Day 20 - Crazy Days and Lazy Days

Life happens to all of us sometimes.  We all have crazy days.  days when we have to eat on the run, or forget to go shopping and have to make due with what we have in the house.  Days when we get lost on the road.  Days when we get our INs and OUTs all mixed up.  I don't know anyone who doesn't have days like that.  

The important thing is balance.  This is where the lazy days come in.  If you don't take a break sometimes, life will certainly overwhelm you, and things could get ugly quick.

When I started my new job, one week into my anti-candida diet, I wasn't sure how it would go.  I have suffered from chronic fatigue for more than 15 years; and even though I am now virtually pain free - as long as I watch what I eat - I was still very tired all the time, which was my biggest reason for putting together this 28-day plan.  It seems to be working.  I now work five days a week and spend a total of 42 hours working or in commute.  I have found myself running errands or grocery shopping after work, coming home and cooking real food, and spending time relaxing (and, of course, blogging) before bed.  It feels amazing to get through an entire day without even thinking about a nap.  

Nap time came for me today.  

Yesterday, I went to work with my husband, as we had a class to attend together in the evening.  It meant getting up an hour earlier in the morning and not getting home until bedtime.  To add to the crazy schedule, for some reason the two grocery stores I stopped at the day before were completely out of ground turkey - a turkey burger is my quick and easy go-to menu item, for any of all three meals, and I had intended to top a salad with one for lunch and bring along an extra for dinner.  I ended up buying pre-made frozen turkey burgers with the very frightening phrase "natural flavoring" listed as an ingredient.  I wasn't able to find anywhere online what exactly this natural substance might be, although rumors abound, and it was too late in the day to call the 800 number on the box.  I took a risk.  

All seems well.  Although I certainly wouldn't eat these regularly, they worked in a pinch.  

I brought my big salad and my tainted turkey burgers with me, and I brought along a handful of almonds for a mid day snack.  Since changing my diet, I've learned to pack a lunch, dinner, and even a Thanksgiving meal, in order to preserve my health and still get enough to eat.

If yesterday was a crazy day, today was a lazy day.  My husband came down with a terrible head cold yesterday, and I don't feel so well, myself.  Today was a day to sleep late and stay on the couch.  A day for napping.  A day for comfort food - which for him meant chicken noodle soup, and for me meant plain old fried eggs, and a delicious snack of baked rutabaga fries.

Lazy days are necessary sometimes, for our bodies to stay well.  You can eat a diet of all organic, raw, healthy foods all the time, drink enough water, and get plenty of exercise.  You can follow all the "rules", but if you don't take time to rest, then you are not really taking care of your body.  You can expect to feel tired and beaten down if you allow your work, family, or other obligations to take over.  A very wise person once said, "Stress will kill you, and so will housework if done properly." 

I love the idea of having a nap once a week, especially if I don't need one (or two) every day.  I love the idea of working hard all week and then having the weekend off.  I know everyone doesn't have that luxury, but I also know that taking care of your body should be a priority - no matter what else you have to sacrifice - because, in the long run, every area of your life will benefit from you being well.

Let your treats be real food.

And, take time to rest.

Day 19 - A Little Indulgence Goes a Long Way

I wouldn't say it was a bad day, but before noon I  found myself hopelessly lost in a town I'm not familiar with, on snowy roads with "iffy" breaks.  One wrong turn led to another, guided by the robotic voice of my smartphone GPS app, who impatiently "rerouted" as needed, and in the end, I figure, I went about an hour out of my way for a "quick" errand.

I finally reached my destination, for a five-minute stop.  Upon leaving, I nearly turned out the "IN".  It was that kind of day.  I caught my mistake just in time, and pulled out only to be almost hit head-on by someone who was turning in the "OUT".  Heavens!  Was everybody having that kind of day?!  

It was the kind of day that could try even the strongest of wills.

It was the kind of day that makes a gluten free wife envy her husband's breakfast toast.

The kind of day that makes you want... cake.

And, cake I thought about!  

But, I didn't do it.

I went to work with my husband today, and up the street from the office is a pretty nice health food store.  I went, looking for a treat to settle my weary soul.  Seaweed chips were just the thing.  

I know what you must be thinking - seaweed chips can in no way possibly resemble cake!  But, that's what's so great about doing this diet - my thoughts could be quickly redirected.  A little urge for something sweet - brought on by emotions - is truly not the same as a craving that is the result of your body being deprived of nutrients for so long that it thinks it needs some junk food to fill the gap.

When you realize that your body can live - and live well - on real food, you can begin learning to indulge without overdoing it.  A bite of chocolate, instead of a whole candy bar.  A candy bar on Friday, instead of one every day of the week.  A piece of cake at a birthday party, a slice of pie at Thanksgiving.  Ice cream on a hot summer night - but, not every night of the summer!  Learning to listen to your body, and getting to know your trigger foods, also means you will be able to indulge occasionally without regretting it in the morning.  

Of course, it will take discipline at first.  I know all too well how easily one can get caught up in all the pleasures of desserts, not to mention, salty snacks, sodas and fast food.  Certain social situations almost require poor food choices, but it's okay to be the odd man out if it means preserving your health.  It's perfectly okay to say, "No, thank you."  It is more than okay to bring along an alternative healthy treat to share - even if it does get you some funny looks.  Don't worry, your friends and family will get used to it.  And, if you feel better, they will take notice.

Seaweed chips was not my only indulgence today.  

I also sprung for store-bought salad dressing.

 An expense, for sure, but so full of healthy stuff, and so very tasty.

  

I reasoned that everything on the ingredients list matched my list of allowed foods for my 28-day plan, and it even included those wonderful probiotics.  

A little indulgence can really go a long way - in either a good or bad direction.  

When you feel the need to treat yourself, keep your body in mind - it will thank you!

                   

  

Day 18 - How Do I Know Which Foods Are Causing Me Problems?

Today, I talked to a lady who told me she suspects some food may be causing some problems for her.  She told me she has some very mild symptoms that have developed in recent years, she really believes it's something in her diet, but she hasn't been able to pinpoint any certain food that could be causing a reaction.

She made it plain that her troubles just really aren't serious enough for her to look further into it. 

I guess I can understand that kind of thinking in this day and age of too many troubles and not enough sleep; to worry about a little problem that isn't really disrupting one's life would take time and energy away from some other interest.  

However, what I wish more people realized is how quickly a little problem can become a big problem.

I can't stress enough that every symptom is a message from your body that something is not right.  Just as bruising, swelling and pain after a bad fall might signify a broken bone - and you wouldn't just let that go - food intolerances can present a variety of symptoms that need to be acknowledged and taken seriously.  Heaven only knows how many countless people are out there suffering from fibromyalgia and other autoimmune disorders and don't know the cause - people who are treating symptoms, with synthetic drugs, and are still suffering.  

The simple fact is, if you have chronic pain, fatigue, autoimmune disease, or other chronic health problems, chances are good that you could find some relief by making changes in your diet.  

And for all the naysayers out there, my argument remains: even if it doesn't help you, there is no way putting real, healthy food into your body and cutting out chemicals and processed "foods"can hurt you!  You only stand to benefit from changing the way you think about food!

So, how do you know if your problems are due to something you ate?  The easiest way to learn is by following an elimination diet - similar to the one I am presenting this month.  

I have been eating specifically for candida, which means cutting out sugar.  You don't really need to go that far, but it's a good idea if you are serious about getting to the very bottom of your health issues.  Just look at some of the symptoms of candida overgrowth.  You never know, the root of your troubles may be right there in your gut - which ultimately means, on your plate.

After following an elimination diet - cutting out the most common "trigger foods" (gluten, dairy, corn, and common allergens like soy, peanuts and tree nuts), as well as all artificial ingredients, you can slowly reintroduce different foods back into the diet, and see if you have any negative reactions.  

It's that easy!

Of course, if you are willing to get serious and make some big changes, you can also find out which foods are actually helpful for specific problems - like inflamation, irritable bowel, thyroid disease, etc.  Research and listening to your body are the keys! 

Day 17 - What About Probiotics?

Almost all of the information I've read on candida and anti-candida diets includes probiotics as part of the protocol for eliminating unwanted candida overgrowth and restoring a healthy balance in the gut.  

When probiotics are mentioned, most people think first of yogurt.  Yogurt is known for containing probiotics that are supposed to be very healthy, especially for digestion.  Learning that I was dairy intolerant did explain why yogurt never worked for me.  But then, after I had cut out dairy, I learned I could buy probiotics in a pill form and that I could get "dairy free" strains.  After two days of taking the supplements, I had to quit because of serious gastrointestinal problems.  I tried one or two more times after that, but always with the same result.  No probiotics supplements for me.

If you have been dealing with candida overgrowth, taking probiotics is an excellent way to replace the good bacteria that is needed for a healthy gut and a healthy body.  However, there are many, many different strains of probiotics, and "shopping around" can be a daunting task.  

As of yet, I haven't mentioned probiotics, because I want to keep this diet as simple - and cost effective - as possible. I also know how important it is to get everything your body needs from real food, as much as you possibly can.

When we have completed this very strict 28-day plan, we will reintroduce different foods back into the diet a little at a time - with dairy being the last.  At that time, a good, healthy yogurt, with no artificial stuff, might be a good place to start.  In the mean time, here is some information on other foods that are good sources of probiotics...

http://bembu.com/probiotic-foods

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/b2/a9/3b/b2a93b50e05344708b49c9fedef37bc8.jpg

http://fearlesseating.net/three-reasons-you-should-stop-taking-probiotics/

Remember, getting to know your body, and what it needs and what it doesn't, is the most important thing you can ever do for your health.

Day 16 - Is Gluten Free For Me?

I went "gluten free" back in October of 2012, as part of the big dietary changes I made back then.  Since then, I've had plenty of people ask me, "What happens if you eat gluten?"  My response - "I don't know.  I haven't tried it."  

I know what happens to me if I eat certain dairy products - congestion begins within an hour, within two days bronchitis has set in, and the next four to eight weeks of my life are pretty miserable.  

I know what happens to me if I eat corn syrup - fibromyalgia flare up, every fiber of my being just hurts.

I don't eat those things at all anymore, because I know the consequences.  I don't eat gluten anymore, partly because I don't know the consequences - and I'm just not willing to take the risk. The funny thing is, during my years of trying to get a diagnosis, I had gluten intolerance tests done two times within two years; both times, the test came back normal.  All I know is once I cut out the gluten, my fourteen-year battle with irritable bowel syndrome was over.  Not to mention, all of the other symptoms and troubles I had before that I don't have now.

I have heard a good many people say they need to go gluten free, but just haven't done it yet. I've heard lots and lots of people say things like, "I tried some gluten free foods, but it didn't really help me."  or , things like, "I tried the gluten free thing, but I didn't really stick with it."  

Those people are completely missing the point. 

Being "gluten free" isn't a fad.  It doesn't mean eating products that say "gluten free" on the label.  It's not a temporary thing.  And, it's not something you can "just sort of" do.

I've also been asked, "How come nobody was worried about gluten until recent years?"

Remember the article I shared a few posts ago on "Why your grandparents didn't have food allergies..." ?  The food we eat isn't the same as what our ancestors ate.  We use chemicals to grow foods, and then those foods are processed almost to the point of being unrecognizable.  We add more chemicals for flavor, color and preserving.  Some chemicals, we don't even know why they're added!  (If you haven't been following the big Subway bread thing, you might want to check that out.) 

Gluten intolerance is the result of years of eating processed foods that our bodies were not meant to digest.  Even if you don't have a problem with gluten, it's a good idea to avoid getting too much.  And foods with "gluten free" printed on the label are usually foods that have all kinds of starches and/or gums in them, which act the same way as gluten and may or may not get a negative reaction from your body.  All of those things should be avoided.  

I am definitely not a "purist".  I like my veggies raw, roasted and fried.  I do eat "junk food", and I enjoy it.  But I realize that it's best to keep real food as close to it's natural form as possible to reap the most benefits.  For many people that means the difference between good or poor health.

So, is gluten free for YOU?  You will have to stay completely away from all foods containing gluten, AND their replacements, for a while to see.  The best way to do that is to avoid grains and processed foods, and get plenty of fresh foods (you know, the kind with only one ingredient on the label).  Then, just listen to your body - you never know what you might learn!

  

Day 15 - How Much Is Enough?

I want to take this week to answer some questions I've been asked regarding my diet.

After a previous blog post, some people asked about serving/portion sizes.  

During this 28 days of anti-candida plus blood type diet, you are doing two things: deliberately avoiding all sugars, in an attempt to destroy candida overgrowth in the body and bring it under control; and attempting to eliminate all possible trigger foods for a time, with a plan to re-introduce different foods slowly back into the diet to see if there are negative reactions.

This is a temporary plan for the above mentioned purposes only.  It is not a healthy long term eating plan, and was never intended to be a weight-loss plan.  

You are depriving your body not only of sugar, but of a variety of foods - which the body needs.

I told you in the beginning that I am not a doctor or a nutritionist.  That said, I think the most important factor here is quality, not quantity.  Of course, you really can get too much of a good thing, and it is important to vary your green vegetables throughout the month, as well as including as many of the foods on the list as you can.  

This whole month is all about educating yourself about food and health, and about learning to listen to your body.  Do yourself a favor, and research nutrition facts and serving sizes for the foods you are eating on this plan.  Pay attention to how you feel, and adjust your serving sizes as needed.  (During week 1, I was feeling extremely weak, probably because of candida die-off, and I ended the week with a small piece of chocolate - certainly not on the list of allowed foods, but it kept me going, and I didn't cave into the temptation to quit.  Since then, I've had increasing energy, and I'm feeling great.)

Eggs, turkey and nuts are all good protein sources.  If you are vegan, then consider adding quinoa, flax seeds, and cannellini, northern, or white beans  for protein.  I found a really neat protein calculator online, that shows you how much protein your body needs, so you have something to go on. 

If you find that there is absolutely nothing on the list that you like, and therefore this diet is just not for you, then you have a big problem!  You probably eat so much processed food, and so little fresh vegetables, that you have never developed a taste for real food, and I'm just guessing you have numerous health issues to prove it.  Don't worry - with a little (okay, maybe a whole lot of) self discipline, you can retrain your brain and your taste buds.  Keep in mind, your body was never designed to eat chemicals and artificial "food" - that stuff is poison!  Given time, your body will not only get used to eating real food, but it will thank you!

As long as you are eating a variety of vegetables, it's okay to eat more or less, depending on how you feel.  Remember, this very strict protocol is only for a time.  Just as "no child ever starved to death from missing a meal", you won't starve to death from missing a burger and a couple of desserts.  You are doing your body far more good than harm during this time.  As long as you are feeling okay, you should be fine.

Day 14 - Half Way There

If you've been eating like I have for the past two weeks, then hopefully by now you are noticing some difference in the way you feel.  

I, personally, have a lot more energy than I have in years, which is the biggest thing I had hoped for for myself in doing this 28 day "canida diet + blood type diet" plan.  Even if things aren't looking up for you just yet, know that you are doing good for your body, and your body, in return, will do good for you.  

I promised to share some more recipes with you this weekend, including my favorite salty snack.  So, here goes...

Last week, I made this wonderful broccoli soup.  I had found the recipe online a few years ago, but it wasn't until this past week that I started to wonder if the same thing could be done with other vegetables.  With the same concept, I made a delicious carrot-almond-ginger soup. 

I started with a 1 pound bag of carrots and a 2 inch piece of ginger root.  Cut both the carrots and the ginger into small chunks, and boil in water until soft.  Drain and rinse in cold water, then add to blender with about 1/2 cup cold water, and puree.  Mix the puree in a pot with 2 cups almond milk, and heat to boil.  Add sea salt to taste.

This soup tastes absolutely amazing, but, it is very... well... orange.  Oh well, says I, here's to eating natural colors!

During the last two weeks, I have discovered a few foods that were new to me, including sardines.  I liked the sardines, but I was left wondering what exactly to do with them...

I invented a great way to use sardines for a nutritious and tasty snack.  Simply mix sardines with juice of 1/2 a lemon, and a few sprigs of parsley, chopped.

I used this mix to stuff celery boats, and I bet it would be good on a salad, as well.

I also experimented with onion rings this week...

I used my homemade almond meal.  Just dip the onion rings in a beaten egg, and then in the almond meal.  

Place on a lightly oiled cookie sheet, and bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes on each side.

Lastly, and my personal favorite - kale chips!

Yes, you read that right - kale.  Chips.

(You will be pleasantly surprised.)

You need several larger pieces of kale.  You will want to cut the leaves away from the thick center vein and discard that.  Toss the leaves in a bit of olive oil to lightly coat, and then sprinkle with sea salt.  I will caution you to go lightly on the salt; once the chips are baked they are very flavorful, and you can easily over do it with the salt.

Lay the pieces on a cookie sheet in a single layer.  They won't lie completely flat, but that's okay.

Bake at 350 degrees for 7 - 10 minutes.  Watch them closely, so they don't burn.  

That's it.  

The kale chips are so light and crisp and full of flavor, 

you definitely will not be able to eat just one!

I enjoy a variety of foods, and I really had to start being creative once my diet became so restricted.  I'm still learning, and as we've seen this month, I'm still discovering new foods and enjoying every minute of the adventure.  

If you find that you feel better after cutting out a certain kind of food that was once your favorite, try not to think of what you're missing, but focus on the good you are doing for your body, and set out to discover foods that both you and your body can agree on.  

Real food can be so good!