Today my ward Graduated from High School. We couldn't be
prouder of him. He had such a long journey to get to this point. He
will be leaving for the US Army come October. However, there are a few
issues for those with Celiac at these types of occasions. As we were
leaving the Graduation, The School officials tried to press a Cookie and lemonade
into my hands. I had to decline; in fact I wouldn't even touch the
snacks. I didn't want the gluten on my hand from the cookies and I had no
idea of how, where or with what the lemonade was made. This means that I
couldn't safely consume anything. While our Ward understood why I politely
said no thank you and wouldn't let the snacks touch me, the person pushing them
did not. They only understood when I told them that I was allergic.
The first rule: You can and should say no.
While it is common to want to celebrate with your loved ones, it is going
to do no one any good if you are sick afterwards. Saying no thanks you is
the best option for everyone.
This works at weddings as well, if you
cannot safely eat anything, then don't. This doesn’t mean that you are
not happy for the couple. It just means that you cannot make yourself
sick. I have smiled and taken the cake, only to foist it off on someone
else and then wash my hands at occasions like that. However, what I have
learned is better is to simply say no at the beginning. My health always
comes first. I am sure that the food and the cake are amazing; I however, am
not going to eat them.
The Second rule: If the food is in
question then say no. Even if something should be gluten free, doesn't
mean that it is. There is the food preparation that needs to be taken
into account. While it is rude to question the staff publicly, if you can
get one aside and ask your questions without bringing attention to yourself
then do so. For example when I went to a Christmas ball, I was able to
learn that the fruit and cheese table was prepared id a different kitchen than
the rest of the food and was therefore safe. So while everyone else had
dinner, I was allowed to get myself more fruit and cheese. This meant
that I was eating with everyone else and still keeping myself safe.
The Third rule: Eat before you go.
If you cannot be assured of the safety of the food then you should eat
before you leave. This means that you are not hungry and therefore will
not feel left out when others are eating. Also this keeps your stomach
from rumbling at inopportune times. (Yes I have had this happen.)
Also keep a snack for yourself in the car for after the event.
Last Rule: Think before you act, is it
worth your health to try something you are unsure of. This can include
punch bowls and salad bars. While they should be safe, this is not always
the case. Some powdered drinks contain some form of gluten.
What Situations have you found yourself in where you have had to decline
the food?
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