When people ask me what I can’t eat, the list is long: pork, legumes, dairy, gluten, onions, apples, mangoes, garlic, and more. Some foods trigger digestive issues, while others cause migraines, congestion, or skin reactions.
Creating a No-List wasn’t just about avoiding discomfort—it was about protecting my health.

---

Why I Stopped Eating Pork
Pork caused intense stomach pain, bloating, and inflammation. It took me years to figure out that I had a food intolerance to pork proteins. My face swells so bad that I look like I just got out of a boxing match. Even high-quality, organic pork gave me issues. Once I eliminated it, I felt lighter and less sluggish.

---

Legumes: A Nutritional Powerhouse I Can’t Eat
Beans, lentils, chickpeas—everyone calls them “healthy,” but for me, they’re a disaster. Legumes contain fermentable carbohydrates that my body can’t properly digest, leading to:
✔️ Severe bloating
✔️ Stomach cramps
✔️ Gas and discomfort
Legumes are high in FODMAPs, so they ferment in the gut, triggering digestive distress. No amount of preparation makes them tolerable for me.

---

Why Dairy & Gluten Are Off My Plate
Dairy and gluten are two of the most common inflammatory foods. When I consume them, I experience:
✔️ Bloating and stomach pain (gut inflammation).
✔️ Brain fog and fatigue (immune response).
✔️ Sinus congestion (increased mucus production).
Sometimes, I use enzymes to digest dairy, but mentally, I know I’m taking a risk. Most of the time, it’s just not worth it.

---

Histamine-Rich Foods That Trigger My Symptoms
Histamine intolerance makes certain foods dangerous for me. These include:
✔️ Fermented foods (vinegar, pickles, soy sauce).
✔️ Processed meats (cured meats, aged cheeses).
✔️ Alcohol (especially wine and beer).
When I eat too many histamine-rich foods, I experience sinus congestion, headaches, and bloating.

---

Takeaway: How to Create Your Own No-List
If you struggle with food intolerances, creating a No-List can help you avoid flare-ups. Here’s how to do it:
1️⃣ Track your symptoms after meals.
2️⃣ Eliminate foods that consistently cause issues.
3️⃣ Don’t listen to what’s “healthy”—listen to your body.
4️⃣ Reintroduce foods carefully to confirm triggers.
➡️ Next post: “Meal Prep & Work Life: Managing Food Intolerances on the Go.”

---