The only way to know if Greek yogurt, dairy, quinoa, and other grains are to be forever banished from my diet is to go a couple weeks without them and see what happens. It’s called an elimination diet and, with the assistance of my dietician, I started one this week.
A word of caution…don’t go and do this on your own. I had every imaginable blood test and a long consultation with my dietician prior to starting this new eating plan. I’m using a plan that has proven results and journaling each day’s food intake. It’s very easy to not eat enough when on an elimination diet. I’m being careful to substitute additional proteins and vegetables as I remove dairy, grains and sugars from my diet.
So what have I been eating?
Food, Glorious Food
The day begins with a protein shake or 3 eggs with fresh berries. The protein shake consists of one scoop of vegan protein powder, almond milk, frozen berries and flax meal. I bought double chocolate protein powder sweetened with stevia. It’s good stuff.
Lunch is a salad with homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing with either turkey, chicken or salmon. I’m still experimenting with an afternoon snack of raw almonds. My lips were a bit tingly today after I ate them.
Dinner is a lean protein, a green vegetable like broccoli, green beans or asparagus along with a salad topped with homemade balsamic vinaigrette. If I want a snack later on, I grab a couple slices of deli turkey. (Not the best thing because of the salt so I eat only Boar’s Head because of its high quality.)
As for drinks, it’s mostly water. I drink 128 ounces a day. I do allow myself a couple “treats” though. I drink one cup of coffee in the morning with a bit of half and half and stevia and a Diet Coke in the evening, only after I’ve drank my water quota for the day.
It’s Different This Time
I’ve been a big proponent of the “cheat day” or, as Jennifer calls it, the “treat day” on Saturdays. However, there will be no cheat days for the next two weeks at least – perhaps longer. That would defeat the purpose of an elimination diet and undo my progress each week by introducing potential allergens back into my system, along with accompanied bloating, gas and annoying itching.
So far so good?
It’s been a battle. The devil is working to knock me off course. But I’ve seen results already and that’s keeping me focused. The itching has subsided, the inflammation is going down, I’ve lost a few pounds, and I’m feeling good. I’ve been known to let up a bit after having some success so I’ve got to remember this is different than any other diet I’ve tried before.
This is going to be tough but I know why I’m doing it. The Lord has a plan for me. He needs me at my healthiest.
God bless…