Ten years ago when I first gave up gluten, I thought it was the worse curse ever. As a vegetarian, it was hard to give up whole grain cereals, oatmeal, breads, crackers, and pasta that formed a large part of my diet. They were also my main sources of fiber. To add insult to misery, I also became allergic to soy and lactose – the main protein foods for my vegetarian lifestyle. Needless to say, the transition was a pain in the neck. I had to learn what to eat all over again.

In the beginning I started adding physillum husks to juice – which was disgusting. Then, I had to give up my vegetarian ways and eat meat. Learning to cook meat was a comedy of errors. I can’t tell you how many burned or foul tasting fish and chicken dishes I had to throw out. I lived on eggs, and beans for a long time. Getting a variety of satisfying food was also a challenge. My diet had become so boring that sometimes I just did not want to eat.

But, slowly, I learned how to cook, got the gluten-free foods down, and slugged through the ups and downs of living gluten-free. Yes, the transition was difficult and challenging – still is sometimes. But, when I see what most of my colleagues and friends eat, I feel glad to be eating foods that love me back. I don’t mind skipping the coffee house muffins and pastries, birthday cakes, cookies, waffles, pizza, and other fattening and heart-stopping staples of the American diet. I love eating well. Why?

Because I am never sick anymore and have more energy than people half my age.

I have also become much more in tune with my body. Just a slight feeling of bloating or pain in my stomach tells me that something slipped by that should not have. I investigate what it could have been and make sure I never eat it again. Personally, I am glad Mother Nature gave me a challenge that encourages me to be in tune with my body. We should all be so lucky. There are many people that find bloating, smelly gas, fatigue, and being sickly the norm? When I suggest they consider being tested for a food allergy, they swear up and down they could never give up their bread or pasta. They prefer to silently suffer and/or complain to their friends about how bad they feel. If they only knew what delicious gluten-free treats await them.

Going gluten-free has also given me an unexpected benefit. I have gotten to know a lot of chefs. I speak to them personally and ask what they suggest that is gluten-free and they have been most accommodating. Once in Philadelphia I was walking past Maggiano’s and struck up a conversation with someone whom I thought was a waiter standing outside the restaurant. He suggested I come in and I told him I could not eat pasta. To my surprise he said he was the chef and told me about al the gluten-free dishes he had on the menu. I went in for lunch and was treated like a VIP. In addition to fabulous gluten-free shrimp pasta, I was given gifts of corn pasta and other goodies from the kitchen to take home with me. I mean, how cool is that?

Thank goodness there is an ever-growing number of chefs that are conscious of food allergies and who will adjust their restaurant menus for us. I make them my friends. Just before writing this post, I had brunch with friends, skipped the bread and had a nice baked chocolate mousse for dessert – made just for us.

Since I travel all over the world I also have learned a lot of packing and traveling tip. It took a while to get the drill down, but now, I am in control of my diet, not the airlines or airport restaurants. Heck, I am glad I don’t have to eat all that crap.

There are still times I miss having a fresh morning pastry at the Farmer’s market or bakery. But, then I reach into my bag and pull out a delicious farm-fresh peach or apple. Made especially for me by the Universe. Yum! Besides, these days, there are more and more gluten free scones, muffins, biscotti, and cupcakes to choose from…. if the urge hits me.

I am glad I am gluten-free. The rewards of a healthier body, more energy, unique friends and not having to crappy food are worth it. Kinda of like going to the gym. You reluctantly drag yourself there only to emerge with stronger muscles and leaner bodies – definitely worth the extra work, don’t you think?