you want from the bar area. There's also a Burmese place

but I think the legal stuff might be a little too advanced for where you are

right now

Stacey

> > >What should I do?

> >

> > Well, you probably can't do what I did for the

> > Historical Novel Society Conference, where the

> > membership includes two breakfasts, two dinners

> > and a lunch. I bring my husband as my designated

> > eater. They give him a tag that admits him to the

> > meals, he eats the food I've paid for, and I eat my own safe food.

> >

> > Can you handle the souffle bread? Make souffle

> > bread, make some chicken or turkey or beef

> > sandwich mix, and take some nice, meaty roll-ups.

> > Take a small container of honey-vanilla yogurt

> > and some cooked fruit for desert.

> >

> > I do an easy burger florentine -- brown a pound

> > of ground beef or bison. Add two to two and half

> > cups thick tomato sauce. Add a teaspoon of

> > homemade Italian seasoning and some pressed

> > garlic. Stir. Stick a 10 ounce brick of frozen

> > chopped spinach in the middle, cover, and simmer

> > for about 15 minutes. Stir to distribute the

> > spinach. Place in containers, and top with

> > freshly grated Parmesan. I get four meals out of

> > this. My husband eats half a recipe for dinner.

> > It's best hot, but can be eaten cool is carrying a thermos is a problem.

> >

> > I now wear a Medic Alert bracelet with " food

> > allergies " on it -- they have on file what I can

> > and cannot eat. It's funny how few arguments I

> > get these days when I say I can't have something,

> > and tap the Medic Alert bracelet. You don't even have to explain anything.

> >

> >

> >

> > — Marilyn

> > New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

> > Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

> > Darn Good SCD Cook

> > No Human Children

> > Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

> > Babette the Foundling Beagle

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Yeah, I feel the same.

We don't usually eat out that often together -- but, we do occasionally have an

office party or retreat. I guess I'm still pretty sensitive to it all.

> >

> > Hi... me again. My office is having this " retreat " . A cheapie " retreat "

where we're going to a book store... then they're holding meetings at a

bookstore and two restaurants: Panera Bread and Dairy Queen. They know I have

dietary restrictions with Bread and Dairy, but seemed to go out of their way to

choose places they knew I couldn't eat at. (There's only six of us in the

office).

> >

> > Unfortunately, I have to go to the " retreat " anyway. I called ahead to

Panera Bread to see if there's anything I could possibly eat. Unfortunately,

everything contains sugars (including the salad dressings) and bread (gluten

galore.)

> >

> > I'm still at stage one of the diet -- (no raw veggies even)... so salads are

out. I called ahead to get the menu, from the manager -- who (my luck!) is also

on a restricted diet without starches, soy, sugars, dairy, etc; ..but not SCD.

Unfortunately all have sugar in them -- even the salad dressings. Luckily, I can

bring in my own meals to the restaurant.

> >

> > The thing is, I feel like I should say something about this whole " retreat " .

Again, I'm having to pay money out of my own pocket to participate in something

(first the pizza party --where I couldn't eat the pizza) and now the " retreat "

with the food.

> >

> > I want to confront my manager, I know how she is, and she'll put up a big

stink about it. My coworker said they knew about my dietary restrictions

(including not being able to eat gluten.) But, I don't feel it's right to have

to mandatorily attend an event I was specifically excluded from?

> >

> > What should I do?

> >

>