Sharabelle bakes

Last week I did something I have never done before, I contacted the customer service's at Costa Coffee and Starbucks.  I just got so fed up of going out for coffee and never being able to get something to eat.  There is nothing worse than standing in a queue and walking past a display of cakes and cookies.  Knowing that you can't eat any of them without becoming ill.  Or the look on the face of your friends and family when they realise you can't eat anything.  They get more annoyed than I do, which is probably why I decided to give them some feedback. There is more general awareness in catering sector of Gluten intolerance and Celiac disease. Which has led to increased choice in the food available.  However dairy and lactose intolerance has not been given the same attention.  Even though more of us are diagnosed each year.  Add to that the increasing number of people choosing to follow a vegan diet for ethical or health reasons.  My current choices:  Costa Coffee

I didn't realise it had been so long since I last blogged.  I could give a lot of different reasons, however it's quicker to say that sometimes life gets in the way. Mental Health Christmas is always a bad time for me, I prefer to be in my own home on the big day.  No worries about trying to see everyone.  When are they going to serve food? And are they going to have something that I can eat!!! Would they be offended if I brought my own dinner just in case....... I'm a firm believer in taking ownership of my health problems.  It's the same for my IBS, I'm responsible for the food I eat.  I can't blame anyone if I become ill.  As such I always carry an emergency snack with me, and always research places that I can eat.  My mum and friends get more upset than I do if we go somewhere that has nothing I can eat or something that's boring.    Don't be afraid to ask, it's now law in the UK that food business need to have available an allergy lis