I realized this morning that I don’t think I ever officially “came out” on my blog here.
I am now “one of THOSE PEOPLE” on a crazy food diet.
Yep. Hello. That’s me over there in the gluten free section at the health food store, scouring ingredient labels for any type of sugar or sweetener. And while I have not quite cut out dairy (I just don’t know if I can do it, because I just don’t know if it would make a difference that would actually make the sacrifice worth it for me at this point in my story), I have spent the last nine weeks diligently watching what food goes into my body.
No gluten. Which is super duper easy these days because it’s such a stinkin fad that there are gluten free replacement options for pretty much anything you could possibly desire to make or eat.
No sugar. And by “sugar” I mean any type of sweetener that is not inherently in whole fruits and vegetables that I’m consuming.
My one cheat on this is a teaspoon of natural maple syrup in my morning coffee. And even that, I’m thinking I may need to cut.
The rest of my family is not on the food restrictions that I am. This, of course, has pros and cons associated with it. Main pro being that I can still cook whatever I want to for them, and I don’t have to deal with fussy little people missing amazing things like graham crackers, brown sugar on oatmeal, lemonade, or Sabbath ice cream. Main con being that I still have to see and smell and serve some pretty enticing things, and I can’t so much as nibble a tiny taste of them.
The gluten and sugar are the two main contingents that I have been focused on eliminating, but to the best of my ability, I have been aiming for a diet that holds to the anti inflammatory diet. And if you know me, you know I am soooooooo not a diet person. This is NOT MY GIG! 🙂
But my immune system is askew. I have immunological problems lurking beneath the surface that are not responding to treatments. My body is suffering. My heart is breaking. My family is effected. My future dreams are on hold, at the very least.
So while I have yet, nine weeks into this thing, to see or feel or notice any difference whatsoever… on bloodwork, on how I feel, on how I look… I am praying that God would use this small offering to bring blessing, relief, progress, healing, fruitfulness.
Would you pray for God to bless this offering with me?
And while I mostly rely on my own creativity to pull together foods and snacks from what I find in my fridge and pantry, and enjoy browsing Deliciously Ella and Wholefood Simply for additional ideas, if anyone else glances around here with bright ideas, I would love more recipes and ideas. Comment or link away!
I’ve never been a diet person either. I have done a couple of different cleanses when I felt my body needed it but other than that… I just try to eat relatively healthy. 😉
I’ve seen a lot of gluten free foods at the grocery store so it IS nice that it’s easier to eat that way than it used to be!
I’ll be praying for you and hoping that God blesses your efforts and brings your body the much needed healing it needs. *Hugs*
Hey there! Just wanted to say Bo is allergic to dairy, eggs, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, and peas…and with all that, I’ve somehow learned to feed him! 😉 As far as dairy-free, you can use coconut or almond “milks” and can substitute coconut oil for butter in baking.There are lots of hidden sources of dairy too: whey, some caramel colors, etc. (Though you prob don’t really eat prepackaged stuff like we do!)
I’d highly recommend KitchenStewardship.com for healthy and delish gluten-free/sugar-free, etc ideas…
Hi Melissa,
I’ve been gluten free for 3 years now, so I have a few recommendations. If you can get me your email address, I can send the list to you. I hope you’re feeling better!