Since I know you all have been waiting on pins and needles to hear how my diet changes are going, I thought I'd provide a quick update. Well, I'm happy to say that after almost 5 months of gluten free, and nearly 2 months free of animal products and artificial sweeteners, I am feeling better than I have in years! Amazing what cleansing your body of chemicals will do! The biggest struggle in all this has been no diet coke (huge former addict) and no chewing gum. I know, you're thinking... "Gum, this girl can't even chew gum??" After stripping my diet of animal products, diet coke and other artificial sweeteners, I was still left with a small amount of residual GI symptoms. I started researching gum contents and found that most gums and other sugar free mints or candies contain phenylalanine, which is a relative of aspartame, which we all know has a bad rap. Eliminating phenylalanine from my diet has made a huge difference, and bridged the gap from doing mostly better to feeling really quite normal. My skin is clearer than it's been in years, both my dermatitis and facial blemishes. I think I've had one zit in the past 2 months! My other symptoms are continuing to resolve or have resolved completely.
Again, you're probably wondering what on earth I eat. I am actually quite enjoying my new style and don't feel deprived in the least. I eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies, rice, potatoes, steamed veggies, beans, peanut butter (smeared on nearly everything!). I found a great coconut coffee creamer I've been using, as well as some pretty tasty vegan and gluten free cereals. Cooking (and eating) has become much more adventurous and challenging, especially with living in a house with two boys who want nothing to do with all my veggies. Don't worry about my hubby... I still make meat and other "normal" food for my boys. OH, and I've been eating
Yumm sauce on everything... lots and lots of Yumm sauce!
Lots of people are worried about me, and feel bad about what I can't eat. Don't be! I don't feel bad about what I can't eat because I feel so good now, I don't even want the other stuff. And, I get to be creative and try interesting new things!
