Healthy Eating

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It’s been quite a while since my last update!

I apologize. I have decided to really dedicate myself to this blog considering how much positive feedback I have received so far. I appreciate it all!

This Easter, I was unfortunately hospitalized due to a gallbladder attack. A gallbladder attack is about as enjoyable as it sounds. After being diagnosed with gallstones and an inflamed gallbladder, I was given the choice of staying at the hospital and having an operation or waiting and having it in May. The only condition to waiting was that I would have to stick to a no fat/low fat, no dairy/egg diet until the surgery. After having spent 14 hours in the emergency room, I chose to wait. And it has been quite the experience, indeed.

As somebody who does not have any food allergies, I never really had to take ingredients into consideration before I consumed a meal. With this diet and its restrictions I had to be extra careful with what I was eating. I had never really cared about the fat content in anything. However, after doing some research and looking up fast food menus one does become increasingly concerned with the fat content of a fast food burger. It’s incredibly scary!

My birthday was also approaching, and having a cake was a bit of a worry. I was very happy to have found a very low-fat, dairy/egg-free chocolate cake recipe, as well as a fat-free icing (although the icing does contain egg whites, which can be included in my diet). While I am not the world’s greatest baker, and the cake burned on the first try, I eventually baked an incredibly delicious cake – with the help of my dad.

Going on vacation was also a bit of a concern, considering fast food and restaurants would be the source of my meals. However, I found all the restaurants very accommodating regarding my diet, which surprised me a lot.

This diet, albeit for medical reasons, has basically changed my life. Trading up to grilled meats from fried food makes all the difference; as does simply skipping the cheese and mayonnaise. Low-fat foods are readily available – almost as available as high fat foods are – and they are just as delicious, I swear!

Even though after my surgery at the end of May I will be able to consume the foods I used to eat, I really don’t miss them all that much. However, I have asked for, and was promised, a chocolate fudge cake which I deeply look forward to eating. I realize that as students we have an incredibly hard time trying to keep a healthy diet, but I’ve also realized that it is possible with a little give and take.

Take care of your health! You really are what you eat and healthier choices do make all the difference.

Samantha

Posted on May 24, 2012 | Category: Samantha