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Well, thank you all for sending so many great ideas on the positive aspects
of being celiac! There were observations that emphasized health
improvements, improvements in connection with others, psychological or
spiritual growth opportunities- a wonderful assortment of what can be good
about the challenges of dealing with CD. (The quotes have been edited for
space, but I wanted to let the flavor and personalities come through, so I
did use quotes wherever I could)
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Here are the two bookends on the responses:
Bright Side?-Not a blasted thing!
Bright Side? I don't even notice any disadvantages, except maybe my wife
would like to go out to dinner more often!
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On the topic of weight, many reminded me that some people gain weight, or at
least have not been helped with their weight. Those who mentioned losing
weight, or having no weight trouble were often those who radically changed
their diets, and don't make much use of prepared GF substitutes for old
favorite dishes. One woman says she eats "paleo" and is lean and healthy. A
number of people voiced the concern that GF special foods tended to be
higher in calories and carbs than the products they replace. Here are some
comments related directly to health issues:
"Since i became a celiac my vitals are of an 11 year old child (and i am 23)
i love being different!"
"Oh Yeah. I would be a blimpo, except that I cannot eat all the goodies
people bring
into the office."
"Michael, I agree! It makes me avoid all those things I've been fighting
with my will power over for years! It's actually much easier for me now."
"We(celiacs) are lucky that our bodies let us know what we can eat. Wheat
and grain may not be so good for others, they just don't know it. Some non
celiac friends try the diet, seeing how healthy it is- but they can't keep
to it."
"Being on an "everquest" for food that will keep us healthy encourages (most
of) us to
improve other aspects of our lives too...exercise, vitamins, regular
checkups, enough water, mental health, and on and on."
"This is a small silver lining: Hemochromatosis is 1 in 200 to 250 of those
with European ancestors. Celiacs are less likely to have it, even if they
have the genes for it."
"I think this condition has made me much more sensitive to other's dietary
needs; has made me a much better cook especially as I transition from
cooking from a family of 5 to just the two of us; has made me realize the
extent of processed foods and procedures in our food sources; has made me an
avid ingredient reader; and, as an adult educator, has made me practice what
I preach as I have immersed myself in knowledge about something that has a
direct impact on me (the test of an adult learner!). I think we are
fortunate to be "forced" into a very healthy lifestyle."
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Some mention things could certainly be worse-e.g. cancer
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Money saving:
"By not eating out as often, save money. We have saved bundles in the cost
of restaurants. I have found that it is not an expensive diet because
packaged foods are so much more expensive than meats, fruits and vegetables.
Compare a steak or chicken to a box of cereal or donuts. I don't buy
packaged GF foods."
Cooking more from scratch is a lot of work. But worth it, and often cheaper.
Here are some quotes from people who found social enhancements.
"I serve healthier food to family and guests."
"A good effect of being celiac is all the great people I have met through
this group."
" .my sister and I have a lot in common since my diagnosis. She is gf and a
lot of her depression symptoms have subsided, she is a lot better to deal
with and our relationship has flourished. We are all celiac, me, my
daughter, my sister,and my mother."
I am a very picky eater and attended several functions in the past where I
didn't want to eat their dishes and I think people were offended. Now I tell
them about celiac, and they are more understanding.
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Personal growth or lifestyle enhancement opportunities:
"Teaches not to rely so much on products the pharmaceutical industry
pushes."
"Maybe my bright side is that I've learned to cope."
"There is a boy in our celiac support group who says "Fun is spelled F-U-N,
not
F-O-O-D!" It broadens your perspective to have celiac."
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I hope my formatting survives the email. I am so pleased to get so many hope
inspiring and interesting ways to reframe something (CD) that we can't make
go away. We got lemons, we made lemonade! And it was good!
Michael
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