Somewhat recently, I went to a doctor and received some information that changed my life. Now, before you get worried, let me just inform you that this wasn't life or death information. No, it was not. But, it was still life-changing, all the same.
Before I begin, there is some vital information that you need to know. First off, I love a challenge. I am a straight-A student, and doing difficult things to my fullest ability is what I live for. Nerdy? Definitely. The second piece, is that I love change (well, mostly). Change is necessary; it keeps life interesting! …this may be why I have a serious Pinterest addiction…. I mean, what can't you find on Pinterest? There are so many new things to try, and different ways to change your life! (a.k.a life hacks for you tumblr people) Yes, I admit it: I'm a Pinterest geek. But still, can't you see where I'm coming from? I mean, I can't be the only one who goes on Pinterest every single spare minute they have. Ehrm…right?
Anyways, back to my story:
I was told that I have food sensitivities. I don't remember the exact order in which the doctor presented them, but I do remember my thoughts as I lay there, listening. I'll begin with gluten. It was here, as he told me of this, that I sort of inwardly smiled. (Now, this wasn't a happy smile. This was an, "I-know-something-that-you-don't smile"). Because, I knew that Pinterest had my back. There are so many dieting recipes on there; it can't be that bad... right? Granted, I had never tried any of them, but the pictures looked great! (yes, I know. I was very naive).
When he introduced the news about casein protein, I was quite confused. So, lactose intolerant? Nope. Okay…what's casein again? Casein is a protein found in cow's milk, and just as luck had it, I couldn't have it. But, again I thought back to my beloved Pinterest and recalled on pins seen of dairy-free items. I was saved. (besides, have you ever tried chocolate almond milk? It is the literal bomb. Your tastebuds might just faint in awe of it).
Next up, sugar. Now, this one took my by a miniature earthquake. I love sugar. Absolutely love it. I mean, my prevalent username since grade school even made clear of this! I love, loved, and always will love, sweets. But again, I had had some previous experience with Stevia, and I knew it couldn't be that bad. Okay, yes I was internally crying at the impeding loss of my loved ones. But, I was determined not to let it get me! I came here because I was desperate and desperate times do call for desperate measures.
Now, maybe you're sharing some of my pain here, or maybe you're the one thinking, "what is she talking about? I don't see what the big deal is here." Well, you just haven't heard the kicker yet. I know, what could be worse? I've covered the basic main diet changes. Oh I'll tell you.
Have you ever seen gluten, sugar, or dairy-free recipes on Pinterest? Almost all of them begin with the word chocolate, or contain the word chocolate in the title. It was of these recipes that I was desperately holding onto as a lifeline in this appointment. But, as the sun fell over the city, I knew not of the impeding damage that would upturn my world.
But for you to even begin to understand the internal bleeding that occurred with a single word, we need to flash back once more. I absolutely, above all other food, love chocolate. My favorite food is box brownies. My comfort food is chicken ramen and dark chocolate chips. For the past two holidays I have asked my uncle for a package filled with Trader Joe's chocolate. I even received a CHOCOLATE PASSPORT. A passport people! A mouth-watering box filled with chocolate from different countries across the world. I kept it in my room for me to look at when I was sad and needed something fancy to cheer me up. I…was…an addict.
So, you may be guessing what I'm going to say here, so maybe I need not say it. But here it is: among many assorted fruits and nuts, gluten, sugar, and casein protein, I was banned from eating my sole lover in the world, chocolate. (*insert crying emoji here)