I read the subscribers’ accounts under the title “Maintaining a Special Diet While Traveling” (Feb. ’14, pg. 42). My methods of preparing food while traveling seem pretty elementary, but for anyone suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other digestive problems and thinking they just can’t travel anymore, perhaps the following suggestions will help.
I have been lactose intolerant for some 30 years. Little did I know the yogurt I loved in Egypt at that time was what made me so sick, but now IBS has been a side effect of radiation from cancer treatment. I can’t eat anything fresh, raw or fried or with wheat. It’s a learning process.
When traveling, I pack packaged oatmeal, rice, fat-free bouillon cubes and lots of tea bags. At my destination, I find a market where I can buy carrots, potatoes, apples, bananas, rotisserie chicken, white bread, soy milk or almond milk and rice or corn cereals.
I need some kind of a stove for this, but I make applesauce; a soup with the potatoes, rice, vegetables, chicken and bouillon cubes; a sandwich with the chicken, or mashed potatoes, chicken and vegetables.
Because my companion and I travel with just carry-ons, I try to buy most things at the market. I take along a hand-held can opener, too.
I was afraid to take a trip until, on the Internet, I discovered the best thing I’ve found to help with digestive problems: Heather’s Tummy Fiber from Heather’s Tummy Care (866/640-4942). It’s made with Organic Acacia Senegal fiber. After I realized it worked, I took a chance. Now I won’t be without it, at home or traveling. It even comes in travel packets.
Another good idea is to take your empty suitcase on rollers to the market with you, especially if you’re buying bottled water, which can be heavy. Load the suitcase at the checkout stand or have the helper/bagger load it. They thought I was very clever when I did this. Remember to give them a small tip, a few coins from your change.
EVENYL ROEMMICH
Stockton, CA
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