I've Got "Friends" in Low Places

I'm officially done with the 30 Day Paleo Challenge, but decided to not only continue it, but also incorporate the Autoimmune Protocol from the book, Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo. This would mean removing foods known as nightshades.  What are nightshades and why would I need to remove them? Great question!

According to the Weston A. Price Foundation, "nightshades are members of an enormous family of plants called Solanaceae, represent a huge family of plants. The ones that concern us in the Western diet mainly include tomatoes, potatoes (not sweet potatoes or yams), eggplant and peppers—this means all peppers including chili peppers, habanero  cayenne pepper and paprika (not peppercorns, see sidebar). Paprika is a sneaky one, showing up in lots of flavoring mixes and often under “spices” on ingredient labels. Other nightshades include goji berries (the new darling of the antioxidant crowd), ashwagandha (an adaptogenic herb from Ayurvedic medicine), Cape gooseberries (not normal gooseberries), ground cherries and garden huckleberries (not blueberries)."

I am choosing to eliminate nightshades for the next week because I have a condition called "keratosis pilaris", commonly known as chicken skin.  From everything I've read, it's best to eliminate nightshades for a week to see if this clears up your skin instead of topical medications.  I'm sure there's nothing wrong with topical medications, but if there's a way to reduce or eliminate skin irritations naturally, I'd much rather do that.  It keeps me in control of "dosing" and reduces any side effects of topical medications.

I've been testing foods here and there, doing pretty well to not go overboard and gorge myself on foods that I had an unnatural attachment to - that is, until this weekend.  I had two parties to go to, and both included cake.  Not homemade, Paleo/Primal cake, but fancy, boutique style all out bad for me cake.  One was chocolate with raspberry filling, the other chocolate with whipped vanilla icing.  Package that temptation with family and life stresses and lack of pre planning - disaster was imminent. I thought to myself, I'll just have one piece.  I should've known better.  Like I've heard other people say, I felt great the day of - but miserable for the next two days. I was bloated, sick to my stomach and my mood was off the charts wacky.   All of my anxiety and depression symptoms came back with a vengeance.  I read this great article from Psychology Today that talks about the effects sugar can and does have, not only on our body, but our brain as well.  Fascinating insights and well worth the read. Especially if you suspect you and sugar are a bit too friendly.

So, here I am tweaking my diet - again. I believe that my gut is sensitive enough that I'll be adjusting as needed for quite some time.  I've heard that some people need to be on an AIP (autoimmune protocol) for several months before the gut heals well enough to reintroduce problem foods. It's really okay, but I've got to stop feeling deprived and feeling sorry for myself. I'll never gain any progress if I can't get out of my own head.  

And THAT, seems to be the biggest obstacle I'm facing when it comes to gaining victory over stress and food intolerances.

An Evening With Dr. William Davis

It might sound completely geeky to say this, but I crossed another item off my bucket list last night.  I got to meet Dr. William Davis, a preventive cardiologist from Wisconsin, and well-known author of the books, "Wheat Belly" and the "Wheat Belly Cookbook".  Before I went exclusively Paleo, I first went wheat free - thanks in part to this book and research I'd already done on the benefits of doing so.

He was in my hometown of Kansas City, Mo and was giving a talk about the health benefits of the Wheat Belly lifestyle. He also mentioned briefly that he ascribes the Paleo lifestyle as a way of eating that is beneficial to your health as well (holla!).  I went back and forth on whether or not I would go, but I think a part of me realized that I couldn't NOT go.  It was housed in a beautiful church in the heart of our well-known Country Club Plaza area.  If you've never been to KC, you should come and take a walk around.

   Country Club Plaza

Back to my story...there was a reception before the seminar, complete with fresh veggies and wine, so I headed to that first in order to fuel my brain.  I talked briefly with a lady who was dealing with nearly identical medical issues to mine.  It was sad to hear her talk about wanting to be more healthy but lamenting over giving up wheat.  I remember being in the same boat.  Like I told her, once you start to see the changes that a wheat free diet can make, you won't miss it....as much.  Dr. Davis's cookbook, has great recipes and swaps for some of your favorite wheat based recipes. As she departed to go look at the books, I encouraged her to give the Wheat Belly lifestyle a try. I hope she decided to.

After finishing my goodies, I headed up to the main sanctuary to find my seat. When I walked into the sanctuary, I saw that Dr. Davis was signing books and greeting people. This was my chance. I got in line and waiting (somewhat patiently) while everyone schmoozed and took pictures.  Finally, my turn!  I said hello and gave him a quick rundown of my experience and what his protocol did for me.  I didn't know what else to say, and I didn't have a book for him to sign (its on my Kindle), so I stood there for a second, much like Ralphie from "A Christmas Story" when he was with Santa Claus.  With tears in my eyes, I finished our interaction with a simple "thank you for changing my life and my health".

The seminar began an hour later and while I listened intently, my biggest takeaway will be my interaction with Dr. Davis.  I am so blessed to live in a time where even "traditional" doctors are beginning to see the benefits of teaching their patients to care for themselves.   If you'd like more information about Dr. Davis or his books, please visit Wheat Belly Blog.

What experiences have you had in your road to healing that you'd like to share? Anyone in  particular you'd like to thank for starting your journey to better health?

The End of the Journey?

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step - Lao-tzu

I thought this quote fits where I'm at right now - both in my personal life and in my new Paleo lifestyle.  I began this journey on Monday, May 6th and the official end to the 30 Day Paleo Challenge is Friday, June 7th. Just like thinking about 1,000 steps instead of focusing on the first one - it seemed daunting. Am I going to starve? Is eating Paleo healthy? Will it repair my gut or it is all hype? Will I dive face first into Cookies 'n' Cream ice cream after the challenge is over?  All questions I'd have when I took my focus off the current day and began thinking about the other 999 days.

All journeys, especially the good ones, are less about the destination and more about the adventures that take place along the way.  Maybe that was the point of this challenge the whole time - a kickstart to a grand adventure. Like Bilbo Baggins, I feel I've been given a task, an adventure, a journey.  I'm excited to be part of it - I can feel a new life emerging - almost like giving birth  - but to what? A dream, an adventure...could this all be coming about just because I made some dietary changes? Lots of questions, some answers and I'm ;learning to be okay with questions. They lead me to learn new things about myself, how my body works and what it needs to thrive.

The only impending loss I'm feeling is not being able to communicate with some of the people I've met through the 30 Day challenge - they're kindred spirits really - part of the journey.  My hope is that we'll keep in touch, but I'm holding all things loosely right now - adjusting to the ebb and flow of things.  If we stay in touch, that's great. If I'm to allow them to break off on their own so they can tend to their own journey, that's as it should be.  If you would've met me 30 days ago, you'd know how unusual it is for me to say something like that. I like to hold onto the familiar, the known...letting go wasn't in my vocabulary until now.

So, I'll pick up my knapsack and all the knowledge and tools I've been given and start off down the path. There is no familiarity, nor anything known, but it'll be an adventure...of that I'm sure.

From despair to joy

“It is by going down into the abyss that we recover the treasures of life. Where you stumble, there lies your treasure.” ― Joseph Campbell

I recently read this quote from someone who went through a near tragedy. I feel its apropo for my recent health problems. Having been in so much pain just from eating foods I was told were good for me, and seeing the list of 'healthy foods' I could have, was my own version of hell.  Officially it was called IBS-C, but I didn't care about the diagnosis, I simply wanted to be able to eat without pain.

I was told to eat more whole grains, no red meat and lots of healthy vegetables and fruit. I was also told to add a psyllium fiber supplement.  Sounds reasonable, right?  Unfortunately, my bloating, reflux and stomach pain got much, much worse.  Then I got an email from Leanne Ely, the Saving Dinner Diva, announcing a 30 Day Paleo challenge.  I was skeptical, but for the price, I felt I couldn't lose.

Within the first week, I saw a reduction in symptoms. But I was eating all the wrong foods- or so I thought. I eliminated all wheat and grains, no dairy (except grassfed butter/ghee), no soy, no sugar and no processed foods.  Reading over the list of "no" foods, I felt I was going to starve to death, I really did.  The recipes looked delicious enough, but I was still really apprehensive about the addition of red meat.  Nearly all of my life, red meat sat in my stomach like a brick. I didn't even like steak...at all.

Dairy was difficult as well, I mean, who doesn't love sour cream, cheese and cream cheese?  Heaven, right? For me, not so much.  It was causing most of my systemic inflammation and nearly all my sinus infections.  I'd already eliminated soy - that was a no brainer.  If you wonder why I disdain soy so much,Google 'estrogenic foods' or 'estrogen mimickers'. Talk about eye opening - especially for women. We've been told most of our lives that it's a great hormone replacement; trust me, it's not.

Can we just talk about the most difficult part for me? Give up sugar?  Why on earth would I do that?  I mean, its SUGAR for heaven's sake!  As it was explained to me, it would help heal my digestive issues and would help release me from my dependence upon sugar.  I didn't even recognize I had an addiction to sugar until I was told to stop eating it.

Processed foods was a no-brainer in the same vein as soy.  I'd already reduced or eliminated most processed foods for the junk food they were.

Here I am, nearly 30 days later - I've had missteps (which my body promptly reminded me that there was a reason I wasn't eating these foods), but overall, I see great progress in my digestive issues, and I've even lost 10 pounds :-)

After much discussion and a month of eating delicious meals, my family and I are staying Paleo.  Why would we ever want to go back?   I will have a sweet treat now and then, balance is key in any lifestyle, and might try to reincorporate grassfed cheeses and sour cream after a few more months of healing. I am so thankful to Leanne, my new friends in the 30 Day Paleo Challenge, and to God for helping me find the source of my digestive issues and a vessel to help heal them.  I will be forever grateful.  From despair to joy. Let me leave you with one more quote that I think is fitting.

"Find a place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain." - Joseph Campbell

Chock Full of Knowledge...and gratitude

Over the last couple of days, I've been reading like a mad woman. I bought "Practical Paleo" by Diane Sanfillippo, "The Paleo Solution" by Robb Wolf, "Everyday Paleo" by Sarah Fragroso, and many other free Kindle eBooks on the Paleo lifestyle.  The most astounding thing I'm finding is that all of them have the same dietary philosophy that I do.  Eat whole foods, eliminate processed foods and listen to your body.

I've learned all kinds of things about how our body works and how it processes and digests food.  So much so, that my head is spinning. I can't tell if I've just read books on nutrition or evolutionary anthropology. I suppose its a mixture of both.  One thing is clear, conventional wisdom as it relates to our diet is about as wise as sticking your finger in a light socket.   

I am on day 23 of the 30 Day Paleo challenge, and I'm still tweaking the way I eat in order continue the healing my gut so desperately needs.  I wasn't looking forward to this week's menu - quite honestly, it seemed a bit boring.  I've heard this is something very common in the homestretch of such challenges.  I made Indian Beef Kebabs last night - which were very tasty.  Quite the pleasant surprise.  Also made cauli-rice, which if your're not familiar with it, is essentially cutting up a head of cauliflower, running through your food processor until it resembles rice and then steaming to cook it.  I loved it, but the rest of my family said they'd much rather just eat plain cauliflower.  It's still a win considering that no one in my family would touch cauliflower, or butternut squash, or kale before this challenge began.  Now they're asking to continue the Paleo lifestyle.   Below are pictures I took from last night's dinner:

Not bad, right?  And super easy to make!  This is just a sampling of the wonderful meals you'll eat in the Saving Dinner 30 Day Paleo Challenge.  It's not too late - jump in right where you are.  We have several people who just started this week.

What kinds of things have you learned since starting your new Paleo lifestyle?

Week 4 - The Homestretch

I'm now on Week 4 of the 30 Day Paleo Challenge - and while I had a oopsy this past weekend, I still feel like I'm moving in the right direction.

I'm convinced that wheat/grains most likely won't make it back into my diet. They cause too much trouble for my healing gut.  Maybe I'll reintroduce them in another 3-4 months, but not now.  Some fruits will stay out as well. I'm not totally sure which ones, except for bananas.  I ate one last night and within a short period of time, I was suffering from oscillating bouts of acid reflux and sinus congestion.  It was weird. Also, unless I find some quality unprocessed, full fat dairy - that will be out as well. It causes inflammation and reflux (of all things) and I'm quite happy with my almond and coconut milks.   Sugar will be something I do try to reincorporate, but not on the same level as before.  No more processed sugar treats - only homemade.  And definitely no more soy, there's no need for it in my life and especially not in my body.  Most soy is GMO and highly processed, something that I swore off long before I started this challenge.

I'm thankful that I didn't have any official Memorial Day weekend plans. I was able to eat what I wanted and not be concerned that there was something hidden that wasn't Paleo.  The biggest problem I'm having right now is boredom.  The dinners I'm preparing don't seem as flavorful or exciting as the ones I made during the first weeks of the challenge.  Amazon has several free Paleo recipe books available for the Kindle nearly every day, so I am dipping into those now so that I don't feel like giving up for the last leg of the challenge.

What challenges do you face in the first month of a new lifestyle change?

Take Me Out To The Ballgame

Today we're going to "Faith & Family Day at the K" - the "K" standing for Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals. They call it Faith & Family Day because there is an emphasis on faith and a Contemporary Christian artist performs after the ballgame. I'm especially excited about this one because one of my favorites, David Crowder Band, is the artist this year.  If you've never heard of them, here is a sample of their music...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om_VHP_Sn-E

To say I'm excited about both the game and the music is an understatement.  But I digress for now.

The main concern I have is typical baseball fare - none of which I will eat. I mean, come on, fully processed hot dogs, white buns, beer....yuck!  So, how to take care of the inevitable hunger pangs that will come during the game?  The same way I do when I go to the movies - snacks and lots of them. So, what types of snacks will I be bringing?  Mostly cut up veggies, some berries and nuts.  I don't want to overpack, but I do want to be prepared for the hunger monster.  I'm also going to eat lunch right before we leave. We only live 10 minutes from the stadium, which is helpful.  Our church is tailgating before the game, but I'm intentionally avoiding that because there will be nothing there I want to eat.

I'm also mentally preparing myself - I would be dishonest if I said that some of the sights, sounds and smells at a baseball game make me want to dive head first in a never ending stream of nachos, hamburgers and beer.  Must.Have.Willpower!  Just kidding, it won't be easy, but my mindset has changed so much I'm actually looking forward to being able to take all that in (without demonizing it) and moving on. I'm going to focus on what I should be focusing on - the event and my family. I mean isn't that what I'm supposed to be focused on?  Besides, who wants to spend 3-4 hours white knuckling my food choices when I can do some pre planning and avoid all the drama.

What steps do you take to avoid temptation when you're at an event or venue that contains foods you won't eat?

UPDATE: Towards the end of the game, I did the unthinkable - I caved.  But in the misery that followed, I realized that all was not lost. I could call this a 'one off' and get rid back to eating Paleo. And that's exactly what I did at my very next meal.