Eating Out

Hey There! :D

So this time I thought I’d write about a topic that has been a major issue for me in the last few years… EATING OUT! :O

It’s amazing how much of our social lives revolve around food! This is a good thing because food is nice, as I may have mentioned before. Not so long ago though I developed a real fear of eating out, which was difficult because I soon realised how often I get invited to events involving food! Birthdays, weddings, just going to a friend’s house, going out for coffee, BBQ’s, church meals and probably the one I dreaded the most, buffets :O My fear wasn’t completely irrational. Most of the reactions I’ve had have come from eating out where it is a lot harder to control what has happened to your food. Despite making it very clear in two different restaurants about the severity of my allergy I still ended up having anaphylactic shock and being carted off to hospital. It was disappointing but a big relief when I went to see the immunologist and he told me I should never risk eating out again. After these two reactions I went through a period of being completely terrified of my allergy. It felt like something that controlled me, I questioned every single bite of food and so didn’t enjoy food as much. As time has gone by however my attitude towards eating out has changed. As a Christian I believe my life shouldn’t be ruled by fear because Jesus has defeated the dark things of the world and he wants me to live a life of hope. I shouldn’t have to waste time panicking and worrying when I could be having fun with my friends! I’ve realised that I can be careful and enjoy eating out. So Without further ado here are some of the ways I’ve found have helped me when I’ve eaten out.

In the past if I was invited to go to a restaurant I would make sure I’d eaten before I went. Since coming to Uni though it occurred to me that when I’m with a group of friends who are paying for food the restaurant shouldn’t mind me bringing my own. I tried this out with a few restaurants in Newcastle. I decided to email them in advance to warn them and explain to them why exactly I needed to bring my own food. I thought this would be polite but would also educate them about the severity of allergies. Sitting in a restaurant with an empty plate in front of you is weirdly isolating, I don’t know why but when I ate before I came as soon as the food arrived I felt like I couldn’t properly join in conversation. The restaurants I sent the email to answered me straight away saying I was welcome to bring food! The staff were really helpful, they even brought the wine out for me to check the ingredients to see if it had milk in it. (This may sound crazy but I have found it’s been made in a factory with milk before!) It was great being able to eat with everyone else and I felt so much more included.

Something else I think is important is to enjoy creating the meal you are going to take. I always try and go with the same type of thing everyone else is eating, so for example if I was going to an Italian place I’d make pizza or pasta or if I was going to a Chinese restaurant I’d probably take noodles. If you’re unsure of the type of food the restaurant serves then just check out there website, they aways put up loads of pictures of their food. On the other hand you could take whatever you want! That’s one good thing about my allergy- I always know I’ll like the food I get ;) I think it’s worth putting the effort in to create something really nice that looks appetising. When you’re making it the night before you might not be too bothered but when you sit down in the restaurant and you see everyone else’s food you’ll want something good!

 I have also become weirdly obsessed with Tupperware! It might sound odd but I think if you bring your food in a box or bag that looks interesting it feels less weird than turning up with it in a carrier bag. It involves being more organised- I am not a very organised person but having to always plan food ahead is actually teaching me to be! It’s not just eating out at restaurants, at Uni I often stay behind for societies and events and so I have to remember to take my food with me.

As for taking food to people’s houses I’ve found that all my friends are very understanding. If I’m sleeping over I need to remember to take food for each meal as well as snacks to share, I always have so many bags! People often offer to cook with me but it’s just too risky. I need to use separate cooking equipment and check that absolutely every ingredient hasn’t been anywhere near milk. I love the fact that my friends are so desperate to include me but it’s always better to stay safe.

 On a final note, even though I know the chances are very slim of me having a reaction when eating out as I always take my own food, I never leave my epipen behind. Wherever I go I always take two with me just in case J The size of your handbag isn’t something you’d think having an allergy would effect but trust me it does! I always have to make sure when I buy a handbag that’s it’s big enough to fit two epipens, an inhaler, my tablets as well as purse, keys and phone!

 This has made me wonder though what guys with allergies do with all their medication? I just wondered if there’s anyone out there on the Internet who has the answer to share with others? Do you take a bag, or do you buy trousers with huge pockets??? Comment below and let me know :D

Well that’s it for this post, it was a bit of a long one!

Speak soon, love from,

The Allergy Student

xxx