Some people can eat anything they want?

In 2009, when my colon was removed, I had to adapt my diet. For some time I had to eat what Charles and I referred to as a “convenience store” diet because I couldn't eat many fresh vegetables and fruit, had to stick with white bread, no skins, nothing high fibre. The list of acceptable foods included cheezies.

Over the years as my small intestine adapted I was able to carefully add nutrious foods back into my diet but at first a lot of foods made me sick. From time to time obstructions causes trips to ER and then admittance to the hospital with the insertion of a Naso gastric tube.

In 2022, when I was diagnosed with diabetes, I had to adapt my diet yet again to try to incorporate more fresh produce, eliminate high carb/sugary foods or have them only in moderation.

I eat much better now and I feel better, but every once in a while, especially at this time of year when I see all the pushing of sweets and fast food, I have a moment of “why can some people eat anything they damn well please.”

The truth is much more nuanced. Eating a high carb and sugary diet has ill effects, such as dental issues and long term damage for everyone. It increases fatigue and causes moodiness. But we live in a society where the food industry makes a lot of money pushing this crap onto us, then turns around and makes even more money selling us expensive dieting products. In some places it is quite expensive to buy whole foods and some just don't have the time to spend on meal preparation. My being able to eat well, my body refusing junk & high carb crap….that's a good thing. I am lucky. I am privileged. So rather than resent the sharing of the constant food porn that runs through my social media feeds, I shall try to remember I am fortunate. And what others eat has nothing to do with me. My diabetes is under control with blood sugar levels at the non diabetic level.

My body also won't let me drink a lot of alcohol either. I get sick and it causes me to put on weight. So I can occasionally enjoy a pint of Guinnes or two or a glass or two of wine. Occasionally. Another expense I don't have to indulge in. Gratitude.