Sometimes, I make sure my groceries are gluten-free, like the pasta for my soup, but sometimes I just want the regular stuff. My gluten sensitivity causes discomfort, but I can have a little of it at home in the evening, take some Gas-X and anti-nausea medications, and go to bed.

What does a typical breakfast look like for you?

Two days ago, I was admitted to the hospital because my potassium and iron levels were critically low. I don’t like taking potassium pills because they upset my stomach, so I’m trying to get more potassium through food. I can’t eat a ton of leafy greens, which have a lot of potassium, so I’ve been mainly eating bananas for breakfast recently. I don’t mind them; they’re convenient and quick.

If I have more time in the morning, I’ll use one to make a protein shake. I can’t eat many foods containing protein, so protein shakes are a good option for me—even though I don’t really like them. I usually blend a banana with almond milk and a Premier Protein gluten-free protein powder.

What are some of your other go-to meals that you make at home?

I love foods that taste comforting to me. I was craving something savory the other week, so I had some store-bought rotisserie chicken and white rice, which hit the spot. I also make chicken noodle or chicken and rice soup a lot. They were two of the first safe meals I discovered when I was first diagnosed and struggling. They helped me see that I’d be able to eat flavorful food again, not just plain white rice, for the rest of my life. Plus, my mom made those soups when I was growing up, so they’re definitely comfort foods.

As for to-go options, one of my favorite dishes to bring to work is a baked sweet potato with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. It’s really filling, and it’s easy to make in the morning and pack up to take with me.

What types of dishes from your childhood can you still enjoy with your family?

I wish I could say I can still eat my dad’s fried potato and onion fritters, but they don’t work for me anymore. We’ve tried tweaking a few things in his recipes so I can still eat them, but we haven’t quite figured it out yet. I’ll keep trying—I’m not giving up on having that again someday!

I also recently discovered that the way my mom makes green beans doesn’t mess with my stomach. She puts them in a crock pot with chicken broth and lets them simmer all day, which makes them really soft and easy on my system. Growing up, she would make them that way for all the holidays, and I’m glad I still get to have them.

How about eating out? What do you usually get when you’re at a restaurant? How often in a week do you dine out versus cook at home?

My boyfriend and I only dine out maybe once a week. I don’t eat fast food because of all my dietary restrictions, but my favorite sit-down date night spot is Agave, a Southwestern restaurant in Atlanta. I loved it before I got sick, and it’s still my favorite for sentimental reasons. My options are limited, but I can get their crawfish pasta and request it without onion, mushrooms, or bell peppers. The pasta isn’t gluten-free, but it’s worth the discomfort for a special night out.