GFCF Diet Rule Number One: NO CHEATING!

I was reminded recently that the first rule of being on a gluten-free, casein-free diet, or any other diet required for allergies or other health reasons, is don’t cheat.   I am suffering terrible “Mommy Guilt” as a result and wanted to share our experience as a cautionary tale.

 The Prince has not had a gluten infraction in years; neither has the Professor, or myself.  We all have varying degrees of gluten-sensitivity and Celiac Disease runs in my family as well as the Professor’s, so we are cautious. I write this blog, for heaven’s sake!  I know better!

But while on vacation, skiing in beautiful Crested Butte, Colorado, in an effort to grab a quick lunch in order to spend more time on the mountain, we ate at a fast food place on the mountain, designed to feed hungry skiers en masse.  I ordered a hamburger, no bun, and fries for the Prince.  I forgot to ask if there was a dedicated fryer or if the fries were coated in flour.  We went back to skiing and had a fun afternoon.

That night was not fun, however.  The Prince woke us up crying because he had terrible diarrhea. It was only then that I realized my mistake.  My poor little guy was really suffering and it was all my fault.  The Prince usually does not have problems with cross-contamination, but I believe that was the case this time.

Although he felt better the next day, The Prince was afraid to eat anything unless I cooked it. I indulged him in this for a day, but decided we needed help calm his fears.  I told him it was my fault for not asking the cook about how the food was prepared.  So we made a reservation at one of the pricier slope side restaurants and I asked the chef to come to the table.  He was very accommodating and made a big deal over Eric, made him feel special, and that really made the Prince feel safer.

However, due to my mistake, the Prince is still having some tummy troubles, even a few weeks later.

So I am repeating this, as a public service to all GFCF moms and dads, DON’T CHEAT, EVER!