Flaxme Blog Overcoming the Temptation to "Cheat"

Advertisers Don't Make it EasyRecently my daughter who is celiac and has been gluten-free for 5 years told me she "broke down" and went to Dunkin Donuts for a bagel and donut. She said seeing the ads made her crave it so badly; she just didn't care about the consequences of how she would feel for the week after eating gluten.It truly is a staggering challenge battling the barrage of ads and images of delicious looking, yet unhealthy foods paraded in front of us every time we turn on the TV, open a magazine or get on the computer.For my daughter it is also difficult to hang out with other young people in restaurants and not be able to order the burgers and pizza they are having. The peer pressure and feelings of insecurity and embarrassment make it doubly challenging.So what do we do to combat all this temptation?For me it is easier since I not only have celiac, I also have Hashimoto's disease (a thyroid/anti-inflammatory disease). Any gluten contamination for someone with Hashimoto's, is going to be 3-months of being very sick, rather than just a few days. If I could occasionally cheat and only be sick for a few days, would I? I have often wondered that, but I don't know. I do know I have set my mind to be so absolute that the idea of "cheating" is not an option for me. Eating healthy, really, really healthy was a lifestyle choice. Although true that my health issues forced the decision, I am glad I live and eat this way. When I put naturally grown, pesticide-free, organic vegetables or fruits into my body, I just feel better, both mentally and physically. I know I am treating my body the way I want to and there won't be any unpleasant reactions to the food.Don't get me wrong, I do occasionally have fantasies about a croissant with bacon, egg and cheese but I generally don't allow them to fester, I quickly remind myself that eating healthy is a choice and I am happier and healthier for it.I have always loved to cook, but being forced to be so careful in what I eat and how it is prepared, has actually made me a chef of sorts. In just 4 short years, I have collected over 1100 recipes; all healthy, gluten-free and most of them are restaurant quality or better! I eat very well. I am happy with the food I eat and huge variety of dishes I can now prepare easily.So what for me started out as a negative, has turned into probably one of the best things ever.Although temptation will always be there, you have to weigh the benefits versus the consequences of that one piece of pizza or one donut. Is it really worth all the stomach upset and other symptoms you may feel for a few days?For me the answer is no, but if you do decide to knowingly eat gluten, go easy on yourself and just start back on your GF diet right away to help your body ease through the symptoms.I have found that this kidney-flushing juice helps leach all the toxins out of your body and helps you restore balance quicker after an accidental or intentional gluten exposure.tGood luck and healthy eating!