When you are on a primarily liquid diet and eat only one meal of actual food each day, the definition of “treat” becomes relative.
For me, a few sips of coffee and a couple of bites of very dark chocolate (lowest sugar) constitute a big treat.
My GI tract is very sensitive to anything acidic, so I’m rarely able to tolerate things like coffee and chocolate. But when I’m having a good day, I definitely take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy those things.
I can only tolerate a small amount of coffee. Maybe ten sips. So I usually just sip from my husband’s cup when I’m up for coffee.
But sometimes I order my own cup even though I will throw most of it away. I know that’s wasteful on many levels, but it’s also restorative.
Let me explain.
I was a coffee drinker before I got sick. Now, my only beverages are water and protein shakes. Literally.
I miss the simple pleasure of grabbing a coffee. Of not even having to think about whether or not it will go down ok.
It’s such a small thing, but ordering my own cup vs. sharing my husband’s helps me tap into a time that was pre-all this. A time when I had coffee. Just like everyone else.
And as I continue to rebuild my life, it is healing any time I can tap into even the tiniest part of my former, healthy self.
I can’t think of a better way to start vacation.
Swimupstream 