Is this the Answer?

I had this impression that if I removed gluten – if that was somehow offending my system – I should drop pounds. 

Right?    

The scale wasn’t moving.  The tape measure read the same.

Obviously, removing gluten wasn’t the “secret” to optimal body size & weight.

That was so disappointing.  I had continued for about 2 months, and definitely felt better digestion was happening.  No heartburn ever.  I used to experience that occasionally – especially when I over ate.  Also, when I ate ice cream.  With removing dairy that was eliminated.

That was really the major difference.  I didn’t feel bad when I started this process, so I didn’t feel an overwhelming rush of energy or general sense of well-being as a result of removing gluten.

I was eating better quality foods.  When I started this journey, I vowed to not just go to the “substitution route” with chemically created foods to replace my dairy or gluten products.

I really did want to see a change in the scale or tape measure. 

I Am Worth This Work,

Lisa

Journey On.......

I continued on my gluten free journey.  The recommended time for me to add it back it was going to come in the middle of a business trip.

I wanted to be fully aware of how I felt when I added it back in.  I didn’t want my perception of how I feel to be tainted by lack of sleep, stress of travel, excitement of a conference.

I decided to continue my gluten free path through my trip.

I packed snacks & cinch for the drive down and for breakfasts during the conference.  I found gluten free meals at restaurants.  Nearby was a FRESHI, which had many gluten free options.  I also had a network of others who were eating gluten free.  This wasn’t too bad. 

Of course after the conference, there were a lot of things going on.  I thought it best to hold off on adding the gluten back until I was clear to really note any symptoms I may experience.

I Am Worth This Work,

Lisa

Pizza Night

Well, we couldn’t avoid it forever.  You see pizza is a big deal in our household.  I like to make it for my family.  I like to make it for friends.  Friends enjoy our pizza nights.   I especially like to experiment with toppings that I never order out. 

My husband likes plain cheese pizza.  UGH!  Too boring for me.  I love chicken, onion & garlic pizza.  Meatball & onion pizza.  Broccoli, onion, & garlic pizza.  Also pizza with pesto or just olive oil, instead of tomato sauce.  Then, sometimes ricotta cheese.  These are all topped with mozzarella cheese. 

  

Hungry yet?

I went the recommended 2-3 weeks of removing dairy, then decided to do pizza night.  I decided to use a gluten free crust by Namaste for my pizza.  It involves getting the stand mixer out, so a little more work.  It definitely tastes and cooks differently.  This particular brand has spices in the dough.  With a gluten-free crust – I would only be adding in the dairy with the mozzarella cheese.

My family was happy that pizza night had returned.  Me too.  It tasted very good.

After, I felt bloated, uncomfortable, and like crap. 

That’s when I decided I need to keep the dairy out of my diet for good. 

So long pizza night……

I Am Worth This Work,

Lisa

Eating In

Fortunately, the Cinch products, I am so fond of, are both gluten-free & soy based.  Breakfast & meal replacements can remain the same.  WooHoo !!

I always use an additional Cinch shake when I am on the run.  It is great to replace either lunch or dinner as a healthy alternative to having to find a meal when I am between appointments.

Dinner has been easier with the summer months.  Grilled chicken, fresh tomato salsa, broccoli & rice is one of my favorite dinners.  I have tried some gluten free pastas – and honestly they are not bad.  I cook two versions if I make a pasta dish.  

My very favorite pasta replacement ……..

Spaghetti Squash !

This shouldn’t be too bad…..

Except……

I wonder how long we can avoid pizza night….hmmm

I Am Worth This Work,

Lisa

Making Changes

First up add some nutrients to support my liver through this detoxifying time.  Shaklee’s Liver DTX – a proprietary blend with Milk Thistle was just the right thing. 

Then I was advised to eliminate some things on a temporary basis. 

Dairy & Gluten !

Although my after school job in high school was milking a herd of 130 dairy cows, I really have kept milk out of my family’s diet.  I have been concerned about the chemicals & hormones that are now prevalent in the standard milk source.  I noticed early on that milk caused congestion in my children – so we just didn’t use it.  That shouldn’t be difficult for me to eliminate.  I stopped drinking coffee a couple years ago, because I really just wanted the cream.  I drink my tea black.  This should be a piece of cake.

Gluten.  

How was I going to eliminate gluten while cooking for a pasta & pizza loving family? 

Making Changes – some are easier than others.

I Am Worth This Work,

Lisa