Limitations that Create Freedom?

That kind of sounds like an oxymoron doesn't it? Well, as far as my food intolerances and allergies, I've found it to be an extremely accurate sentiment. I've grown quite fond of my culinary limitations and learned to embrace them. I guess there's some sort of freedom in having boundaries and limits to protect you. (there's some sort of spiritual/Biblical application there, but I'll save that for another post.)
From what am I being protected? Well, I believe that because I'm forced to eat mostly plant-based non-processed foods, I'm being protected from all sorts of hormonally modified, enhanced, altered, and overly processed food. Also, I KNOW I'm being protected from destroying my gastrointestinal tract even further by avoiding the gluten that was creating holes in my intestines. That's my perspective anyway!
I've come to realize that my food intolerances and allergies have become far more frustrating and perplexing for others than myself.
So, to my family members and friends who are tired of being turned down after offering a taste of their newest kitchen creation.....DON'T TAKE IT PERSONALLY.
I can't eat eggs
I can't eat dairy (except for yogurt. thanks to the happy little bacteria that bop around and eat up that nasty lactose). :)
I can't eat wheat, barley, rye, or oats (gluten)
I can't eat casein (a protein found in dairy).
So, I've dedicated this post to all those who wonder, "well what the *bleep* DO you eat?!"

I can offer a pictorial synopsis of a fragment of what I eat and offer some explanantion.

Being a creature of habit, every morning for breakfast I whip together a heaping bowl of Cream of Rice, Natural Peanut Butter, and cinnamon. The ginormous coffee mug is a gift from Tara. I love it! Usually the Rice Chex are eaten as a snack, but I figured I'd include them in the breakfast portion of the tour. :)

Edamame (soy beans) are a favorite. They look like snow peas, but have the depth of flavor and texture of a bean. Very high in protein.

This is a filling entree with rice, corn, beans,tomatoes, and onions.

My new favorite fruit (after apples) is the avocado. Yes, it's fatty,but it's healthy fat. Essential fat. Brain food, if you will!

A new staple that has somewhat replaced the bread portion of my diet. I can put nearly anything on it, and for being prepackaged and processed, it's actually quite healthy. Ingredients: puffed rice and salt. I love taking avocado and smearing it on the rice cake, adding some salsa and beans. nom nom nom.

Potatoes. Lots of vitamins and minerals. Top em with green veggies and they're even better.

Frank's Red Hot Sauce. Cayenne pepper,vinegar, and garlic. It's become a staple and makes nearly any savory dish even more tasty.

These noodles are Simply AWESOME.

I have yet to try this highly acclaimed gluten,dairy,egg,soy,casein free frozen delight. From what I've heard it even rivals the ice cream giants Ben & Jerry's. Next trip to Whole Foods and I'm all over it!

Remember back on my Easter post (click here) the shrimp boil that I took pictures of? That was delish and completely allergen free with shrimp, gluten free sausage, corn, and potatoes.

I eat all sorts of chicken, tuna, and salmon. The only thing I need to be cautious of with those foods are the seasonings on them or the broth in which they're packed. I can avoid those issues by buying only fresh meats sans marinades.

I eat all sorts of rice and bean mixtures.

Chex cereal has recently removed the gluten containing ingredients from nearly all their cereals-except of course the Wheat and Whole Grain Chex.

I don't even have to visit over priced specialty stores to get the staples of what I need. But, those stores do carry a few items I'd love to try.

There are also many soy-based products readily available, but those products are so processed and tend to have some sort of offending allergen in them, I just steer clear.

Do I miss some stuff? ABSOLUTELY! Fresh baked homemade bread still warm and crusty with a slab of butter....yeah...drool...

BUT, I am NOT like those moronic rats in obesity studies who would cross an electrified floor just to get another M&M when it's not even hungry!

I've endured enugh gut-wrenching pain and residual effects to avoid the offenders at all costs.

My livelihood and health are far more precious to me than a piece of bread.

Today's eats.......

Breakfast:

Cream of Rice, 2 Tb peanut butter. Coffee.

Snacks:

yogurt and Chex cereal

Lunch:

apple, cherry tomatoes, rice, broccoli, spinach, and peas (with Frank's Hot Sauce)

snack:

coffee, rice cake and salsa

Dinner:

(later tonight)

chicken, beans, rice, salad

after dinner snack:

fruit