Getting Over the Fear of Trying Foods Again

Whether you've been on a liquid diet for awhile or you've cut out foods like dairy, gluten, fiber, etc., trying foods again can be nerve wracking. I was scared for a long time that any food I would reintroduce into my diet would cause a lot of pain or other symptoms. I had to learn how to get over that fear in order to help maintain my weight and be happier. This post lists what I have found to help.

1. Take it slow.

You don't want to rush into trying foods again, you need to make sure your body can handle it. If you're continuing to feel sick just sticking with liquid or mushy diets, then you many want to wait on introducing new foods a little longer until you feel better.

Once you are feeling better, I would suggest starting off with different mushy foods. Maybe try well cooked carrots, squash, spinach or green beans.

Before I reintroduced foods again, I only stuck with potatoes as my vegetable. Once I started to finally feel okay, I was able to try cooked carrots, squash, spinach and green beans, which turned out to be fine on my stomach. By doing this I was able now have my meals be less bland which really helped my appetite and mood.

After that you can try introducing other foods, like a little bit of meat again or maybe something with higher fiber. Most importantly though, PLEASE do not forget that you have a digestive disorder. It is crucial to still eat foods that digest well! If you are not sure whether your favorite food would be good for you, I would suggest looking it up. If it's a recipe, break it down and research each ingredient. Something that should not change are the four main rules: always stay away from seeds, nuts, peels and raw vegetables.

2. Weekends.

I have a Monday-Friday job so for me, the best thing to do is to try a new food during the weekend so if I do react poorly, I don't have to worry about going into work. Anytime you choose to do it, just make sure you are comfortable with what you have to do that day.

3. One at a time.

I suggest choosing one food at a time to try. This is especially important if you previously eliminated foods such as gluten, dairy or even foods with high fiber. Waiting in between trying foods helps you know whether what you react to them or if you don't.

I chose to try one food every week or two depending on how I felt.

4. Probiotics.

Probiotics are not something that will help you get over the fear per se, but they do help your gut health. They help support your digestion and your immune system by putting good bacteria into your gut. This is something to consider especially if you are not eating dairy products or fermented foods. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure what probiotic to take.

5. What you think is how you'll feel.

Growing up this subject was talked about a lot. I was always a fairly stressed out and nervous kid, I still am. What my parents would say and what I have found out is that what you think really will be how you'll feel.

In this instance, if you are scared and keep thinking that you will react poorly to a certain food, it will happen. Brain-gut connection is a real thing and it's powerful.

If you continue to be really nervous and fearful of a certain food, I would hold off until you feel more comfortable. If you're stressed, you won't digest as easy or as fast as you should which will make you get bad symptoms.

6. Research.

I have done plenty of research regarding my GP and I have also talked to dozens of people who have GP and coached them on how to cope with the disorder. Through this, I have learned SO much. I highly suggest researching as much as you can to fully understand what you should and shouldn't do regarding food, and lifestyle.

7. Listen to you body.

I am a huge believer that if you listen to you body you will know what to do. If something doesn't feel right, don't do it, (or don't eat it!). You need to make sure every part of you in on board and in the right mindset.

8. Take a food sensitivity test.

I recently took Everlywell's food sensitivity test (link/ad below). I was always certain that I did not have a food allergy or sensitivity but Everlywell helped reassure me. It is an easy finger prick test that your order and then mail back in. The overall process took a few days to ship to me, a quick 5 minute test, and 2-3 days mail back and result time. I found out that I have a mild sensitivity to garlic which was something I was eating a fair amount of. Though it is only a mild sensitivity, I am cautious of it now as well as really happy there wasn't anything worse going on. If you're interested in knowing more, let me know or check out their website.

- When traveling-

I have received questions regarding what I do GP wise when traveling, and it is definitely a great blog post I will soon write.

Regarding trying new foods while traveling, I do exactly what I listed above. I listen to my body the most and use common sense. If I know I wouldn't eat the food at home, I don't plan on eating it in a different country or even state. If I know I can't eat raw vegetables, I won't try them there. If you have a dairy problem, make sure you take a Lactaid pill or don't have dairy products when traveling. If this is a struggle because you're in a foreign country, research what they do for lactose intolerant individuals in their country or maybe research how to say a sentence or even a word like "I can not have dairy products" or "is there a dairy-free option?", etc. It is hard to be the really picky one at restaurants, trust me, I hate it... but most of the time you need to be and that's okay! Don't let it get to you.

For longer flights most airlines will let you choose your meal. I traveled on AirFrance and there was an "easy to digest" meal option! It was really great and put me at ease ahead of time. Other tips I have are to pack protein bars and travel size protein powder packages so if you are in a pinch one day, you can make sure you're getting your nutrients.

I hope this helps some of you. Feel free to let me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

-Loreal