I haven't really mentioned it on here- but back in November I began to finally see a doctor for some troubling digestive issues I had been having for a while. Through some blood tests and a 28 day (!) elimination diet- (over the holidays I should add!) We came to the conclusion that along with some serious vitamin deficiencies, I was also probably gluten and dairy intolerant. I'll be honest- if it had been almost any other combination of things I think it would have been easier to hear. Since that dr. appt I have come to realize just how much of my previous diet contained these two things. In fact, almost every meal I ate contained some form of gluten and/or dairy. No wonder I always felt sick! It really was amazing about two weeks into my dr.s diet that I realized just how badly I had felt before. It was like I had grown so accustomed to feeling awful, I no longer realized that it wasn't normal. That was really motivation enough for me to stick with this new way of eating.
Over the past several months we have had a major lifestyle change. I am now aware of almond, rice, quinoa etc... flours. I now know that 99% of gluten free bread tastes like cardboard- only worse. I also now know that I absolutely can not handle dairy substitutes- specifically in the cheese category- and oh how I miss my cheese! Jeff mostly eats what I do but we keep bread and cheese for him to have sandwiches with, ad a few other things too. He has a special drawer in the pantry for his stash, and its out of sight out of mind for me! :)
On the plus side of things- I am- for the first time in my life- trying to be more concerned with taking care of myself than pleasing others- such as the host at a party serving delicious food I can't eat. Many of us are pleasers, and I am no exception in many areas of my life. Now I was faced with a dilemma- I can be easy going and just eat what is offered, but then I will feel sick for the next few days. It sounds easy, but it really was/is a hard thing to do in some situations. I don't think I will ever like being the high maintenance one that has to pick the restaurant/menu because of my food issues :) That is now an everyday part of my life.
I think I also have rally gained a lot of confidence in my ability to be self disciplined. I, unlike my husband, have a very hard time maintaining routine and being self disciplined. After the 28 day elimination stuff I realized that I am capable of being in charge of my own body/habits. So, 20lbs lighter now- it's really a life changing thing to have experienced.
hey- I do before and afters for the house all the time- why not now too? :) Hey, Jeff looks a lot better too! :)
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