This may be slightly boring for those of you who may be reading this, but I really want to use this to track multiple aspects of my journey, especially the food I eat. Seeing that I'm trying to figure out a gluten-free egg-free life while at the same time eating a diet that discourages insulin resistance, I've got a lot of learning to do!
Friday:
Breakfast:
Steel cut oats with blueberries, coconut sugar, and cinnamon. A wee bit of 2%milk.
Snack:
String Cheese, pudding (I need the pudding for my supplements)
Lunch:
Grilled chicken breast
Snack:
Small fries from McDonald's
Dinner:
Gluten free spaghetti with garden fresh zucchini and tomatoes sautéed in olive oil with garlic and spices, grilled chicken breast. Side salad with tomatoes and cucumber.
Snack: applesauce
Saturday:
Breakfast:
Smoothie with blueberries, strawberries, half a banana, yogurt, and milk (and a whole lot of vitamins). Applesauce
Lunch:
Grilled Chicken Breast with fresh garden peas, sautéed zucchini and mushrooms (in olive oil), two stalks of celery.
Snack:
string cheese
pudding
Dinner:
Grilled chicken breast (I'm seeing a trend) and baked potato (from my garden) with sour cream, cheese, green onions.
Snack:
A scoop of vanilla ice cream
2 slices watermelon
applesauce
Saturday, August 23, 2014
The beginning of the road (for reals.... seriously.)
Trevor and I got referred to this incredible organization called Pure North by some friends of ours. Don't worry, it's not a pyramid scheme or a get-rich-quick company. It's basically a health initiative set up by a big company here in Canada for its own employees to focus more on preventative medicine versus crisis management.
Trev and I went at the beginning of July and had our blood drawn, weight and measurements taken, health history, etc. We met with an amazing Naturopath who we both connected with and felt so comfortable around. We were given supplements based on our health histories and surveys we filled out about our current health situations.
Honestly, I struggled. I was having a very difficult time with the supplements. For those of you who don't know, I have a huge problem with my esophagus. I have struggles with swallowing (dysphagia) and I constantly get stuff stuck in my throat. Food, drink, medicine, you name it.
So every time a normal person would take a handful of pills and swallow, I chop mine into tiny pieces. And for the capsules, I dump them into a smoothie, applesauce, or pudding.
That gets tiring after a while. Especially when the powders taste SO BAD.
So, I kind of gave up.
Okay, I fully gave up. HA.
So this Thursday, we were scheduled to meet the Naturopath again to go over our results.
Honestly, I didn't want to go.
All week I felt like crap. I had been sleeping a lot, I was in a lot of pain, I felt this huge fog around me and a complete lack of motivation. The last thing I wanted to do was go to Fort St. John (spit) (Corner Gas reference, anyone?) and hear about how nothing was really wrong with me- I was just fat and lazy, and if I could fix that, I'd be set.
We got into our van and the kids were whining and screaming that they didn't want to come. I was grumpy, too. At one point I looked at Trevor and said "Aidan sounds like what I feel like."
I think we could all agree that we weren't off to a good start.
We made it to FSJ, the kids were in a better mood (Ainsley napped on the way there and Aidan got a hamburger), and we were ready to take this on.
Honestly, I feel like my whole life changed while I was in there.
The nurse and naturopath listen to us. Engaged us. The staff played with our kids and gave them granola bars and colouring sheets (we were the last patients of the day, so there was only staff there). We went through our results.
All of a sudden, the years of wondering what the heck was going on with my body started to come together. For the first time, I wasn't blown off, shamed, or treated like I didn't know what I was talking about.
I have insulin resistance. I figured for years that I had it. I went to the doctor and asked for tests, and all we did was a glucose test. So I would get a "No, you don't have diabetes!" I know I don't have diabetes!
A simple blood test showed that my insulin levels were insanely high.
I have a low B12 level. In fact, the naturopath said she had never seen any patient with a number as low as mine. It was off the charts low. B12 is essential in DNA building, the nervous system, pain management, and especially hormones.
I have a very low iodine level, which regulates the thyroid. Hello, difficulty losing weight and problems with hormones and body temperature regulation!
(there are a few more things, but I'm trying not to bore you)
And the one that really blew my mind: I have a gluten allergy.
I'm a pretty competitive person. So, if I'm going to be bad at something, I'd rather be THE WORST. You know? I know, that makes no sense.
So, I got kind of a weird satisfaction when she told me I had the worst gluten allergy rating she's ever seen in a patient at the clinic. Who knew?!? I don't get upset stomach and such when I eat wheat.
But, I have chronic inflammation and head aches, problems swallowing (AHA!), brain fog, no energy, etc. Isn't it nuts? Those are all symptoms of gluten allergy.
I felt so... validated. I'm not crazy. There are some serious things going on with my body.
So, what's next?
Well, no gluten. Or eggs. (Apparently I'm allergic to those as well- not as severe).
Insulin resistant diet- which means high levels of protein and veggies, low carbs, watch the glycemic index. No fried foods, etc.
I'm taking all kinds of supplements.
No more pop. Yeah, that's happening!
I feel very settled and determined now. I have been able to have confirmation from someone that I'm not crazy and have been empowered to change my life.
yes, I'd still love to lose 100 pounds. But, I believe that will come with being healthy and whole for the first time that I can remember.
Trev and I went at the beginning of July and had our blood drawn, weight and measurements taken, health history, etc. We met with an amazing Naturopath who we both connected with and felt so comfortable around. We were given supplements based on our health histories and surveys we filled out about our current health situations.
Honestly, I struggled. I was having a very difficult time with the supplements. For those of you who don't know, I have a huge problem with my esophagus. I have struggles with swallowing (dysphagia) and I constantly get stuff stuck in my throat. Food, drink, medicine, you name it.
So every time a normal person would take a handful of pills and swallow, I chop mine into tiny pieces. And for the capsules, I dump them into a smoothie, applesauce, or pudding.
That gets tiring after a while. Especially when the powders taste SO BAD.
So, I kind of gave up.
Okay, I fully gave up. HA.
So this Thursday, we were scheduled to meet the Naturopath again to go over our results.
Honestly, I didn't want to go.
All week I felt like crap. I had been sleeping a lot, I was in a lot of pain, I felt this huge fog around me and a complete lack of motivation. The last thing I wanted to do was go to Fort St. John (spit) (Corner Gas reference, anyone?) and hear about how nothing was really wrong with me- I was just fat and lazy, and if I could fix that, I'd be set.
We got into our van and the kids were whining and screaming that they didn't want to come. I was grumpy, too. At one point I looked at Trevor and said "Aidan sounds like what I feel like."
I think we could all agree that we weren't off to a good start.
We made it to FSJ, the kids were in a better mood (Ainsley napped on the way there and Aidan got a hamburger), and we were ready to take this on.
Honestly, I feel like my whole life changed while I was in there.
The nurse and naturopath listen to us. Engaged us. The staff played with our kids and gave them granola bars and colouring sheets (we were the last patients of the day, so there was only staff there). We went through our results.
All of a sudden, the years of wondering what the heck was going on with my body started to come together. For the first time, I wasn't blown off, shamed, or treated like I didn't know what I was talking about.
I have insulin resistance. I figured for years that I had it. I went to the doctor and asked for tests, and all we did was a glucose test. So I would get a "No, you don't have diabetes!" I know I don't have diabetes!
A simple blood test showed that my insulin levels were insanely high.
I have a low B12 level. In fact, the naturopath said she had never seen any patient with a number as low as mine. It was off the charts low. B12 is essential in DNA building, the nervous system, pain management, and especially hormones.
I have a very low iodine level, which regulates the thyroid. Hello, difficulty losing weight and problems with hormones and body temperature regulation!
(there are a few more things, but I'm trying not to bore you)
And the one that really blew my mind: I have a gluten allergy.
I'm a pretty competitive person. So, if I'm going to be bad at something, I'd rather be THE WORST. You know? I know, that makes no sense.
So, I got kind of a weird satisfaction when she told me I had the worst gluten allergy rating she's ever seen in a patient at the clinic. Who knew?!? I don't get upset stomach and such when I eat wheat.
But, I have chronic inflammation and head aches, problems swallowing (AHA!), brain fog, no energy, etc. Isn't it nuts? Those are all symptoms of gluten allergy.
I felt so... validated. I'm not crazy. There are some serious things going on with my body.
So, what's next?
Well, no gluten. Or eggs. (Apparently I'm allergic to those as well- not as severe).
Insulin resistant diet- which means high levels of protein and veggies, low carbs, watch the glycemic index. No fried foods, etc.
I'm taking all kinds of supplements.
No more pop. Yeah, that's happening!
I feel very settled and determined now. I have been able to have confirmation from someone that I'm not crazy and have been empowered to change my life.
yes, I'd still love to lose 100 pounds. But, I believe that will come with being healthy and whole for the first time that I can remember.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Gluten Free
I have never been a huge fan of bread or pasta.
My son can finish off an entire loaf of bread in one morning if left unattended long enough (ask me how I know). My husband, well, he does a good job of restraining himself now, but we'll just say that my son comes by it honestly.
Now, I'm no animal. I too can't resist a steamy, squishy loaf of freshly baked bread, but it isn't my choice indulgence.
I think that's one reason I chose to start my "transformation" by giving up wheat. I sure love my doughnuts, cakes, cookies and pies, but I've conquered my need to do a slow drive by of the Safeway bakery section when I'm picking up groceries.
I am a self-proclaimed sugar addict. I think the first step is admitting you have a problem.
But I am not a craver of bread. When it comes to empty carbohydrates, it is not my poison of choice.
So far on this journey, I've done well not having any wheat. I'll admit, a couple of times I may have been caught nibbling on my daughter's grilled cheese crusts (eew. gross. I don't even like crusts), and two days ago I ate a Timbit.
But overall, I haven't missed the wheat. Until last night, when I was having a rough day and the call was made to order pizza. We went with Panago, because they have a gluten free crust (I feel obligated to tell you that the crust has traces of gluten, because it is made in the same kitchen as the regular crusts. If you are celiac, or actually have a gluten allergy, probably not a good idea. And now I feel like an idiot, because if you are celiac, you know way more about this than I do and should not take advice from me).
So, how was the pizza? It was... meh.
My dear husband, in his continual exuberance, exclaimed that it is, in fact, the greatest pizza crust he has ever tasted. Later he conceded that he may have overshot his original impression.
Here's my take:
There's something about this gluten free crust that made me feel like it was holding on for dear life. It felt like some very well meaning, well organized crumbs that were bonded together by sheer goodwill, and at the moment they entered my mouth, their strength collapsed and they scattered like cockroaches do when you turn on a light.
Those poor souls. But, can you blame them? It's like making paper mache with no glue (you do use glue with paper mache, right? I really haven't done it before. I am starting to realize this post is making me seem very ill-informed).
They valiantly tried.
It wasn't horrible.
And the texture was at least one step above cardboard.
I think next time I'll just order a regular pizza and do what I usually do: eat all the cheese and leave the crust for my gluten-happy son.
How about you? Do you have a favorite gluten-free recipe? If so, share it in the comments, or on my Facebook!
My son can finish off an entire loaf of bread in one morning if left unattended long enough (ask me how I know). My husband, well, he does a good job of restraining himself now, but we'll just say that my son comes by it honestly.
Now, I'm no animal. I too can't resist a steamy, squishy loaf of freshly baked bread, but it isn't my choice indulgence.
I think that's one reason I chose to start my "transformation" by giving up wheat. I sure love my doughnuts, cakes, cookies and pies, but I've conquered my need to do a slow drive by of the Safeway bakery section when I'm picking up groceries.
I am a self-proclaimed sugar addict. I think the first step is admitting you have a problem.
But I am not a craver of bread. When it comes to empty carbohydrates, it is not my poison of choice.
So far on this journey, I've done well not having any wheat. I'll admit, a couple of times I may have been caught nibbling on my daughter's grilled cheese crusts (eew. gross. I don't even like crusts), and two days ago I ate a Timbit.
But overall, I haven't missed the wheat. Until last night, when I was having a rough day and the call was made to order pizza. We went with Panago, because they have a gluten free crust (I feel obligated to tell you that the crust has traces of gluten, because it is made in the same kitchen as the regular crusts. If you are celiac, or actually have a gluten allergy, probably not a good idea. And now I feel like an idiot, because if you are celiac, you know way more about this than I do and should not take advice from me).
So, how was the pizza? It was... meh.
My dear husband, in his continual exuberance, exclaimed that it is, in fact, the greatest pizza crust he has ever tasted. Later he conceded that he may have overshot his original impression.
Here's my take:
There's something about this gluten free crust that made me feel like it was holding on for dear life. It felt like some very well meaning, well organized crumbs that were bonded together by sheer goodwill, and at the moment they entered my mouth, their strength collapsed and they scattered like cockroaches do when you turn on a light.
Those poor souls. But, can you blame them? It's like making paper mache with no glue (you do use glue with paper mache, right? I really haven't done it before. I am starting to realize this post is making me seem very ill-informed).
They valiantly tried.
It wasn't horrible.
And the texture was at least one step above cardboard.
I think next time I'll just order a regular pizza and do what I usually do: eat all the cheese and leave the crust for my gluten-happy son.
How about you? Do you have a favorite gluten-free recipe? If so, share it in the comments, or on my Facebook!
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
What Would be Different?
I'm about to have a conversation with a new Facebook friend of mine. We scheduled it for 6:30 p.m. my time. He lives in Pennsylvania, so it'll be 8:30 for him. I haven't met him in person, but we've talked sparingly on the interwebs.
He and his wife have lost a ton of weight together, and have now made it their mission to help others lose weight, too. I'm a little panicked, because I:
1. hate talking on the phone
2. hate talking to people I don't know.
3. hate talking about the fact that I'm overweight.
This is going to be a hard phone call for me.
Last night, while we were scheduling our phone call, my friend asked me to think about something before our talk today.
He said:
"Until we talk I want you to think on something...if you woke up this morning healthy and at a healthy weight, how would today have been different for you?"
Sigh.
So much would be different.
Now, I don't have any grand illusions about how my life will be perfect if I reach a healthy weight. I know my problems don't diminish with my waist line.
But I do know some things will be different.
The more I thought about his question, the more I realized I could narrow all of it down to two different areas: shame and pain.
A lot of the areas I felt would be different involved physical pain. Stuff like I would sleep better, I would have my job, I would be able to play with my kids.
I know with my spinal issues I don't have a guarantee that I'll ever have my pain lessened. But it sure makes sense that losing weight would only help.
The other area I could see the greatest change (hopefully) is change. I beat myself up over being overweight more than I do anything else. I know a part of the reason I don't wear makeup hardly ever, never do my hair, etc. is because I don't think I deserve it.
I also avoid the doctor, flying, and going to lots of social events because I'm ashamed of myself. My biggest fear is that someone will draw attention to my weight problem.
I know that losing weight won't take away my shame, but my Healer will.
I've already taken the big step of addressing my weight issue with my friends and family on Facebook, and here on this blog. I have hope that things will change.
He and his wife have lost a ton of weight together, and have now made it their mission to help others lose weight, too. I'm a little panicked, because I:
1. hate talking on the phone
2. hate talking to people I don't know.
3. hate talking about the fact that I'm overweight.
This is going to be a hard phone call for me.
Last night, while we were scheduling our phone call, my friend asked me to think about something before our talk today.
He said:
"Until we talk I want you to think on something...if you woke up this morning healthy and at a healthy weight, how would today have been different for you?"
Sigh.
So much would be different.
Now, I don't have any grand illusions about how my life will be perfect if I reach a healthy weight. I know my problems don't diminish with my waist line.
But I do know some things will be different.
The more I thought about his question, the more I realized I could narrow all of it down to two different areas: shame and pain.
A lot of the areas I felt would be different involved physical pain. Stuff like I would sleep better, I would have my job, I would be able to play with my kids.
I know with my spinal issues I don't have a guarantee that I'll ever have my pain lessened. But it sure makes sense that losing weight would only help.
The other area I could see the greatest change (hopefully) is change. I beat myself up over being overweight more than I do anything else. I know a part of the reason I don't wear makeup hardly ever, never do my hair, etc. is because I don't think I deserve it.
I also avoid the doctor, flying, and going to lots of social events because I'm ashamed of myself. My biggest fear is that someone will draw attention to my weight problem.
I know that losing weight won't take away my shame, but my Healer will.
I've already taken the big step of addressing my weight issue with my friends and family on Facebook, and here on this blog. I have hope that things will change.
Monday, January 6, 2014
Smoothie Operator
Ah the smoothie. The much vaulted drink of the health industry. Multi million dollar corporations sell various powders to mix in your blender to lose excess weight.
I, on the other hand, tend to stick to stuff I have in my house. I've tried various smoothie mixes, but alas, my sensitive gag reflex doesn't allow me. I wish I weren't so "picky," but I physically cannot help myself. What's the point of drinking a smoothie if I can't keep it down?
So, after playing around with various healthy ingredients, here's my go to recipe:
1/2 cup fat free greek yogurt. (I've tried different flavors, including plain, but I'm most happy with either vanilla or strawberry)
2 TBSP of chia seeds.
2 TBSP of organic, extra virgin cold pressed coconut oil. (I LOVE coconut oil. It adds a lovely flavor to the smoothie. Plus it has a gazillion health benefits. I'm a bit of an emetophobe (Intense fear of throwing up), so knowing that coconut oil has anti-viral properties that fight nasty stomach viruses, I am in 100%).
At least 1 Cup raw spinach
1 cup of frozen fruit. Always a type of berry (strawberry or blueberry), and usually one other fruit. Sometimes I will add one mandarin orange in place of the other frozen fruit
A dash of cinnamon. Yum.
For me, the key is to add ingredients that will make me feel satisfied and give me energy. That's why I add the chia seeds and greek yogurt. I try to stay away from fruits with a really high sugar content. Also, I don't add any juice. That's just extra unneeded sugar. If you need to add moisture, consider almond milk or water. I usually just use water.
For today's smoothie, I used frozen strawberries and a blend of mango, peaches, and strawberries.
What ingredients do you put in your smoothie?
I, on the other hand, tend to stick to stuff I have in my house. I've tried various smoothie mixes, but alas, my sensitive gag reflex doesn't allow me. I wish I weren't so "picky," but I physically cannot help myself. What's the point of drinking a smoothie if I can't keep it down?
So, after playing around with various healthy ingredients, here's my go to recipe:
1/2 cup fat free greek yogurt. (I've tried different flavors, including plain, but I'm most happy with either vanilla or strawberry)
2 TBSP of chia seeds.
2 TBSP of organic, extra virgin cold pressed coconut oil. (I LOVE coconut oil. It adds a lovely flavor to the smoothie. Plus it has a gazillion health benefits. I'm a bit of an emetophobe (Intense fear of throwing up), so knowing that coconut oil has anti-viral properties that fight nasty stomach viruses, I am in 100%).
At least 1 Cup raw spinach
1 cup of frozen fruit. Always a type of berry (strawberry or blueberry), and usually one other fruit. Sometimes I will add one mandarin orange in place of the other frozen fruit
A dash of cinnamon. Yum.
For me, the key is to add ingredients that will make me feel satisfied and give me energy. That's why I add the chia seeds and greek yogurt. I try to stay away from fruits with a really high sugar content. Also, I don't add any juice. That's just extra unneeded sugar. If you need to add moisture, consider almond milk or water. I usually just use water.
For today's smoothie, I used frozen strawberries and a blend of mango, peaches, and strawberries.
What ingredients do you put in your smoothie?
Friday, January 3, 2014
Support
When I finally decided I was crazy enough to admit to the world (a.k.a. Facebook) that I really need to lose 100 pounds, I pushed the share button and held my breath.
I'm not sure what I was waiting for. I have pretty positive friends on Facebook. Maybe it's because I've systematically blocked all of the negative ones.
Either way, I was completely overwhelmed at the result. Tons of likes and comments, private messages, invites for weight loss support groups... I couldn't believe it. In the matter of three hours, I had over three hundred blog views.
So, thank you. I honestly feel like this was the next big step in allowing myself to receive love just the way I am, without trying to fix everything first, or pretend like nothing was wrong. I never hid from my friends and family that I needed to lose weight, but I pretended like my extra weight did not exist.
The thing is, I'm a pretty orderly person. I like to have a system for everything. Just ask my husband. The dishes in the dishwasher go in a certain way. I have a very specific way of preparing my grocery list that has multiple steps. Pretty much everything I do follows a system. But you know what, it works! I am much more effective when I follow a system.
So, I have all of these supporters who have given me a commitment to support me along this journey, and I don't want to take that precious gift for granted. How do I make sure I am making the best use of the support that's been offered to me? Right now I feel pretty overwhelmed and scattered, but I want to be more centered.
If you have any ideas, let me know! I'd love to hear them. Feel free to tell me in the comments or send me a private message on Facebook.
I'm not sure what I was waiting for. I have pretty positive friends on Facebook. Maybe it's because I've systematically blocked all of the negative ones.
Either way, I was completely overwhelmed at the result. Tons of likes and comments, private messages, invites for weight loss support groups... I couldn't believe it. In the matter of three hours, I had over three hundred blog views.
So, thank you. I honestly feel like this was the next big step in allowing myself to receive love just the way I am, without trying to fix everything first, or pretend like nothing was wrong. I never hid from my friends and family that I needed to lose weight, but I pretended like my extra weight did not exist.
The thing is, I'm a pretty orderly person. I like to have a system for everything. Just ask my husband. The dishes in the dishwasher go in a certain way. I have a very specific way of preparing my grocery list that has multiple steps. Pretty much everything I do follows a system. But you know what, it works! I am much more effective when I follow a system.
So, I have all of these supporters who have given me a commitment to support me along this journey, and I don't want to take that precious gift for granted. How do I make sure I am making the best use of the support that's been offered to me? Right now I feel pretty overwhelmed and scattered, but I want to be more centered.
If you have any ideas, let me know! I'd love to hear them. Feel free to tell me in the comments or send me a private message on Facebook.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Day 1
Today is the day. I am starting January with some simple goals so I don't get completely overwhelmed. Every month I will add new goals.
This month's goal:
No Pop (soda, coke, sody pop, fizzy beverage, soft drink, bone decayer, whatever you call it.)
No Wheat
Work out at least 2 times a week.
I'm also going to try incorporating more vegetables, limiting sugar and starches overall, etc. But, those three are my concrete goals for the month of January.
I'll let you know how it's going!
This month's goal:
No Pop (soda, coke, sody pop, fizzy beverage, soft drink, bone decayer, whatever you call it.)
No Wheat
Work out at least 2 times a week.
I'm also going to try incorporating more vegetables, limiting sugar and starches overall, etc. But, those three are my concrete goals for the month of January.
I'll let you know how it's going!
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