Today marks 30 days following the Autoimmune Paleo protocol (AIP) way of eating. This feels like a very big milestone, since sticking with anything for 30 days has never been easy for me. I actually have the decision now to start implementing - very slowly - some foods back into my diet. One thing at a time. One week at a time. This does not mean I can now eat donuts or go back to McDonald's. But I'm going to start with an egg yolk this weekend and see if I have any reaction to it. This may seem like a small thing, but after going 30 days without eggs, the idea of eating one is pretty exciting!
At this 30 day mark, I can feel my taste buds changing, my cravings lessening. I'm doing some mental exercises to help me stay on course. I keep envisioning myself healthy and pain free. I keep trying to imagine my body absorbing all of the nutrients in the things I eat. I also tell myself that I "don't" eat some things rather than I "can't" eat them. I got this idea from another blogger and it really does make me feel more in control. More like a choice than a restriction. I also try not to watch food shows anymore, they just make me hungry. Or let myself dwell on all the foods I'm not eating. Tony and I used to love playing "you know what sounds really good right now?" followed by the most indulgent thing we could conjure up in our minds. I had to drop out of that game for now.
Until two days ago, I have been feeling good and the only inflammation I have had is in one elbow. And I'm not taking any RA meds anymore (by choice and with my doctors permission). But two days ago, I woke up with a shoulder flare that has lasted into today. I've been trying to trace it back to something I may have eaten. The only thing I've been having different this last week is drinking 100% orange juice. So I'm going to cut that out just in case. I also watched my 11 month old grand daughter one day and did a lot of crawling around and playing with her on the floor which may have triggered the flare. (I do have to say if that was the cause, it was still totally worth spending the day with her). She was sick that day, too, so it's possible my immune system is fighting a bug. Not to mention there has been a lot of coughing and sneezing going on down at the shelter where we volunteer. We are, after all, smack dab in the middle of flu season.
But it could just be that I'm still in the process of healing. Time, patience, and consistency.... I'm still choosing not to take any meds and still sticking to this protocol.
One of the things I've learned about healing naturally is that this usually involves adding supplements to your diet. Many people with autoimmune diseases are deficient in many vitamins. I have always had a hard time being consistent taking vitamins. There is no good reason for this, other than I usually just forgot to take them! So I bought one of those daily pill holders and put all my supplements for each day in them and find this helps me to remember. After reading various testimonies about what has worked for other people, here is what I'm taking right now: One multi-vitamin (try to get organic because some of the other brands put some additives in there that are not allowed on AIP); an additional 1,000 mg of Vitamin C; 400 mg of Slipper Elm; 500 mg of Niacinamide; 500 mg of L-Glutamine; 300 mg of Omega XL (a higher end fish oil); and a pill that contains 8 billion Acidophilus and Bifidus which is basically a pro biotic. I also added (just today) a joint support supplement that contains things like Holy Basil, Ginger, Green Tea, Chinese Skullcap and other weird herbs I had never heard of until lately.
I've never been a huge pill popper, so this all seems ridiculously excessive. But each one has its own benefits. And I wanted to kick start my healing this first few weeks with as many benefits as I can handle. And I seem to be handling all of them just fine. Plus Tony and I got a really good deal on most of these. We went to take advantage of a "buy one get one free" on vitamins at a local store. Come to find out some of them were mismarked. So, as was their store policy, we got ALL of them (about $25 worth) for free!
I promised to share some recipes here this time around. To make it even easier (well, for me) I'll share some really good sites that have both AIP and regular Paleo recipes.
The best information site so far has been one by "The Paleo Mom". Her real name is Sarah Ballantyne, she has a PhD in medical biophysics. Her own journey to heal herself of an autoimmune disease is very inspiring and she has done so much research on the subject. And she has some amazing recipes! Her new book The Paleo Approach was just released a couple of days ago. I'm getting ready to order it this week-end. You can also find her on The Paleo Mom Facebook Page and on her website just titled The Paleo Mom.
I have not actually made any of Sarah's recipes yet. Tony and I have been getting creative on our own with a lot of different stir-fry dishes that we make up as we go along. Lots of free range chicken, shrimp, grass fed beef and bison cooked in coconut oil with various greens and veggies. But I'm ready to try some of the recipes in Sarah's book and other sites that I've saved just to keep things interesting! Today I'm going to try some homemade crackers made with plantains, sea salt and olive oil!
My second favorite is a blog by Eileen Laird who was also diagnosed with RA and is on her own healing journey. I love her honesty and candidness. Eileen is clear that she is not a doctor nor a dietitian. But her own story was what convinced me to begin this way of life.
Another good site is by Mickey Prescott. Mickey is personal chef and a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. Her blog has a lot of good information and recipes as well. Mickey has a book out, also, but it's for download only and I struggle with e-books for some reason. I like having a book with paper pages to turn. I know. I'm weird. However, because I like her blog so much, I may have to download this one.
The last recommendation I'll make (for now) is a blog Danielle Walker. She wrote a book Against All Grain that I am also planning on ordering this week. Danielle is another successful story of healing through food.
Looking forward to blogging again at 60 days (unless something significant occurs before that)!
Disclaimer - hopefully I attached the links successfully to the sites I recommended! If not, message me and I'll get them for you!
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Monday, January 20, 2014
21 Days
I've been doing the AIP protocol for 21 days now. I believe that is how long some say it takes to form a habit. I hope that's true in this case. If something is a habit, it's much easier to do because you don't really have to think about it.
Eating this way is not actually hard, but it does take a lot of planning. And numerous trips to the grocery store each week. I sometimes miss just "grabbing" something for a snack or dinner. But I can't do that now, unless I make something to grab ahead of time. Such as kale chips, or bone broth or cut up veggies to snack on.
Today is the best I've felt in a long time. Both physically and emotionally. I can actually feel the inflammation going down in my body. I've lost about 10 lbs. total which is not excessive for 21 days. I still have not taken my RA meds. My husband and I discussed it and prayed about it for some direction. We finally decided my goal is to get off of the meds anyway, and as long as I'm doing ok without them, why keep taking them? I did send an email to my rheumatologist and let her know what I was doing and that I would stay off the meds until I met with her again in March. Then I can discuss with her what to do next (and have blood work done, etc.). I haven't received a response yet to my email.
Turmeric has become my new spice of choice. I put it in everything! Tonight I made shrimp stir fry for dinner and loaded it up with garlic, lemon and turmeric. I even put some in my tea. I've also gone through a container and a half of coconut oil already. There are so many good AIP recipes out there, I doubt that I will get bored with this way of eating! I will share some of the recipes we've tried and liked in my next post.
I really had a some major cravings today, though. I wanted peanut butter. And, for some weird reason, cottage cheese! And I wanted some nachos and Chicken in a Biscuit crackers. And a soft, warm dinner roll with butter. And mashed potatoes and gravy. But, I find if I just don't dwell on the craving, it passes pretty quickly. I keep telling myself that nothing will ever taste as good as having a no pain day feels!
I'm grateful for the many websites and Facebook groups there are with people going through the same journey. I have found so much good information and recipes and suggestions.
And, it is true, our grocery bill has gone up quite a bit. We spend a lot of time in the Health Food section now. But we decided it's worth it and we will cut back somewhere else! We are learning to read labels (just because something is organic doesn't mean I can have it) and learning which things are better to buy at the local grocery store or at a health food store or on-line.
My husband has been immensely supportive these past 21 days. I'm hoping once a couple of months is behind us, we can settle in to this just being a way of life without really having to think about it!
Eating this way is not actually hard, but it does take a lot of planning. And numerous trips to the grocery store each week. I sometimes miss just "grabbing" something for a snack or dinner. But I can't do that now, unless I make something to grab ahead of time. Such as kale chips, or bone broth or cut up veggies to snack on.
Today is the best I've felt in a long time. Both physically and emotionally. I can actually feel the inflammation going down in my body. I've lost about 10 lbs. total which is not excessive for 21 days. I still have not taken my RA meds. My husband and I discussed it and prayed about it for some direction. We finally decided my goal is to get off of the meds anyway, and as long as I'm doing ok without them, why keep taking them? I did send an email to my rheumatologist and let her know what I was doing and that I would stay off the meds until I met with her again in March. Then I can discuss with her what to do next (and have blood work done, etc.). I haven't received a response yet to my email.
Turmeric has become my new spice of choice. I put it in everything! Tonight I made shrimp stir fry for dinner and loaded it up with garlic, lemon and turmeric. I even put some in my tea. I've also gone through a container and a half of coconut oil already. There are so many good AIP recipes out there, I doubt that I will get bored with this way of eating! I will share some of the recipes we've tried and liked in my next post.
I really had a some major cravings today, though. I wanted peanut butter. And, for some weird reason, cottage cheese! And I wanted some nachos and Chicken in a Biscuit crackers. And a soft, warm dinner roll with butter. And mashed potatoes and gravy. But, I find if I just don't dwell on the craving, it passes pretty quickly. I keep telling myself that nothing will ever taste as good as having a no pain day feels!
I'm grateful for the many websites and Facebook groups there are with people going through the same journey. I have found so much good information and recipes and suggestions.
And, it is true, our grocery bill has gone up quite a bit. We spend a lot of time in the Health Food section now. But we decided it's worth it and we will cut back somewhere else! We are learning to read labels (just because something is organic doesn't mean I can have it) and learning which things are better to buy at the local grocery store or at a health food store or on-line.
My husband has been immensely supportive these past 21 days. I'm hoping once a couple of months is behind us, we can settle in to this just being a way of life without really having to think about it!
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Starting Week Three
Starting week three today! Still have not cheated (I repeat that because it surprises even me!). I have gone three days now with NO FLARES. This may be a coincidence. Because it has only been two weeks and it's hard for even me to believe my "leaky gut" has healed this fast. But I don't care the reason. Because it has been three days with NO FLARES!
It may be way too soon to do this, but I made the decision not to take my Orencia this week. It really isn't working anyway, although it may be because I haven't given it enough time yet. But I thought I would try taking it every other week instead of every week.
I might add that this decision is not under a doctor's recommendation. I don't return to my rheumatologist until March. I know that if I emailed/called her and asked about cutting back on the Orencia, she would most likely say not to do this. But only because that's her job. So I'm taking the chance on this one. I'm hoping to go back to her in March and tell her I have cut back on the Orencia and feel great.
Or better yet - tell her that I don't need it anymore. Or any of the other drugs. And no I won't be making a follow up appointment, thank you. It's been very nice knowing you. But I won't be back!
Ok, so March may be a little soon to expect that. But I can dream.
It may be way too soon to do this, but I made the decision not to take my Orencia this week. It really isn't working anyway, although it may be because I haven't given it enough time yet. But I thought I would try taking it every other week instead of every week.
I might add that this decision is not under a doctor's recommendation. I don't return to my rheumatologist until March. I know that if I emailed/called her and asked about cutting back on the Orencia, she would most likely say not to do this. But only because that's her job. So I'm taking the chance on this one. I'm hoping to go back to her in March and tell her I have cut back on the Orencia and feel great.
Or better yet - tell her that I don't need it anymore. Or any of the other drugs. And no I won't be making a follow up appointment, thank you. It's been very nice knowing you. But I won't be back!
Ok, so March may be a little soon to expect that. But I can dream.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
One week down - A lifetime to go?
It's been one week now of eating the Autoimmune/Paleo (AIP) way. I can honestly say I have not cheated. Other than eating cashews because one AIP site said they were ok, but then another said to stay away from all nuts. So I've decided to remove them from my list, at least for now. And I did have some green beans yesterday down at the shelter (where my husband and I volunteer) that I don't believe were organic. But that would be the only thing off of the strict protocol for this week.
I have lost eight pounds already, which alarms me a little bit. Not that I don't have it to lose (along with an additional 40 extra lbs.). But I don't really want to lose it this quickly. At my age, rapid weight loss could equal (gasp) saggy skin. I've not been working out due to flares, the cold weather and trying to allow my body a little extra rest to jump start any healing. But, I do plan to go back soon. Walking around looking like a deflated balloon is not my goal on this diet change.
This week has been relatively easy. Until today for some reason. I had a major emotional breakdown. Over nothing. A desk clerk at a clinic was rude to me this morning and I was rude right back to her. And then I got into my car and broke down crying. This is not normal for me. Ok, maybe being rude right back is somewhat normal for me. But I usually end up taking a deep breath and then trying to diffuse the situation and calm both of us down and resolve the issue. But I didn't do this today. And cry about it?? Just not me.
So I came home (still crying) to try to explain it to my husband and he told me I had been a little "off" the last few days. Making things that were usually not a big deal into a big deal. Worrying more than I should. Over sensitivity to things like the cold, loud noises. Sensory overload, I think it's called. And I realized he was right. Last night I watched my daughter's four year old and 10 month old and was freaking out that they were not yet asleep at 8:30 when my daughter got home. I was sure I was responsible for their immune systems being compromised from lack of proper sleep and they would probably catch God knows what from daycare during this horrible flu season. All because I had them too wound up to go to bed at their usual time. My grandmother skills were in question in my mind. It didn't matter that my daughter thought nothing of it and they went to sleep soon after I left. To me it was a major fail. The other day, I was working on a project in my craft room and my husband came up to tell me I had a phone call. I didn't hear him come up the stairs and I about jumped out of my skin (and down his throat) because it startled me so badly when he walked in the room. If he drops a pan in the kitchen it feels like a thousand needles going through my head. When he yawns, I accuse him of sounding like Chewbacca from Star Wars.
And I cannot get warm for the life of me. I'm sitting here with a space heater blowing on me and I'm still wrapped up in a fuzzy blanket. Yes, it's still pretty cold outside. And snowing (again). But our house is warm and I'm bundled up like an Eskimo. And I am usually a "hot blooded" person in general. I should not be this uncomfortable.
So as you can see, something is going on with my body, both emotionally and physically. Tony and I talked it over (have I mentioned before how wonderful he is and how blessed I really am to be married to this man?). We think there may be something hormonal going on with this diet change. I'm a firm believer in the power of hormones, I've seen what the changes can do to your body in moods most of my life. So it's possible, this week of "detoxing" from all thewonderful horrible food I was eating in December is having some kind of effect on my hormone balance.
Added to that is my somewhat mourning the idea that I may never get to eat some of the foods I love ever again. I think it hit me that this may have to be my way of life if I am choosing to get off all of my medications and keep my RA in remission (still holding on to the hope that it does go into remission and I can get off all meds). Some people can implement many things back into their diet after a time period. But many cannot and this becomes their way of life forever or face the consequences. Painful consequences, too.
Another factor may be that this cold, dreary weather is just wearing on me and everyone else in the Midwest. Yes, it's winter. Yes, snow and cold are normal every year. But it's been a brutal winter so far. And sunny days are rare and far between. Lots of gloomy days really do add to some gloomy feelings.
And then there is the added wonderful emotion that we all know and hate. Guilt.
Feeling guilty because so many other people have it so much worse. Guilty that I can afford to buy organic foods to help me heal and many people can't afford to shop. Feeling guilty that I can actually mourn the absence of some FOOD in my life, when I have so much to be thankful for instead.
But guilt is not a healthy emotion either. And stress is not good for healing anything in our bodies. So the rest of the day, I'm going to spend it trying to relax and not worry about anything. And focus on health and how good bone broth really does taste! And picture my body healing itself because of the good things I'm putting into it. And being grateful for a very understanding husband. And the fact that I am retired and can spend more time relaxing and not have to worry about getting out in this cold to go to work. And being thankful for a great family including four grand daughters that are healthy and have parents and grandparents that truly love them.
I do believe, in spite of hormones or whatever imbalance is going on in our bodies, that we can still CHOOSE our thoughts. And when God tells us to be thankful in ALL things, He really meant it for our own good. Being thankful changes our hearts and lightens the load of worry off of our shoulders. That will be my goal this second week.
And I promised I would list my cravings here, too. So here it is - I want a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a big glass of milk! And a huge piece of chocolate cake. But, even though there is a craving for these things, it's not over powering. I just don't have the option to cheat right now.
I do believe my life really does depend on it.
I have lost eight pounds already, which alarms me a little bit. Not that I don't have it to lose (along with an additional 40 extra lbs.). But I don't really want to lose it this quickly. At my age, rapid weight loss could equal (gasp) saggy skin. I've not been working out due to flares, the cold weather and trying to allow my body a little extra rest to jump start any healing. But, I do plan to go back soon. Walking around looking like a deflated balloon is not my goal on this diet change.
This week has been relatively easy. Until today for some reason. I had a major emotional breakdown. Over nothing. A desk clerk at a clinic was rude to me this morning and I was rude right back to her. And then I got into my car and broke down crying. This is not normal for me. Ok, maybe being rude right back is somewhat normal for me. But I usually end up taking a deep breath and then trying to diffuse the situation and calm both of us down and resolve the issue. But I didn't do this today. And cry about it?? Just not me.
So I came home (still crying) to try to explain it to my husband and he told me I had been a little "off" the last few days. Making things that were usually not a big deal into a big deal. Worrying more than I should. Over sensitivity to things like the cold, loud noises. Sensory overload, I think it's called. And I realized he was right. Last night I watched my daughter's four year old and 10 month old and was freaking out that they were not yet asleep at 8:30 when my daughter got home. I was sure I was responsible for their immune systems being compromised from lack of proper sleep and they would probably catch God knows what from daycare during this horrible flu season. All because I had them too wound up to go to bed at their usual time. My grandmother skills were in question in my mind. It didn't matter that my daughter thought nothing of it and they went to sleep soon after I left. To me it was a major fail. The other day, I was working on a project in my craft room and my husband came up to tell me I had a phone call. I didn't hear him come up the stairs and I about jumped out of my skin (and down his throat) because it startled me so badly when he walked in the room. If he drops a pan in the kitchen it feels like a thousand needles going through my head. When he yawns, I accuse him of sounding like Chewbacca from Star Wars.
And I cannot get warm for the life of me. I'm sitting here with a space heater blowing on me and I'm still wrapped up in a fuzzy blanket. Yes, it's still pretty cold outside. And snowing (again). But our house is warm and I'm bundled up like an Eskimo. And I am usually a "hot blooded" person in general. I should not be this uncomfortable.
So as you can see, something is going on with my body, both emotionally and physically. Tony and I talked it over (have I mentioned before how wonderful he is and how blessed I really am to be married to this man?). We think there may be something hormonal going on with this diet change. I'm a firm believer in the power of hormones, I've seen what the changes can do to your body in moods most of my life. So it's possible, this week of "detoxing" from all the
Added to that is my somewhat mourning the idea that I may never get to eat some of the foods I love ever again. I think it hit me that this may have to be my way of life if I am choosing to get off all of my medications and keep my RA in remission (still holding on to the hope that it does go into remission and I can get off all meds). Some people can implement many things back into their diet after a time period. But many cannot and this becomes their way of life forever or face the consequences. Painful consequences, too.
Another factor may be that this cold, dreary weather is just wearing on me and everyone else in the Midwest. Yes, it's winter. Yes, snow and cold are normal every year. But it's been a brutal winter so far. And sunny days are rare and far between. Lots of gloomy days really do add to some gloomy feelings.
And then there is the added wonderful emotion that we all know and hate. Guilt.
Feeling guilty because so many other people have it so much worse. Guilty that I can afford to buy organic foods to help me heal and many people can't afford to shop. Feeling guilty that I can actually mourn the absence of some FOOD in my life, when I have so much to be thankful for instead.
But guilt is not a healthy emotion either. And stress is not good for healing anything in our bodies. So the rest of the day, I'm going to spend it trying to relax and not worry about anything. And focus on health and how good bone broth really does taste! And picture my body healing itself because of the good things I'm putting into it. And being grateful for a very understanding husband. And the fact that I am retired and can spend more time relaxing and not have to worry about getting out in this cold to go to work. And being thankful for a great family including four grand daughters that are healthy and have parents and grandparents that truly love them.
I do believe, in spite of hormones or whatever imbalance is going on in our bodies, that we can still CHOOSE our thoughts. And when God tells us to be thankful in ALL things, He really meant it for our own good. Being thankful changes our hearts and lightens the load of worry off of our shoulders. That will be my goal this second week.
And I promised I would list my cravings here, too. So here it is - I want a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a big glass of milk! And a huge piece of chocolate cake. But, even though there is a craving for these things, it's not over powering. I just don't have the option to cheat right now.
I do believe my life really does depend on it.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Day Five
After this week I will be probably be posting every two weeks or so unless something significant happens worth documenting. But I wanted to post more often this first week and am happy to say how easy this diet has been to follow so far! No cravings, no withdrawals, etc. Although, when my body is flaring it feels pretty "flu-like" anyway so I'm not sure I would know the difference. :)
I have discovered, after further research, that there are some contradictions out there about what is allowed and not allowed to eat on this protocol. For example, some sites list nuts and oatmeal as acceptable to eat and other sites say to avoid them. My decision on this is to err on the side of caution and eliminate them at least for awhile. There are also some cookbooks that allow pure maple syrup and some other sweeteners that I've decided to stay away from for a period of time. I would like to keep my blood sugar as level as I can without spiking it up (and then inevitably down) for the first few months.
No significant changes in how I feel. But I will point out (sorry if this is TMI) that I am peeing and peeing and peeing!! I'm assuming that I am getting rid of a lot of "bloat" from all of that holiday eating. But holy cow.
One thing I also learned is to take a bath with Epsom salts and baking soda to draw out more toxins. Since it's below zero outside this evening, a nice hot bath with candles and soothing music sounds pretty good!
Again, I will be sharing some recipes and lessons learned as I go along. And as I also learn to navigate this blog! :)
I have discovered, after further research, that there are some contradictions out there about what is allowed and not allowed to eat on this protocol. For example, some sites list nuts and oatmeal as acceptable to eat and other sites say to avoid them. My decision on this is to err on the side of caution and eliminate them at least for awhile. There are also some cookbooks that allow pure maple syrup and some other sweeteners that I've decided to stay away from for a period of time. I would like to keep my blood sugar as level as I can without spiking it up (and then inevitably down) for the first few months.
No significant changes in how I feel. But I will point out (sorry if this is TMI) that I am peeing and peeing and peeing!! I'm assuming that I am getting rid of a lot of "bloat" from all of that holiday eating. But holy cow.
One thing I also learned is to take a bath with Epsom salts and baking soda to draw out more toxins. Since it's below zero outside this evening, a nice hot bath with candles and soothing music sounds pretty good!
Again, I will be sharing some recipes and lessons learned as I go along. And as I also learn to navigate this blog! :)
Friday, January 3, 2014
Day Three
Just ending day three on the autoimmune food plan. So far it has not been difficult and I have not really been craving anything. I'm planning to post recipes here eventually as I try them. I did make the avocado ginger dressing and it was really good. My husband has been super supportive and has been researching his own recipes as well as finding informational websites. He even ordered organic items for us from one site that offers free delivery. I'll share that website once we receive the items and tried them out.
Having several joint flares today. But I did not expect immediate results. And I would not be surprised if my body is still reacting to the way I was eating over the last couple weeks.
One lesson learned - just because I can have something does not mean I have to consume enormous amounts of it! For example, I found out I could have cashews and have eaten my weight in them over the last two days. Moderation still applies to this way of eating.
Today my friend Laurie showed me some different things I can do to change the layout of my blog. So I will be playing with that over the next few days!
Having several joint flares today. But I did not expect immediate results. And I would not be surprised if my body is still reacting to the way I was eating over the last couple weeks.
One lesson learned - just because I can have something does not mean I have to consume enormous amounts of it! For example, I found out I could have cashews and have eaten my weight in them over the last two days. Moderation still applies to this way of eating.
Today my friend Laurie showed me some different things I can do to change the layout of my blog. So I will be playing with that over the next few days!
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
New Year is here
January 1, 2014! The new year is here! I'm so ready to do this lifestyle overhaul thing. My husband Tony and I ate burgers from McDonalds last night. Probably for the last time, at least for me. And, honestly, it didn't taste that good. And I felt gross afterward. I take that as a good sign that I'm ready to be done with junk food and bad eating.
Right now I have bone broth simmering on the stove. Started my day with a shake made in my Nutri-bullet consisting of an apple, a pear, two carrots, some Kale, half of a cucumber (all organic), some organic pure cherry juice and a little coconut milk. Tonight will probably bone broth and a big salad. I found a recipe for salad dressing made from avocado, apple cider vinegar, purified water, coconut oil and grated ginger all blended in a food processor. I'm curious to see how this tastes. I'm also taking Omega XL and L-glutamine pills. And an organic multi-vitamin. Waiting for my oil of oregano to come in the mail.
I probably won't necessarily blog every day what I'm eating. But maybe the first week so I can document how I'm feeling. I did take my meds yesterday, I need to wean off of them instead of going cold turkey. And wait until my body starts healing.
Last night was probably the worst I have felt in a long time. (hmm.. maybe the McDonalds?) so I think it can only go up from here. My weight and blood pressure are up. My elbows are flared and tender, the rest of my body just feels stiff and sore. I think I'm paying for all the "last" things I wanted to eat before starting this. You would think "pain vs. ice cream" should be a no brainer decision. You would think.
Happy New Year to everyone out there. Here's to everyone having a healthy, joyful 2014!
Right now I have bone broth simmering on the stove. Started my day with a shake made in my Nutri-bullet consisting of an apple, a pear, two carrots, some Kale, half of a cucumber (all organic), some organic pure cherry juice and a little coconut milk. Tonight will probably bone broth and a big salad. I found a recipe for salad dressing made from avocado, apple cider vinegar, purified water, coconut oil and grated ginger all blended in a food processor. I'm curious to see how this tastes. I'm also taking Omega XL and L-glutamine pills. And an organic multi-vitamin. Waiting for my oil of oregano to come in the mail.
I probably won't necessarily blog every day what I'm eating. But maybe the first week so I can document how I'm feeling. I did take my meds yesterday, I need to wean off of them instead of going cold turkey. And wait until my body starts healing.
Last night was probably the worst I have felt in a long time. (hmm.. maybe the McDonalds?) so I think it can only go up from here. My weight and blood pressure are up. My elbows are flared and tender, the rest of my body just feels stiff and sore. I think I'm paying for all the "last" things I wanted to eat before starting this. You would think "pain vs. ice cream" should be a no brainer decision. You would think.
Happy New Year to everyone out there. Here's to everyone having a healthy, joyful 2014!
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