I was out-of-town last week for three days without my family.  This translates into: three days of wild unbridled eating of any and all food allergens-specifically peanuts, tree nuts and sesame seeds.  I won’t eat these allergens in the airport or aboard an airplane so that I don’t place a traveler in danger.  My friend’s college aged son had a food allergic reaction in an airport while traveling back to college–talk about stress: having an allergic reaction in a strange city alone.  Not an experience I would like to contribute to personally.  As soon as I landed in Chicago the food fiesta began!  Food allergies were no longer my partner today.  We’re talking Peanut M&M’s®, Reese’s cups®, Loukamades with walnuts (yummy Greek dessert), humus, Ben and Jerry’s butter pecan ice cream,  Lolli and Pops Pecan Turtles and nut bridge mix.  I had my first stomach ache by 7:30pm on Thursday-even though I was eating small amounts of the food allergens.  I think I was enjoying the freedom from food allergies more and the actual food less.  The culinary nirvana I was after never arrived.  This is when I realized that as much fun as it was, I didn’t miss these items so much.  I missed the ability to eat anywhere and order anything without stress.

Loukamades with walnuts!

I did not miss the actual peanut taste either.  I found it boring compared to Sunbutter® with flax seeds.  I actually had a bigger rush of excitement when I found an amazing sale on Cole Haan  Nike Air Pumps–my solution for aging widening feet (oh ya, there is a whole other conversation right there).  On my last night, I skipped the creme brulee and ordered upside down apple pie with walnuts.  Again, no rush and only regrets that I didn’t go for the creme brulee.  Although, I have to say, I really did enjoy the Ben and Jerry’s butter pecan ice cream and humus immensely and the Peanut M&M’s® hit the spot mid-meeting.  I also watched out everyone reached out during the 5.5 hour long meeting for the nut candy–they needed a boost.  I needed a boost.  But…I think what I really was looking for is a food allergy cure.  I’m ready to say goodbye to restrictions and hello to life sans a disease that impacts so many…. (stay tuned for Wednesday’s post about who is impacted by food allergies and anaphylaxis).

I ended up purchasing two comfy pairs of shoes at incredible prices (love those sales)

Thank you Chicago for providing me with an inspiring meeting with the American Lung Association, fabulous food and even more fabulous new nude pumps.  Can you also provide a food allergy cure over that fabulous Northwestern University too?