Gluten free, Paleo, It Starts with Food, Eating Raw, Vegan, Vegetarian, these are just a few books and programs to “fix” what ails you. And I’ve tried many of them, but I’m not giving up on trying what will give me energy, fabulous hair and skin and a way to easily maintain or lose weight without starving myself.
I have to admit that over the summer I have gone right back to my gluten habits. Although, I still eat pretty clean and my calories never go over 1500 calories (1100-1500), Gluten can wreak havoc in a body that has autoimmune disease. For me, gluten-free keeps me healthy. Since I have re-introduced gluten in my diet, I have been sick at least twice.
Since I am blogging my journey, so that others may benefit from my successes and failures, I wanted to honestly blog my failures and symptoms from them. As I mentioned previously, my calorie intake is right where it should be for maintenance or even weight loss, but since the re-introduction of Gluten, I have been unable to maintain my weight, feel sluggish, have low energy, brain fog, and have been sick with congestion and bronchitis.
My next chapter is going Gluten Free again, but I am also going to try a program that a friend with auto-immune disease suggested. The book is The Virgin Diet. The Virgin Diet by JJ Virgin, starts out with an elimination Diet for 21 days as follows:
Eliminate
- Soy
- Eggs
- Gluten
- Dairy
- Peanuts
- Corn
- Sugar and Sugar Substitutes
The Elimination Diet is nothing new, but it will be new to me. Basically it calls for eliminating foods that typically cause an allergic or adverse reactions. Here are some of the reactions to foods that can cause intolerance.
Adverse Reactions to Food Intolerance
- Joint Pain
- Congestion
- Acne
- Sleep Issues
- Bowel Problems (diarrhea/constipation)
- Headaches
- Weight Gain
- Low Energy
- etc.
Yes, I have tried different books, diets programs etc. I’m hoping my journey, helps you in yours. All seem to say the same thing and there is a common thread that runs through them , especially when it comes to autoimmune disease. So I am really not trying anything completely different. I would say the only thing that I am adding is the 21 day Elimination Diet to know once and for all if I am allergic or have a sensitivity to certain foods.
After the 21 Day Elimination
- Slowly add each food back in
- If you have any adverse reactions or symptoms eliminate them
- If you don’t have adverse reactions continue to eat them
I will blog my next 21 days, please follow me as I enter this new journey.
Notes
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your healthcare practitioner before taking any medication or health supplements.
I encourage you to always research before you buy supplement or attempt to treat any illness. Always consult your healthcare practitioner.
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