My skin did go to shite during the trip, but my tummy made it back in tact. No amount of miracle creams could remedy the redness, splotchyness and breakouts. So I am glad to be home and hopping back on the food allergy free wagon.
Suffice it to say, the key lessons learned:
1) Allergy Testing is Incredibly Important--had I known which foods are my own culprits, I would have a much easier time eating out, as I could specify to waiters and order around my allergies. Since I am still just guessing off the mixed results of my Food Elimination Diet, I assumed I was best off avoiding yeast.
2) When Unsure of Your Allergies, Avoid Processed Foods--because I think my reactions are to yeast, but I am still unsure, eliminating baked goods (breads, cookies, processed chips and crackers) helps me to also cut back on egg, dairy, soy, yeast, gluten, and other possible culprits. Restaurants may add a bit of each here and there, but for the most part, snacking only on honey roasted macadamia nuts, I knew that I was less likely to overindulge on one particular food allergen. Because I have not previously experienced any severe reactions, small doses are probably okay for me. (But not for everyone, those with severe reactions must work with their doctor to determine safe levels, if any.)
Ultimately, I am happy to be home and back in charge of my own meal preparation and purity. But knowing that I will be traveling for work at least once a month, I am excited to have my allergies diagnosed next week, so that when eating out, I am aware of the proper boundaries to set.
Here is a little view from our Vegas room (I tried to get the fountain show, but a camera phone only does so much):
