In October of last year, I began on a gluten-free diet, hoping that would help. It did seem to help for a month or so, but it kind of seemed to fade. November & December I was really struggling with feeling well. It really began to wear me down feeling sick all the time. I barely ever felt "good" and my energy was lacking majorly. I am a social butterfly, and I didn't even feel like going places anymore, it all seemed like too much work, and I didn't feel like putting forth the effort to carrying on conversations with people.
A friend from church who has been so welcoming to me since I started going to Roanoke, is on the Paleo diet and talked about it frequently when I asked her questions. After talking to her one night, I was convinced that was what I needed to try and see if it would help me. I'm only 21, and I have a lot of years to go to keep healthy and to keep my stomach from getting worse. While we were in Florida, I really did not feel very well. I didn't really "have" to do anything while on vacation which was great, but I feel like that's what pushed me over the edge with this diet.
Then my mom bought a Paleo cookbook "Against All Grain," and after looking at it, it seemed like there were quite a few "normal" recipes in there. Maybe this wan't be too bad, I tried to tell myself.
My parents decided to do the Paleo, and with Daniel's full support I decided to make the change as of January 1st. My dad decided to do it because he hadn't been feeling the greatest.. and my mom mostly did it to support the both of us(I think?). I don't know how they've stayed on it. I was fine the first few weeks, but lately it's been really hard. I just want the GOOD food. But it really isn't good... not good for me whatsoever. It just tastes so good! The biggest struggle is going places, being an "odd" one and not eating like most normal people.
So what is the Paleo you may ask? Well a lot of people are familiar with it, but if you're not... In short, it is no DAIRY, GLUTEN/MOST GRAINS, SUGAR, PROCESSED FOODS... etc. etc.
That leaves us with meat, veggies, fruit... we can have almond and coconut flour but those are the only two flours. We are allowed to have coconut oil and palm sugar. Thank goodness we can have eggs. That is my go to food when there's nothing else in the house to eat.
I don't think I could have ever done it if my mom hadn't. Because she cooks that way now it is SO helpful. She's done a ton of cooking for me... and also grocery shopping and giving me ideas of what to eat, etc.
Have I mentioned that she's done 90% of the cooking for me? Yeah.... and I think Daniels done the other 10% with grilling meat. I do make my own breakfast, eggs and a smoothie each morning though. :) It's just so time consuming to make anything because it's all made from scratch. Everything.
Anyway, I have been feeling better, praise the Lord. I don't think I could continue if I wasn't. It is so hard sometimes. The good thing is, now when I look at all the "good" food, it's not even an option for me anymore. I have to constantly remind myself that it will be SO worth it in the coming years. As time goes on with being on the diet I can tell my body LOVES to eat this way. I never really eat anything anymore that didn't "sit" with me well.
I would have no motivation to do this if it wasn't for my health issues. I've always wanted to eat healthy so I guess this is a way of "forcing" me into it. :) I'm so thankful how supportive everyone has been. No one ever acts like it's a pain to cook special for me or that I'm a bother, even though I feel like it most of the time.
Going out to eat can be kind of difficult, but I found a new favorite- Qdoba. Yum. I can have their steak, guacamole, salsa, and lettuce. It is so good! I think we've saved a ton of money by not going out to eat near as much though! :)
One thing this has all taught me- not to take our health for granted. I definitely did, and now I am just so thankful for the small things- like feeling good when going to work, and having enough energy at work to have a productive day.
Every. Single. Day. before work I remind myself of this verse:
2 Corinthians 12:9- And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Have I mentioned that she's done 90% of the cooking for me? Yeah.... and I think Daniels done the other 10% with grilling meat. I do make my own breakfast, eggs and a smoothie each morning though. :) It's just so time consuming to make anything because it's all made from scratch. Everything.
Anyway, I have been feeling better, praise the Lord. I don't think I could continue if I wasn't. It is so hard sometimes. The good thing is, now when I look at all the "good" food, it's not even an option for me anymore. I have to constantly remind myself that it will be SO worth it in the coming years. As time goes on with being on the diet I can tell my body LOVES to eat this way. I never really eat anything anymore that didn't "sit" with me well.
I would have no motivation to do this if it wasn't for my health issues. I've always wanted to eat healthy so I guess this is a way of "forcing" me into it. :) I'm so thankful how supportive everyone has been. No one ever acts like it's a pain to cook special for me or that I'm a bother, even though I feel like it most of the time.
Going out to eat can be kind of difficult, but I found a new favorite- Qdoba. Yum. I can have their steak, guacamole, salsa, and lettuce. It is so good! I think we've saved a ton of money by not going out to eat near as much though! :)
One thing this has all taught me- not to take our health for granted. I definitely did, and now I am just so thankful for the small things- like feeling good when going to work, and having enough energy at work to have a productive day.
Every. Single. Day. before work I remind myself of this verse:
2 Corinthians 12:9- And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
So thankful for my health, and my supportive husband and family!
1 comment:
Love this and can relate! Sometimes I just want ICE CREAM!! :)
Sounds like your mom is a lot like mine :) what would we do without them??
Appreciate hearing your journey and so thankful you are feeling better. God is GOOD!
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