At a young age, I decided to become a vegetarian. For me, it started with the texture.
I can remember sitting at the table sobbing over a steak or a plate of scrambled eggs because I didn’t want to eat them. I was somewhat aware that they were animals, but I was only six or so and didn’t fully make the connection.
However, I was certain that I did not like the texture, and I wanted nothing to do with them. The only meat product my parents could get me to eat was chicken, and even that was a struggle.
So, then I became known as the “pastatarian.” My family didn’t really consider me a vegetarian—and to be honest, I didn’t either 😜—but give me some pasta and I was a happy girl.
If I didn’t like what my family was having for dinner, I’d eat a slice of bread with peanut butter, or some butter noodles. I was a happy kid. No meat for this girl.
As time went on, I started developing various health issues. I lost a ton of weight, I was throwing up constantly, I got nauseated just thinking about food. When I was about 18 years old, I started the process of trying to figure out what was wrong.
First, I was told I was a crazy teenage girl. Then it was acid reflux. Then IBS. Then I got my gallbladder removed. Then it was gastroparesis. After almost ten years, I found out the main cause of my symptoms was Celiac disease.
Quite a blow to the pastatarian. My life was carb-based. Bread, pasta, and fruit were my lifelines. I was content. Imagine how I felt hearing I had to quit my easy, go-to food.
After my diagnosis, I quit gluten immediately. It has been exceptionally hard, but I haven’t looked back. While it’s not my only health issue—and I struggle with various mental disorders as well—my diagnosis was a catalyst for improving my life.
So join me on Chronic Conversations to share our stories, experiences, and knowledge so we can live our healthiest, best lives.
