The Struggle is [occasionally] Real
Finally, it is the end of the work week and I am sitting down to enjoy a glass of rose (#basic). Nick won't be home until late from an out of town work event so that means two things.. House Hunters and hanging with the Cloonster as I am an obsessed dog mom. I was craving a large green salad with big juicy tomatoes and hearts of palm. However, that is out of the question as I am still working to get my phe back down below 6 from my weekend of binge eating tortilla chips and maybe consuming a few too many drinks...go big or go home.
[Clearly, Clooney loves his travel bag.]
Traveling this past weekend reminded me of the top three struggles I have with PKU.
Exhibit A: dinner at an unfamiliar restaurant
Last weekend we went to dinner in Chicago with some friends. We were already staying in a hotel, which did not help my cause. My meals from that day included a [delicious] fruit cup and coconut milk latte for breakfast and lunch was a garlic Bigger Bagel bagel toasted with butter and salt (courtesy of the Ritz). In between these "meals" I threw in a few slices of Cambrooke's swiss cheese and their peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. All in all, this was a pretty successful day of low pro eating when traveling. Add in a Body Pump class and I'm sure my levels were not much over 6.8. [Side note: If I maintain my levels between 6 and 10 I am happy and my husband is even happier]. This left lots of phe for me to consume at dinner out that night.
Our friends picked the dinner spot and we went to a show after, Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville (so cute). I did not preview the menu prior to going out, which made me nervous. You know you found a good restaurant if the chef is more than happy to freestyle. A good restaurant is more than happy to accommodate PKU needs and will throw together a large plate of veggies, usually with different flavors than I cook with. I generally try to speak as low as possible when ordering as to know call attention to the "special diet". I challenge the server to suggest the most veggie loaded dish on the menu. I got lucky with the brussels sprouts already on the menu and a garden fresh salad with pears, squash, and a yummy vinaigrette. Nowadays it tends to work out more often than not, for that I am thankful.
Exhibit B: tailgating
Generally tailgates work out well and we even had good weather for the tailgate (but it did rain the entire game...not sure which is worse). I usually like to bring buffalo chicken dip for friends, low pro buffalo artichoke dip for myself along with a large veggie plate to share (recipes below). This keeps me full throughout the duration of the game. However, when staying in a hotel without access to a kitchen and tailgating a friend's of a friend's spot it can push the comfort zone. I went to the store and grabbed all the veggies I could think of that looked somewhat normal. Guacamole and celery sticks, pineapple, and hard cider made for a good combo with no preparation. Then, have faith that the tailgate has other options but if not you fill up on the fatty goodness that is guacamole. They ended up serving grilled pineapple, which will be another go to for me in future. Thanks, friends of friends.
Exhibit C: "formula"
Who else hears "it looks like baby food"? I remind myself frequently that most do not mean that in a condescending way, but are just trying to relate. I do occasionally feel insecure when drinking "formula" in front of unfamiliar people. It must be PTSD from the limited options consisting of putrid powdered formula when I was a child. I even feel conspicuous in front of my coworkers in health care that understand why and what I need to drink. If we are out I will chug it as fast as I can and I am sure that only calls more attention. Either way, I make it work.
It is so sweet of family and friends to accommodate us and most are very receptive to our needs. However, having PKU you need to be your own advocate and make sure you plan ahead to have food on hand so not to feel left out and ensure a full tummy. There are times that can be difficult if you don't plan ahead. I know it must be hard for all the moms and dads out there, especially if you have other little ones to plan for. Diet and access to good low protein food has come a long way and for that, we are blessed.
In the end, you have to rock PKU and be the bad B you know you are...rain or shine.
