This has been a long time coming. It’s something I’ve thought about trying but I’ve always had an excuse – half marathon training, fear, time, etc. But when it comes to your health, why do we allow ourselves to make excuses? We only have one body, we only have one chance to get it right and I know that while I’m on this earth, I want to constantly be striving for the best version of myself – physically, mentally and emotionally. Maybe this will work, maybe it won’t. Maybe it’s the answer, maybe it’s not. But there’s only one way to find out. Try.
On Sunday, I began a 30 day gluten-free challenge. I’m not trying to jump on any bandwagons, I’m not trying to get caught up in any hype, I’m trying to see if this might be the solution, or maybe part of the solution. Over the last 4-5 years, I have been tweaking my diet, replacing processed foods with whole real foods, taking away fish and eggs and then reintroducing them, cutting back significantly on my sugar intake, etc…all to find the right balance of what makes my body feel it’s best. And let me tell you, there’s a night and day difference between my health and my body now than it was 5 years ago. A positive difference.
But there’s still room for improvement, particularly with stomachaches that I can’t quite place. I’m not willing to accept it as my reality when I know very well there’s something else I can do. Besides, it’s only 30 days. Maybe I’ll continue past it, maybe I won’t or maybe I’ll find a happy medium in-between. The timing isn’t ideal with the holidays but this is my health and I’m done making excuses; it’s now or never.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sure to share how it’s going, my tips and advice on going gluten-free, some of the meals I’ve eaten and anything else that comes up and feels relevant. This week, I figured I’d share my grocery list. Real exciting, right? But I know many people will come back and say that it’s too expensive or too hard, especially as a vegetarian (I imagine a lot of the “what will you eat questions?” to come up) but I bought a lot of food at Trader Joe’s Sunday for only $68! (My goal is to spend about $50/week on groceries but some of this stuff will last me a couple weeks and some is for the dish that I’m bringing to Thanksgiving, but I didn’t feel like figuring out my total with those items off the list so you get it all). 😉
I’m excited about the next few weeks. I know it won’t always be easy but I’ve had some amazing support from friends, family and my blends so I’m also excited and ready for what’s to come!
Do you eat gluten-free? What are some of your favorite gluten-free recipes?
Feel free to link them up in the comments!
Linking up to What I Ate Wednesday – come on foodie community – help a sista! 😉
You don’t have to have celiac to have a gluten problem. You can be gluten sensitive, which can have all the same symptoms and celiac yet there is no test for it. I’m so proud of you girl!! Keep me posted!
That’s very true!
I am the same way, constantly tweaking my diet to figure out what works for me. I have been mostly wheat free for the past three years, and mostly gluten free for the past year or so and have felt better than ever without needing a doctor to tell be what I am or am not sensitive too. I’ve found my body always knows best, and I am getting better at listening to it.
I think the key is really to just play around and LISTEN to your body. No one knows it better than you!
I think that is such a smart way to approach nutrition – I’m all for n=1 experiments to find out how my body runs best! I’ve been gluten free (mostly) for the past 6 months and have noticed how consistently energetic I feel, and improvements in my skin. I don’t miss the gluten, so it isn’t hard to keep it up. There are other things (like dark chocolate and dairy) that I know cause problems (skin) with me, and that’s what I really struggle keeping out! Good luck on the 30 days 😉
I don’t struggle with dairy because it brings me such awful stomach aches but I definitely miss enjoying the occasional beer especially since I work in music and am always out at shows wanting to support the venue.
Did you just have the blood test done, or the biopsy (the biopsy totally scares the crap out of me!) My oldest brother was diagnosed with Celiacs after struggling for many years. This was a while back, before Celiacs and “gluten-free” became so mainstream. The current trendiness of the diet has made it so there are many more options now. When my brother was first diagnosed, I had never heard the term “gluten-free” and now it is everywhere.
My sister and dad have shown some lesser known symptoms (no tummy troubles, but bone/hair loss) and the blood test indicated the antibodies, so they have both just gone gluten free. I did have the blood test and … well, I probably SHOULD, but I can’t, I can’t! I have no physical symptoms. I really think I’d have to be doubled over in pain (which is how my brother was before his diagnosis) before I’d be able to go gluten free.
Good luck with it – I keep seeing positive posts from people about doing it, so it definitely works for many!
I had the biopsy which came back that I don’t have celiac but I definitely think there’s still a gluten sensitivity going on over here. But I’ll keep playing around and see what happens.
Hi Katie! I saw your post on #elf4health link love! I am gluten intolerant and figured it out by visiting a doctor because I was really sick. I didn’t have insurance so I couldn’t get tested but he strongly urged me to go gluten free. I am almost now two years gluten free and it’s been a awesome change of lifestyle and I no longer have stomachaches or throw up constantly as I did before. My eczema is also gone. I have other food sensitives as well. I live my life as though I have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease. It’s not just for my health, it’s for advocacy as well.
It’s important to know that going gluten free isn’t just about food. It’s changing your lifestyle (which you have started). It’s also changing everything from your shampoo to supplements to avoiding cross contamination and even more. I have been exchanging information with my elf and I sent her a link to download a Guide to Gluten Free from the Gluten Intolerance Group as she is also starting to go gluten free. Here’s the link: http://deliciousliving.com/gluten-free/guide-gluten-free-living-0
I always suggest that if you can afford to do so, go to a doctor, and get tested before going gluten free. A doctor can help you get started.
I am glad that you are aware of the needs of your body. I hope this information helps you as you make decisions about your health. Have a wonderful day!
Hey girl, thanks for sharing! I was tested by a doctor several years ago for Celiac and while the test showed I don’t have it, the overall experience with that doctor was awful and experiences with doctors after haven’t been much better. (I could go into my thoughts on the medical model but I’ll save you from that). Regardless, what I’ve had the most success with is playing around with my foods myself, consulting with my (wellness-based) chiropractors and figuring out what actually works for my body. I’m a nearly 12 year lactose-intolerant vegetarian and removing all dairy and processed foods, getting off prescription and over-the-counter medications and getting regular adjustments has changed my life! Playing around with removing gluten is kind of the final straw to see if it helps fix that last little bit of lingering stomachaches and headaches. Thanks for the tips.