What I CAN Eat
a.k.a. my "No-Food Diet," as one of my friends refers to it
I formed this highly-restrictive diet through trial and error after first following the advice of the somewhat controversial author of the book You Don't Have to Live with Cystitis. After a few months of careful eating, and after working closely with my healthcare team (to be written about as I continue to update this site), I have been able to add a few additional foods, as per the I.C. Network's Diet found HERE (when I add foods to my list -- I've only added three to it in nine months -- I start with the IC Network's list of "friendly" foods).
Whenever possible, I also eat organic and local. We're members of our local Buffalo Club at Yankee Farmers Market in Warner, NH, where I purchase much of our meats and honey, and where I can buy farm-fresh milk and eggs. Besides knowing what foods you can eat, you also need to know what's gone into the foods you eat. For example, I can eat grass-fed beef, but give me corn-fed beef and I'll be in pain within the half hour. Once I eat an item I shouldn't, it can take two days to two weeks for the painful and inconvenient symptoms to dissipate. So here's the list of what I can eat:
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Think PositiveWhen I first started this journey, I found information listing what I could NOT eat. It was all rather daunting & depressing. My nutrition counselor suggested I list what I COULD eat. Not only is the list easier to manage, but I get a thrill now when I can add a new food to it.
Concord Hospital's Pelvic Medicine Group helped me through my rehabilitation (link above).
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Fruit
Dairy-ishNOTE: As of Fall 2013 I was diagnosed with Lyme disease, and have found that I must remain dairy free now. Thus, this list is what I could eat pre-Lyme diagnosis. I have found that cashew milk is my favorite, but I tend to eat coconut milk since it is more affordable. Only by So Delicious, since they do not use a fluoridated water source.
Seafood
Snacks
Sweeteners
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Drinks
MeatWhile I don't like to emphasize what I CAN'T eat, in this category it's easier: no pork. Also, no corn-fed or antibiotic-given beef or poultry.
Other Proteins
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Herbs & Seasonings
Carbs
My New Comfort FoodsNow that chocolate is off my list (eating it is like swallowing knives), my new go-to comfort foods when my symptoms flare or when I just need something soothing to eat are:
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Vegetables
Seeds
Things to Avoid in General
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Gluten-free beer? Really? But is it good?
It's delicious! Well, some labels are. My favorite: Green's Tripel Blonde Ale, a product of Belgium, which my local pharmacy gets for me by the case (& gives me a discount since they don't have to shelve it!). Ah, another reason to want to visit Belgium one day....
But what about the bubbles in gluten-free beer? Don't they bother you?
I'll admit: I was nervous to take my first sip. I waited six months to try it. Good thing. And though I think I could almost manage seltzer water soon [maybe], I think I'll enjoy my bubbles the gluten-free beer way for now. And when I say enjoy: I mean it. And when I say for now: I mean now. As I type this. Cheers!
UPDATE: As of January 2013 I can drink some of the less bubbly seltzer waters, especially the ones from Italy. Though I prefer Henniker water from the tap, when I have a sore throat I like to indulge in the bubbly water since it is so soothing.
UPDATE: As of January 2013 I can drink some of the less bubbly seltzer waters, especially the ones from Italy. Though I prefer Henniker water from the tap, when I have a sore throat I like to indulge in the bubbly water since it is so soothing.