Singing the Food Blues
by E. F. Asher

Creating a new way of eating after being diagnosed with Celiac requires that we acknowledge the difficult emotional issues that occur. The following is a brief discussion of the steps we need to make before we are able to attain mastery of a new diet and way of life.

People who are forced by a medical condition to radically alter their diet often feel like they are losing a best friend. Food sustains and nurtures us, and most of us have at least one food that we turn to when we are in need of some kind of emotional comfort. It can be warm, cold, smooth or crunchy, but we each have foods that evoke certain emotions within us. Giving up foods, especially ones associated with comfort is extremely difficult, and most people have a hard time letting go. Being told that their health requires it, and having been given a diet sheet, doesn't address the emotional problems of deprivation and loss. And then there is the added burden of the loss of skills necessary to cook a meal "from scratch" with whole foods, without the reliance on pre-prepared foods. Scary and daunting for most people. New shopping & cooking skills have to be acquired quickly along with emotional support for the loss of the carefree old ways of eating. Cooking mastery and emotional support for acquiring new skills are needed for successful compliance with a medically prescribed diet.

Denial

Not me! I can't cope. This is too hard. I'll never be able to go anywhere. No more restaurants. There is nothing left to eat. I don't want to have this problem. I want to be just like everyone else. I'll never be able to do this.

Anger

Why me? What did I do to deserve this? Who can I blame? No one understands what I am going through, especially the doctor. This is really hard and everyone eats all the things that I can't have right in front of me. This isn't fair. Everyone gets to eat...and I don't. I hate this. I am going to cheat. I don't care. No one has it as hard as I do.

Bargaining

If I do make the changes for a while, then I can go back to eating what I like. Maybe if I just eat a little bit it won't really hurt me. Maybe the doctor can just give me some medicine and then I will be able to eat all of my favorite things. Maybe if I exercise enough, then I can eat whatever I want. Maybe...

Sadness & Depression

No one really understands how hard it is. It isn't fair. Life isn't fun. Cooking is a drudge. There is never anything good to eat anymore. I want to just open the cupboard and get .... and I can't anymore. It isn't fair. Everything tastes so bland and boring. I can't eat this way for the rest of my life. This is too hard. Sometimes I just feel like crying, especially when I see ......... Everyone gives me a hard time, why can't they understand how sad this is. Everyone can give up something for a day or two, but I have to give it up forever. Food isn't fun anymore.

Acceptance

This is my new way of life and I am making the best of it. There are still things that I can eat that taste good to me. I miss my old favorites, but I am enjoying some new things that will soon be favorites for me now. It was hard to give up some foods, but it is okay now. Sometimes it is hard to be with people who are eating all of the things that I used to like, but that is okay. I remember what those foods tasted like, but I choose my health over a momentary pleasure.

Hope and Joy

The more I learn, the better I feel. I am good at adapting to my new way of eating and cooking. The more I follow the diet the better I feel, and that is worth it. I am very good at making lots of things, more things than I every thought possible. My food tastes good.

Mastery of new skills for eating and cooking

I can adapt most recipes easily.
I can cook from scratch, and make nourishing and tasty meals.
I know what to buy in a market or healthfood store.
I find safe things to eat in a restaurant.
I see what is on my plate and am content.
I am not bothered by what other people get to eat.
I am able to provide for my food needs in any situation, including social situations.
I feel good about my new skills and eating habits.