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!