An Eating Rollercoaster

Eating's been tough lately.

I've been dealing with some digestive challenges that have led to a lifestyle change I never thought I'd make:  a very strict diet.


I hate the connotations of the word "diet."  I'm not trying to lose weight, to fit into my wedding dress, or to be a "skinny girl."  In fact, if I didn't have to, I wouldn't have changed a thing about my eating (except to become more adventurous!). Instead, this decision was spurred by the recommendation of an integrative health specialist who I am working with in hopes of curing some long-term digestive issues (otherwise known as IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome--horrible name, I know, but a lot of us out there know it well. And by long-term, we're talking half my life here.)


So, for the first time in my life, I have completely given up grains and refined sugar.  Giving up the sugar isn't so bad; eating grain-free seems like torture at times.


And more than anything else, I've been shocked by the emotions that have come with this experience.  When you pride yourself on eating what you want, and you're suddenly very restricted; and when you go a few days feeling fine and then spend 48 hours on your back because you're weak and in pain--your emotions are thrown into relief.  During this challenging time, I also find myself more present than ever, a feeling that reminds me of a period when I meditated at least 20 minutes each day.  And, on some days, my stomach feels better than it has in years.


It's called the Gut and Psychology diet (GAPS), and I have this to say about the title:  They're not joking. These two words together describe what I've been going through as I follow it.  You can read about it here:  http://www.gapsdiet.com/
I don't know how how permanent some of these changes will be--I'm following this for another week or so, then meeting with the specialist again to determine what our next steps are--but I do know that it's important for me to share it with you, the people I love, because it's a huge part of my life right now, and I need your support. 


And most of all, I feel confident that this journey will turn into something grand--that somehow, it's leading more toward a more whole life.

Check out these pictures of some of the things I can eat at the moment.  And thanks for being there. Sharing this experience will help keep me sane.


Eat what you can, and enjoy it . . .
Francie

A very green stir-fry (sauceless and riceless, but with fresh ginger)

Chicken really isn't very pretty cooked by itself, but I had to keep some of the stir-fry vegetarian.

I sprinkled cashews atop the aforementioned stir-fry.  Can't have roasted/salted nuts, so these were raw.

One of my most decadent meals of late--eggs sauteed with ghee, which is this amazing thing called clarified butter.  I don't understand it yet, but I love it!

Rediscovering a childhood favorite (that I don't ever remember eating as a child):  ants on a log.  The peanut butter has nothing but peanuts--it's Brad's Organic, a brand I really like. 

Thank goodness for Red Jacket Orchards Apple Strawberry Juice--I bought a case this week and have been downing at least one of these a day.  They are made with only fruit and are a true treat!

I can have pickles!  Very exciting for this pickle-lover.  These beauties were homemade by my friend Kyle.  They are sweet, sour, and a bit spicy all at the same time!

Proof that one can stick to this diet when eating NYC take-out:  a delicious beef burger, avocado, steamed string beans, and a homemade pickle.  My most filling meal so far!