Need help! Dealing with lots of food intolerances (Food Allergy/Intolerance)
Hello!
I have been vegetarian for about 1.5 years and would be very sad to come back to eating meat. My problem is that I have food intolerances and allergies to very common ingredients (especially in vegetarian cooking), which make managing a varied and not dull diet hard. I am also concerned that my diet might not be balanced.
It also causes me a lot of trouble when going out, to restaurant or to other people's houses. I always get asked 'but what DO you eat?' when I tell the host about my restrictions. In truth, there is not all that much of a variety in my diet, and it does require a lot on the host's part to juggle between my many extensive restrictions and whatever else the other guest might have. Since I cannot deal with beans, soy and dairy, about 90% of the typical fail-safe vegetarian-friendly options simply do not work.
It has happened a few times that I found nothing that I could eat safely when going out, and had to choose between getting sick and in pain for days, or a very awkward dinner in which I ate nothing by bread (and an insulted host), or me not eating at a restaurant. Whenever I can, I try to convince the host to organise a pot-luck, but there are more formal events and other situations for which it is impossible. I know that some of my acquaintances (not my close friends) either avoid inviting me or simply wilfully disregard my restrictions, as they are too hard to manage for them.
So what do you think about my situation? Would you rather tear your hair off than having me as a guest? :-[ And do you think it is even advisable for me to be a vegetarian considering my restrictions? What could I do to try to balance my diet, add variety, and to be a good guest? Please note that I am a student, as a thus, my means are very limited.
I am a vegetarian intolerant to:
Soy
Dairies (some milk is acceptable, very occasionally and in small quantities, as in a cake, for instance. But anything involving cream, cheese or yoghurt is right out)
Beans (including chick peas and lentils - nuts are fine)
Allergic:
Peaches
I try to eat a lot of nuts and eggs for protein. I have discovered rice and hemp milk very recently. I hope that these kinds of milk will not cause me trouble... I also try to eat more whole grains.
are you allergic to ALL legumes? or can you eat some, like peanuts?
are you allergic to ALL legumes? or can you eat some, like peanuts?
Nuts are fine (as are peanuts, cashews, pistachios, hazelnuts, and the like).
What I cannot have are lentils, chick peas, kidney (or any kind of) beans.
but, peanuts AREN'T nuts....they're legumes.....as are beans......totally different family from true nuts like cashews, pistachios, etc.....so what half of the legume family is safe/not safe for you? when you've figured that out, I can help you.
but, peanuts AREN'T nuts....they're legumes.....as are beans......totally different family from true nuts like cashews, pistachios, etc.....so what half of the legume family is safe/not safe for you? when you've figured that out, I can help you.
Ah, yes, you are right. Well, ok, I will do the breakdown as to what cause me trouble, to the best of my knowledge. I had to figure it out through elimination, and I have not found all the culprits yet (though I know the major ones) nor have I tried just every kind of bean. Considering the effects, I am a bit reluctant to try them all...
Are fine:
Peanuts have not caused me any reaction (dry peanuts, peanut butter), but it is true that I do not eat all that much of it. It might be that it causes me rather weak reactions that I am blaming on something else, or on stress. No matter, it seems that in small quantities at least, I can have them.
Green peas are fine (the canned, frozen or fresh variety, I have never tried dried peas). They are not legume, but I am including them in the list since the name could be misleading, as I do not tolerate chick peas.
Very small (or trace) quantities of soy do not trigger any reaction, but I could not have, say, a bite of a veggie dog.
Are not fine:
Soy, in any considerable amount. This seems to include fresh soy beans.
Chick peas. Any amount. As for the rest of these, the dried and rehydrated kind is much worse for me than the canned variety. Well, it used to be so, but I am noticing that my intolerance seem to strengthen over the years. Now if, say, a soup has been cooked with some chick peas in it, the broth will be enough to make me quite sick. It was not always so, and I am a bit concerned by that.
Lentils. Any amount.
Kidney beans, broad (fava) beans, black and white beans. Any amount. I do not know the exact name in English for all of these, but it is safe to assume that if it is similar to these, I cannot have it. My mother suffers the same bean-intolerance as I and said she pretty much tried every kind she could find, to no avail. Fresh green beans (in pods) seem to be fine for her. I have not tried for quite some time myself (5+ years), so I would not know.
Things you can and do eat then should include:
Whole grains like: Amaranth, Quinoa, Millet and barley
Meat subs like: Seitan in its variety of forms, tastes and shapes
Veggies: As many and as often as you can
Fruits: As many and as often as you can
If I were planning a dinner party for you to attend I would make a simple multi grain pilaf of Quinoa, Amaranth and Orzo seasoned with sun dried tomatoes, lemon and a few shredded leaves of basil. With a lovely seitan scallopine smothered in lemon and olives (check out Fatfree Vegan's Blog!) and a hearty helping of steamed broccoli. For dessert a lovely white cake covered in a strawberry reduction (aka fruit butter).
It does not seem impossible. Challenging maybe. But not impossible. Use grain or nut flours to substitute for any recipe calling for soy or garbanzo flour. Use rice, oat, hemp or almond milk. There are even rice and soy free coconut yogurts!
If I was told to eat soy, legume and peach free for a week I would eat:
Monday
Breakfast: Oatmeal with agave, cinnamon and apple chunks
Lunch: Sandwich with roasted portabella mushroom, eggplant and tomato along side a salad of greens, bell peppers, slivered almonds, sunflower seeds and dried cranberries drizzled in balsamic.
Dinner: Seitan sheppards pie. (Shred a firm seitan o'greatness batch and mix with a roux and mushrooms. Top with a layer of green peas and mashed potatoes.)
Tuesday
Breakfast: Burrito with potato and seitan sausage and an array of sauted veggies like bell pepper, onion and salsa.
Lunch: Tomato soup & noodles, 1c of mixed nuts, and an apple
Dinner: Quinoa made with veggie broth and covered with roasted cauliflower, broccoli and mushrooms
Wednesday
Breakfast: Cereal of choice with toast and mixed fruits
Lunch: Salad full of veggies with favorite dressing
Dinner: Seitan Ribz, mashed potatoes & kale
Thursday
Breakfast: Banana Strawberry & kale smoothie, handful of mixed nuts
Lunch: Ribz sandwich, chips, orange
Dinner: Couscous with mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini and bell pepper with a splash of Italian dressing
Friday
Breakfast: Pancakes
Lunch: Wrap with balsamic brushed roasted veggies, spinach and sprouts
Dinner: Seitan cutlets, breaded and lightly fried and smothered in gravy over roasted potatoes and asparagus
Saturday
Breakfast: Cream of Wheat w/ maple syrup & walnuts
Lunch: Leftovers
Dinner: Tacos with Lime & Chili Sauted Veggies, salsa rice and guacamole
Sunday
Breakfast: Blueberry muffins
Lunch: Homemade Cream of Mushroom soup (made with Oat milk), spinach salad topped with orange wedges
Dinner: Spaghetti w/ mushroom, zucchini and bell pepper sauted before adding your favorite sauce
Desserts can be cookies, cupcakes, brownies and even Rice or Coconut Ice cream
Yes, it is tricky, but yes, it is also very doable.
I can't eat gluten and run into a lot of these same problems. First, you need to take control of your own nutrition. As much as you can want it, other people, even friends and family are not responsible for cooking to your needs. I know, it sucks sometimes. But there are ways you can share with your friends and still be together even when the social gathering is around food. And isn't it always.
What I do it this. There are restaurants out there that are happy to work with someone with special dietary restrictions. Find them. Search on line and make phone calls. Then when a friend wants to go out you can steer them to someplace that works better for you. Worst case scenario, an all veggie salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing, I guarantee they have those in the kitchen. Fresh fruit is good too.
I always take snacks with me when I go anywhere. Lara bars, crackers, trail mix, fruit to snack on should nothing be available for you. You might be hungry, but you won't starve till you get home. My mom always says that, but its true!
If it is a wedding or other social event where food info is not available, I try and eat a small meal before I go, so I am not tempted to eat something that will make me sick, and bring several snacks sometimes even cake!
I tell my friends that I have food allergies, most people get that, and that I have my own snacks. Its the people, not the food that is most important. I always thank a host for inviting me, and offer to help out by bringing a dish. If that doesn't work, I still go, and just let the host know, quietly, that I have many food allergies, so I have a snack of my own. Most people don't want you passing out or puffing up (extreme, I know) at dinner, so if you make light of it a host should feel at ease. I have had total strangers say "hey, check the fridge" to find myself a snack that works for me. I'm just happy to hang out and talk with everybody. I also find that I end up helping in the kitchen, which I like to do, because often I don't eat a lot anyways, and then the host can talk more and enjoy eating the dinner she worked so hard on.
As for your diet, staples will be fruit and veg, obviously. You can eat wheat, oats and barley so I am jealous! Grains and brown rice. Nuts are great. Nutritional yeast is handy to make sauces. Coconut milk and coconut yogurt and ice cream is AWESOME.
Rice milk and hemp can be as nutritional as Soy. I personally don't like tofu or soy yogurt, cream cheese etc. I do drink soy milk occasionally, but there are so many options.
If you don't, learn to cook. Start basic and work up. Basic cooking skills are invaluable. You may want to see a nutritionist who specializes in vegetarian or vegan diets to help broaden your food options. Read cook books, my favorite pastime.
Being veggie or vegan without soy can be tough, but is doable. Frankly, I'd trade my soy for your gluten eating ability any day. Really.
Lastly, you may need to work back into the good graces of some people. Feelings can get hurt even unintentionally, as our lives are so tied to food and eating that some may not understand that you don't eat their food not because you don't like them, but because you can't because it will make you ill. You are not being ungracious, but taking care of your health. I find it helps to make light of the situation, thank a person for thinking of you and let them know that you are glad to be included in anyway possible, even if you can't eat the meal Most people wouldn't off a cupcake to someone who is diabetic or beer to a recovering alcoholic, so it you help them to see it that way, they may slowly come to realize that food really isn't that important.
GOOD LUCK! this is very doable, trust me. It can take time to get over the frustration, I know. When I started being gluten free in High school and college, social events, not to mention dating were nerve wracking. Now, its no big deal.
Happy and stress free eating!!!
OMG! Calli I am so hungry now!!! My simple beans and rice with taco sauce for lunch is not doing it any more. AWESOME week menu.
Monday
Breakfast: Oatmeal with agave, cinnamon and apple chunks
Lunch: Sandwich with roasted portabella mushroom, eggplant and tomato along side a salad of greens, bell peppers, slivered almonds, sunflower seeds and dried cranberries drizzled in balsamic.
Dinner: Seitan sheppards pie. (Shred a firm seitan o'greatness batch and mix with a roux and mushrooms. Top with a layer of green peas and mashed potatoes.)
Thank you so much!
Seitan is near-impossible to find where I live. The local grocery stores have started stocking vegetarian-friendly replacement meat, but they are all soy-based. I shall have to see about finding an online shop (I live in Canada).
Do you have a more detailed version of the instructions for the shepherd's pie? It sounds so delicious!
I am talking about you making your own seitan Eloise! Its quite simple and satisfying to create something with different texture and tastes.
You can buy online Vital Wheat Gluten. Once you have that check out these links to recipes: Seitan of Greatness, Fatfree Vegan Ribz, Vegan Dad, and just Seitan recipes.
To make the shepherd's pie I would make up a batch of seitan o gretaness, cool it, use a food processor (or hand grater) to crumble it into small chunks, thicken it with a white gravy roux (1/4c each olive oil & flour cooked with spices and then 1-2c oat milk added slowly). Stir in some frozen green peas, layer in a casserole dish, and top with mashed potatoes. You could possibly add in some bulk with diced mushrooms, cooked & purred squash like acorn or even sauted kale.
OMG! Calli I am so hungry now!!! My simple beans and rice with taco sauce for lunch is not doing it any more. AWESOME week menu.
Thanks!
GFVeg would you like your own week of GF vegan meals? ;)
Ummm, let me think, OK yes!!! MY husband eats what I cook, but he's not real good for ideas on what to have and after taking care of my kids all day often I am out of inspiration. Part of why I love VegWeb ssooosooosoooo much!!!
eloise24, how are things going. Hopefully well. I felt sad about how tough things can be sometimes, and hope the general experience of mingling friends and food become easier for you over time. Let us know how things go.
Hi. I just wanted to say that although I definitely think it's possible to stay vegetarian even with all your dietary restrictions, I would totally understand if you didn't feel you could handle all those limitations. If you can go without, great. If not, that's really ok too. Vegetarian diets aren't feasible for everyone.
Dealing with lots of food intolerances
can only suppose that you've had a comprehensive as possible workup with your treating physician, possibly even a referral to a nutritionist and/or dietician; what results did that offer? and what suggestions were made? ------ slightly rhetorical questions
pls let us know how this is working out, okay?
~ fr
First of all, if any of your friends aren't inviting you to dinner because you have food allergies then that is not right. So what if you can't eat? Eat something before you go and then go out with then to talk and have a good time. Order a glass of water and a salad. Thats what I do.
I am allergic to eggs, dairy, beef, pork, fish (which don't matter since I'm vegetarian now), corn, wheat, soy, lentils and cashews.
Which means.. no fake meats or fake cheeses (soy, wheat, and corn.)
I drink a lot of rice milk and make my own cheese sauce with nutritional yeast. You could most likely tolerate the rice cheese (I can't because it has malodextrin which is corn sugar). You can find it at almost any health food store.
Have you been tested for ALL beans? Black, pinto, great northern, green, wax beans.. you can't have any?
I am VERY allergic to lentils but don't seem to have problems with other beans besides limas and its a mild reaction.
I eat a lot of eggplant and zucchini. They are both very good in pasta sauces.. a good hearty replacement for the meat. I also fry them both in olive oil and spices and serve them as "meat" with a meal.
Do you like greens? Spinach, collard, kale, etc. They are all FULL of vitamins that you need.
Are you allergic to mushrooms? If not then they are also a good meat substitute.
When I stopped eating meat a year ago, I was afraid at first that I would have nothing to eat, but I eat better now than I ever have in my entire life. I am not saying it is easy. I have had food allergies my entire life. It sucks not being able to eat when you go out with friends, or when you are invited to their home. but sometimes thats the way it is. If they are offended then they are morons for not realizing that you could die if you eat the wrong thing. Some people just don't get it.. and you won't ever be able to change their minds.. trust me.
I'm sorry you are dealing with this! I hope it gets easier for you!
If you need some recipes or have any questions, let me know. :)
What a lovely lot of caring people who have answered already.
We had 3 daughters - all with allergies. One basic life saver idea for me was to substitute wherever bread was needed with waffles.
I'll submit a recipe. I've only just found this website. Marvelous. Waffles can be made from so many things. Frozen and hauled out at a moments notice and turned into pizza, salad roll, "toast" under savoury - sweet roll up - you name it - it's a good base.
These are so versatile. Basic and so alterable to include what you can have. I can't get at this right now but I will submit it later today.
People are usually gracious if you explain your problem.
There are ways to strengthen your immune system so allergies aren't such a major concern. We tried so many things but finally found something that makes a difference.
Watch for the recipe.
Merilyn
my daughter has a soy allergy, (also milk protein and eggs, which is why i went from long time vegetarian to vegan a little over a year ago.) It was tricky to do it with out soy...and with out beans would be much harder, but I (I was and still am breast feeding so i would avoid soy as well,) drink lots of rice milk, and I keep cooked quinoa and amarenth in fridge ad add to whatever i was eating.....also there was a french meadow bakery bread that was hempseed that didn;t have soy, and while I'm thinking of that i would drink hemp milk too, ( I don't like the taste if that as well as rice milk but it has more fat and protein.) I eat kamut pasta. and I would always sub oil for earth balance in baking.
hope this helps!