Tuesday Topic: Dietary Needs vs. Are You Just High Maintenance

The older I get, the less concerned I seem to be as to what others think when I start my order with, “I’m a little high maintenance“. I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes over 30 years ago and things were very different.  I was given strict instructions by the dietician – NO sugar and limit yourself to 2 TAB colas a day – yes, I said TAB (the only diet soda at the time). At age 14, after reading a terrifying book about animal welfare in stockyards, I cut out red meat and pork. Was that the turning point for my high maintenance ways???

Fast forward to 2015 – and the list of what I won’t eat has skyrocketed. I won’t bore you with the list and the background for each item, but my recent journey to Quartz Mountain made me question – were my special requests diabetes related or am I just high maintenance?

Well, apparently I’m not alone. YAY ME. I’ve recently noticed schools and social organizations who are cognizant of dietary restrictions and do their best to accommodate individual needs. Restaurants have recognized the importance to address dietary restrictions with various images next to menu items. Now with advances in medicine, a better understanding of how the body works, and fairly adequate labeling on menus – diabetics can eat anything they desire.

At the end of the day, who cares what other people think? It’s my body and I choose what is best for me. I believe you should put into your body whatever makes you feel the best and to hell with anyone that makes you feel awkward.

The DDG would love to hear your story.  Please share in the comment box below your restaurant nightmares, camp related trauma or anything else pertaining to dietary restrictions or high maintenance ways.