Gastritis Support Group
Gastritis is a medical term for inflammation of the lining of the stomach. It means that white blood cells move into the wall of the stomach as a response to some type of injury. Gastritis has many underlying causes, from infection with the bacterium H. pylori, bile reflux, or excessive consumption of alcohol or certain foods or drugs like aspirin.
So tonight I made the world's worst lamb. How can you make roasted lamb without garlic? We ate it with as much enthusiasm as you'd put into eating cartboard. I let it rest for too long, so it was just this warm gamey grey meat. With crappy mashed sweet potatoes and some crappy asparagus.
I used to be quite an accomplished and passionate cook, and could always think on the spot. But a year into this shittiness, and I'm too depressed to have the energy to research what else is available. I just slap things together and don't expect to enjoy them anymore, it's like I lost my culinary mojo.
I'm stuck in an endless pan-fried/sauteed meat/grilled vegetable routine, and I don't know how to get out of it. How can I make anything remotely interesting without garlic, or onions? Those are the basic building blocks for f. everything!! What's a paella without garlic and onions??? It's just rice and watery broth and crappy shellfish.
I have gotten a lot better pain-wise, and got back a lot of other foods, but not to the point where I can eat normally again.
Since there are other of you in the same boat, could you share some cooking ideas before I resort to eating boiled eggs for dinner every day? Is there anything aside from grilled meat and vegetables? Anything ethnic that doesn't use garlic or onions?
I used to be quite an accomplished and passionate cook, and could always think on the spot. But a year into this shittiness, and I'm too depressed to have the energy to research what else is available. I just slap things together and don't expect to enjoy them anymore, it's like I lost my culinary mojo.
I'm stuck in an endless pan-fried/sauteed meat/grilled vegetable routine, and I don't know how to get out of it. How can I make anything remotely interesting without garlic, or onions? Those are the basic building blocks for f. everything!! What's a paella without garlic and onions??? It's just rice and watery broth and crappy shellfish.
I have gotten a lot better pain-wise, and got back a lot of other foods, but not to the point where I can eat normally again.
Since there are other of you in the same boat, could you share some cooking ideas before I resort to eating boiled eggs for dinner every day? Is there anything aside from grilled meat and vegetables? Anything ethnic that doesn't use garlic or onions?
There's tvorog(quark) with sugar sprinkled for edibility. You may be able to tolerate it with blueberries on top as well.
Corndogs by Foster Farms (sold in Walgreens or Safeway) can be put in the oven or microwaved. I find them the most stomach-friendly of "borderline junk" foods.
One of my chosen "last meals of the day" is a corndog followed by aforementioned tvorog (but no blueberries). Tvorog is there as an acid neutralizer and a "safe way to close the day".
Why only eat boiled eggs when you can also have them sunny-side-up? I find this kind to be more entertaining.
Baked salmon (red fish) can have a nice salty taste, even if it does get old pretty quickly.
There's Russian food called "Pelmeni" sold in Russian stores, which you boil for a few minutes. They're like little dumplings with meat in them. They can be okay to eat, depending on the kind. The good/"classic" ones are okay to eat, at least. But not if you're in a particularly stomach-sensitive period, because there can be some minor additives for taste.
There are "simple" cookies sold in Walgreens which are dry and basic and sweet, I am fond of them. Like "Chessmen" and "Bordeaux", etc.
In America the closest label is "Farmer's Cheese", outside Russian stores.
When my stomach is stable I have white Jasmine rice mixed with chicken pieces, veg (eg, carrots, butternut squash, spinach, celery, mushrooms, avocado) topped with a drizzle of virgin olive oil, fresh basil & a tiny sprinkle of pine nuts. Sometimes if adventurous I will add a little pancetta too.
Alternatively for a satay-like experience then rice/chicken/veg with a little nut butter stirred through.
Or rice/chicken/veg with a small amount of cream cheese stirred through.
Can also wrap these rice/chicken/veg mixtures inside tortillas for sort of very bland fajitas. LOL.
I have a nice recipe for a fish pie. White fish in a butternut squash sauce. Topped with mashed potatoes.
When I'm eating wheat (I fluctuate with this) then I occasionally make pizzas. Just omit the tomato sauce. So pizza base topped with chicken, mushrooms, spinach & a light sprinkle of cheese & basil.
Luckily being British I still tolerate our traditional battered fish & chips. Small portion obviously & not too often. No salt & vinegar!
My stomach is not brilliant with soups, but do make them occasionally. Usually the main veg is carrots, sweet potato or butternut squash then maybe add spinach, rice, parsnips or potatoes.
I have been known to very occasionally indulge in a very mild korma curry or a very plain chicken chow mein! Steak & chips. Roast lamb dinner. No problem.
Obviously most of these dishes are for when my stomach is going through a really good, long stable phase. Going to a restaurant would not intimidate me whatsoever - can always find or modify something on the menu.
I make lasagne without the tomato sauce.
I do avoid spices, but can tolerate quite a few herbs (basil, Rosemary, parsley etc) in moderation. I permanently avoid citrus, garlic, onions & tomatoes like the scourge of evil they are for me. LOL.
During a flare up it's back to white Jasmine rice, oatmeal, chicken, carrots & potatoes.
@shihonage - we made cedar planked salmon on the bbq last night, complete with maple syrup glaze, nomnombom. that was good.
LOL about corndogs. I haven't eaten corndogs since 11th grade, had a "bad toilet experience" lol!! (sorry TMI)
@smilelikeyoumeanit - I agree that herbs are a good idea. I should run up to my asian grocer one of these days, they carry some stuff not available in the regular stores. I also make pizza and lasagna, but tomatoes are fine... I guess I shouldn't complain too much :/
Btw, you seem to have really adapted well, and are doing the best with what you have, thank you for your posts, they make a difference.
Cedar planked salmon with maple syrup glaze. OMG I need to try this.
Thanks for your kind words, TooMuchPho! Yes, adapt & overcome! Your posts always make me laugh btw. You express frustrations perfectly mixed with your great humour. :-)