Preparing: The Thoughts
Who doesn’t love a good trip? Time away to be refreshed and re-energized with your favorite people in places familiar and new. For weeks leading up to the trip, you may be planning your wardrobe, dreaming about the slow mornings, creating a list of the places to see, and preparing for games and activities to release your inner child. Vacations are a break from the ordinary rhythms of life. A chance to let go of the mundane and explore the freedom of travel.
But, vacations really wouldn’t be the same without food. The restaurants, the breakfasts in bed, the late-night desserts, the mid-day treats to go along with your 3rd cup of coffee, and the prolonged dinners met with rosy cheeks and loud laughter. To me, it seems like once we settle in on the destination, the next thought is always about food. .
For people with celiac or any allergy that limits what food we can eat, the excitement around vacation food can be daunting. Thinking about food can often turn us away from trips or bring anxiety to every meal or preparation. The thoughts of not being able to eat anything, enjoy new cuisines, and splurge on the treats are out of the picture. Sitting around a table while everyone passes around the warm, melted, velvety, chocolate lava cake to end the night brings tears instead of joy. And don’t forget about the attention we receive when we ask for a certain menu or a plate prepared from scratch with a dozen alterations. One time, I was out for dinner and I ordered a plain salmon with plain steamed veggies. I was so glad to have a meal at the same time as everyone else. But after placing my order, the waiter’s eyes grew as he shook his head and emphasized how I really shouldn’t order that because I’d be missing out on the real thing.
This should not be the case for us. We should not anticipate a trip and expect the worse for our food. The thoughts of: What if we cannot eat any of the food? What if none of the restaurants have any options? What if the snacks don’t fit into your crammed suitcase? What if there’s not a Whole Foods? What if no one else on the trip can relate? What if we go into a park that doesn’t allow outside food? What if I just compromise? What if I get sick? What if I quit?
These thoughts are toxic and spiraling. They leave us anxious, fearful, and constantly in need of affirmation. Friends, this is not the end. Before I share some helpful things to think about before you pack, I want to encourage you with two things. You are not alone and you are beautifully made. Yes, we are different from “normal” people, but these questions inside our heads leading up to a trip should not be the loudest. We are beautiful, strong, and exactly how we are supposed to be. There are plenty of others who have similar thoughts and worries, and even if they are not food related fears, grab the closest hand and lean into the friends around you.
Remember how I started? Vacation. Time away with those who love you and who you love. A retreat together with friend or family who want the best for you and want you to feel comfortable and at ease. It’s time with those who share the same excitement around the dip into relaxation. You are not going away with friends who want you to fail or have a miserable time. You are also not going away with the only one with something hard. Maybe this is the thing that unites everyone on the trip because vulnerability produces more vulnerability. On top of that, the waiters and hostesses will never see you again! Try out new ways of asking questions and creating meals. Jump in with two feet.
So, with that in mind, vacationing should never feel like a burden because you have a support team with you at all times. Leaving the trip will actually leave you stronger and more bold which will encourage you in times when you’re not as surrounded by friends. Instead of vacations being moments of utter disaster, they can actually be the moments of the purest joys and greatest points of growth all around food.
