There are a lot of difficulties that come with eating gf, sf, vegan: meeting nutritional needs, trying to find food on the go, always ordering from the "sides" menu at a restaurant, having to turn down the thoughtfulness of others when they prepare a meal but can't show you every single ingredient, the thought of never again being able to taste the dishes that remind you of childhood. It's hard. But the thing that is most difficult are the constant apologies.
I understand the pained expressions, the sorrowful glances; they are meant to show sympathy, you can't imagine what I must be going through. I know that the comments of, "Oh, I could never do that," are supposed to be testaments to my discipline and self-control. Unfortunately, all I end up feeling is misunderstood.
I honestly don't see my restrictions as punishment. Yes, they can be frustrating. Yes, sometimes all I want is a big piece of lasagna. But at the end of the day, this way of eating has been my answer, my cure. These changes were not the result of a tummy ache or feeling kind of tired. I was withering, walking around in a fog. I couldn't think, I cried all the time, I found no joy in my life. I don't share this for your sympathy, I share it for your edification.
Five months ago I could barely stand for an hour without having severe muscle spasms, today I went for a run with my dog. In October I had to start wearing my hair down to cover the spots where I had gone bald, today I don't even think about it. Not long ago I was averaging 3 doctor's appointments a week and taking 13+ pills a day, now I couldn't even tell you the name of the pharmacist, I used to know them all! Never be sorry for my diet, thank God for it!
For nearly a year I have been fighting for my life, or at least for my way of life. I have been fighting to find a way to be myself again; to laugh and smile and go out and play. If saying goodbye to eggs means that I'm not in constant pain, if leaving wheat behind means that I can live without worry of seizure, if not eating fish leads to having the energy to spend time with the people I love, then good riddance. Don't look at me as if I've been banished to the naughty chair for eating too many breadsticks!
If you want to encourage me, share a positive change that you've noticed. If you want to support me, buy me a BumbleBar or a soy latte. If you want to empathize with me, try something that I've cooked...even if it sounds strange. But please, don't apologize.
It is, of course, still tofu appreciation week. So here is a recipe that is good for folks of all ages. These tofu nut balls (even the name makes me smile!) can be used in lieu of meatballs on spaghetti, covered in sauce for a fun appetizer or smothered with ketchup or BBQ sauce for kids. Seriously, people love them!
TOFU NUT BALLS
from Mollie Katzen
Ingredients:
½ cup uncooked short grain brown rice
1 cup water
A little olive oil for the baking sheet or frying pan
2 Tbs. wheat free tamari (or soy sauce)
½ lb. of firm tofu, mashed
½ cup (rounded measure) of finely ground almonds
½ cup gluten free bread crumbs (originally this is wheat germ which is a great, nutritious addition for those who can partake)
Sea salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the rice and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, and lower the heat to the slowest possible simmer. Cook until very soft (mushy, even) - about 35 to 45 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly oil a baking sheet OR heat oil to deep fry (360 degrees).
3. Place tamari and 1/2 the mashed tofu in a blender or food processor, and add about ¾ of the cooked rice. Blend to a thick paste.
4. Place the remaining tofu in a medium-sized bowl. Add the blended mixture, along with the almonds, bread crumbs, and remaining rice. Add salt to taste.
5. Using your hands, form the batter into 1-inch balls.
6. Bake them on a lightly oiled tray for 30 minutes OR deep fry until crisp and drain on paper towels. Serve hot!
Of course the oven method is healthiest, but the fry method is most delicious! Either way they are healthier than your average meatball.
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