Two weeks to four-day convention-how to manage?
#289029 - 11/04/06 07:09 PM
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Most of the time I work not very far from home, and can manage IBS-C by diet without too many big problems. BUT in two weeks I'm going away to a four-day convention, staying in a hotel, trying to plan to bring food that doesn't need refrigeration, reading all the labels I can, etc.
Problem: no small size for acacia powder -
Solution: use an old Benefiber container that's much smaller.
Problem: can't count on time to brew and consume fennel tea - Solution: Can I use fennel seed capsules, or fennel oil? Does anyone have any experience with these?
Problem: I need a very restrictive IBS diet, though soy works for me. For example, every trigger except wheat; add to those that are listed here, citric acid and sugar=organic evaporated cane juice. No juice, no fruit, no bars, tote my own stevia envelopes.
Also, I'm hypoglycemic, so *just* a banana, with no protein, isn't such a great idea, or I'll doze off in sessions, including the one where I'll present!
I've gotten a few ideas from Heather's list of quick foods to grab, and will carry some of Glenny's soy crisps with me at all times. They should supply enough protein to avoid a crash and doze.
All suggestions are welcome.
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Tummyblogger, http://www.formytummy.com
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I'm sorry. I only have a suggestion for one of your problems. When I went away for a week (even now while home), I kept the Acacia in a ziplock container in the hotel room (you can pack it in your suitcase easily...as much as you'll need for the 4 days). Then I bought a small container from my local drug store that was designed to hold some kind of toiletry (like lotion, shampoo, safety pins, etc.). I don't know exactly how many tablespoons of acacia fit in there or how much you take daily, but it definitely holds enough for a day's worth and then some...you can just replenish it in the evening when you go back to the hotel. The size I bought fits nicely in my purse (not a monster size purse either) and I just discreetly take it out and measure the acacia I need with one of those sliding measuring spoons that I also keep in my purse (got one at Pampered Chef). I sprinkle it on my food in a jiffy and usually no one notices. If they ask, I don't say it is "fiber"...I feel like that makes people think of pooping! I just say it is a supplement I need to take to help with my digestion. (My kids think it's parmesan cheese and are always asking me for some!) Hope that helps. Good luck on your trip.
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Originally IBS-D for a million years!
Then IBS-A, Now a transformed slightly C
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Thanks, Line415! That's a neat solution. I just looked up the measuring spoon(s)online at Pampered Chef. The picture clearly shows an implement that is exactly what I want. I use a tablespoon plus a half-teaspoon of acacia before each meal. The URL for the spoon(s) is https://www.pamperedchef.com/ordering/prod_details.tpc?prodId=9798&words=measuring%20spoon
The thing is, I have gotten into the habit of fixing it with water; it will take some doing to get my head around sprinkling it on food. Must be a habit left over from Metamucil (ugh!).
Thanks again. I'll get the measuring spoon right away.
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Tummyblogger, http://www.formytummy.com
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The conventions I've attended usually have hot water along with the coffee pots so I could carry my tea bags (fennel or mint) to make my tea. I would keep a large insulated mug with me. My convention may have been more casual than yours so not sure this is an option for you.
Since I take my Acacia in the morning and evening it wasn't a problem for me to go to my room (my conventions were in the hotel I stayed at) and take my supplements and make a cup of tea. Never tried the capsules of fennel.
For a portable protein source have you tried the Turkey Jerky? Not sure if that has any triggers for you. It might be tricky eating it around people at a convention! Good luck.
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Franny
IBS/D
Celiac
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When I first started the Acacia, I was the exact opposite...I really opposed putting it in my water. I don't know why...I felt like I would "taste" it there so I have never done that. I posted the question awhile ago about suggestions for mixing it in things. It has been much easier than I thought. Here are some ideas:
If you drink tea, put it in the bottom of your mug first and then pour in the hot water in a swirling motion to mix it...then just use a fork to make sure it dissolves.
Mix it in hot cereal.
Sprinkle it on your rice or pasta and then just mix it around. (I usually try to just do a small section in case I don't finish all my meal)
If you make a sandwich and have a thin layer of mayo or mustard on it, you can sprinkle it on the bread and it will stick (sort of)and you won't really notice it's there.
I guess you won't be making smoothies on your trip, but I frequently mix it in my smoothies very easily.
And of course on your trip, can you just put it in a water bottle and shake it up?
Glad you found the Pampered Chef product. I think it's perfect for IBSers on the go! Hope that helps.
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Originally IBS-D for a million years!
Then IBS-A, Now a transformed slightly C
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Thanks, Franny
Did I say that my teeth are bad, too? Though I did find a fairly soft soy jerky at a local health food store, so that's an idea. I appreciate the ideas; they help me visualize the convention scene, and think of alternatives. I'm also trying to convince myself that I'll have a good time whether or not I bloat up from something I eat, or from getting off my regimen, or not having enough fennel tea. By the time consequences are any more dire, if they are, I'll be home. That's a general advantage to IBS-C; consequences always take a few days to show up, except those (like bloating) related to the gastrocolic reflex.
Also, you reminded me that (if I get there soon enough) there is hot water available at the breaks. It is a big convention, spread out over several hotels and a convention center. Takes a day just to learn to navigate!
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Tummyblogger, http://www.formytummy.com
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