The Veruca Salt Syndrome

Have you ever noticed that when you have a specific diet restriction it becomes the only food that you really want? Or is it just me? There is something about taking a food away from me that makes it that much more appealing. It could be considered "forbidden fruit" but I like to call it the Veruca Salt Syndrome.

Do you remember Veruca Salt from the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movie? (Not the creepy one with Johnny Depp, but the original feel good movie with Gene Wilder.) She was the spoiled brat who sang the song about wanting what she wants and wanting it NOW. That's how I feel when I'm told I can't have something to eat/drink. I revert to a 4 year old.

Remember this charming little lady?

Fasting blood work and can't have coffee? Well, first of all, separating me from my coffee is always a dangerous situation. Above and beyond that though, now I can only think about getting to my coffee. It's an obsession. I have to have that sweet, dark nectar of life affirming caffeine. I'm planning the earliest morning blood draw so that I can pour the coffee into a to go mug to keep it hot so that I can have it the second that needle leaves my arm. I actually debate asking if they can hook me up with a coffee IV (well, while you have that needle stabbed into me anyway...) so I can get my fix that much quicker.

Pregnant and can't have deli meat? How badly do I want a sandwich? Is it in my thoughts every day? Am I dreaming of Subway and Panera and running through my supermarket deli section grabbing hunks of deli meat like a cave woman? You betcha! Most women mark X's through the calendar until delivery. Mine was until I could have a turkey sandwich again.

If they ever told me that I couldn't have salt because of high blood pressure, I'm sure that I'd want potato chips, ham, and a salt lick. Just bring me the salt shaker and I'll be happy. Diabetic and can't have sweets? Well, this one might just kill me. I love me some baked goodies and treats. Plus, to be a baker and then not be able to sample those delectable desserts still warm from the oven? Torture.

Now that I think about it, I should have my doctor to tell me that I absolutely, positively can NOT eat green vegetables and whole grains.