Day 3 and 4

So I decided to combine the two days, mainly because I fell asleep on Day 3 before writing the blog. So food wise there wasn't too much variety. I started with a banana smoothie, had rice for lunch, edamame for snack and sautéed some vegetables with Mexican seasoning and made tacos with a fresh avocado. This was so good!

Yesterday's food was similar, smoothie, some idlis (rice and millet cakes) and tomato chutney, and finished off my vegetable rice for dinner. I also had a realization yesterday that was a bit of a game changer. It seems so silly that I didn't think of it before. The only thing that I have really been missing is my coffee. So I realized I could make a cold coffee. I added the almond milk, dates, and coffee with some ice in a blender. It was so much better and helped me to get that satisfaction that I had been missing.

We had dinner at a friend's place and I took my food with me. It was so interesting because as they ate appetizers or desserts which looked delicious, I was not tempted in the least. This was a crazy feeling to me. Before I would have had a bite of each thing and maybe gone back for me. I am really curious to see how many of my habits change after the fact.

I have also realized something else has started to happen. I am getting fuller sooner and staying satiated. It is crazy because before I would eat and then feel hungry and looking for something sweet. I don't have the same urge. I am guessing that it is the regulation of the blood sugar and the healing of the gut lining that is starting to happen.

The negatives: I was still having headaches and feeling bloated. I asked the nutritionist and she suggested more water, almost by double. So where I was having 64 ounces, she recommend at least 100. She also said I cannot wait that long between meals. And that has been a problem for me. I am always busy with something else. So eating gets delayed and can result in more acid production.

I am going to try to put her recommendations into place and see if that helps.

Last observation for day 3 and 4, people's reactions to what I am doing is really curious. Some are all behind it and support the discipline. Some people are flabbergasted at the restrictions and just roll their eyes. It helps that however long it took me to get here, I feel determined to feel better. So I will try almost anything.

Day 2 of The elimination Diet

So today was much better than yesterday. But I made a mistake yesterday. I thought all caffeine was banned. When I asked the nutritionist what to do about the caffeine withdrawal headache she said caffeine was allowed after eating. That made me feel so much better to have asked. I guess it pays to ask the questions. The reason for the caffeine after the food, is to lower the cortisol spike with the caffeine. The purpose of this process is to create the least stress on the body and also to make digestion a piece of cake. Ha Ha!

I woke up very tired because I had been up coughing because of the acid reflux. Hopefully it starts to settle down soon. I had a banana smoothie for breakfast and I tried to recreate it from memory, and I did something wrong. It didn't taste quite as good as yesterday. Tomorrow I will follow the recipe. There is going to be a lot of repetitions in the food items because there is so much limitation as far as the variety. But that is on purpose so the gut can heal.

I got home a little late, and I was ready to eat! I ate some of the leftover rice from yesterday and subsequently took a little nap. I found out I wasn't supposed to eat rice and potatoes in the same meal. I guess that is why I HAD to take a nap.

The rest of the day went fine. I tried to make myself a coffee in the afternoon, but I got confirmation about one thing. I like to drink coffee for the stuff, I like the cream and sugar. I am not a fan of black coffee nor do I like it with almond milk. So I think I am going to be skipping for the rest of the cleanse. Better to enjoy what I am eating and drinking. I did have a snack of edamame, which is always good.

Dinner was sauteed spinach and potatoes, okra and then two almond flour tortillas. Very satisfying meal. I finished the day with a warm cup of lemon water. I am ready for bed. But I have realized some important things. Doing something new is hard when we don't have a roadmap. When you have direction, and instruction and someone to ask questions to, it makes all the difference in the world. I haven't noticed any difference in my body, but I do feel a little better. I know it is too soon. But I am anxious to see the results.

Day 1 of the Elimination Diet

So I woke up today with a staggering headache. Probably from sleeping wrong, but something that is usually cleared up by a good cup of coffee. But guess what, caffeine isn't allowed. So I started the day already sluggish.

I made a breakfast of flattened rice (poha) peas, and potatoes. It was good, but not my usual peanut butter toast (on gluten free bread). Peanuts aren't allowed as they are legumes, which can irritate the lining of the stomach. I made a cup of herbal, caffeine-free cinnamon tea. Didn't quite hit the spot.

Then I did some work in an attempt to distract myself. Worked out, which was so difficult because of the headache. I showered and made myself a banana smoothie with almond milk, dates and cinnamon. It was so delicious and I actually felt a little revived. It was so good that I forgot to take a picture. I also ate some edamame which helped me to feel full.

The headache didn't want to go anywhere, so I figured this was part of the withdrawal that I was supposed to experience. They say that the first three days are the hardest.  As I am typing, I do see that my hands are shaking a little bit. This tells me that I am on the right path. My body really does need a detox from something or many things that I have been consuming.

Dinner was a bowl of rice cooked with a lot of vegetables, and some cashews. It was very hearty and hit the spot. I know you might wonder about the protein quantity I am eating. Right now that isn't the focus, I am trying to heal my gut and reduce bloating and acid reflux. There was still a twang of hunger, but I think that was my body trying to trick me into eating something that I shouldn't be eating. It was used to what I always did.

Reflections from today: as I get ready to go to sleep, I realize I feel pretty good, aside from the headache. If this is the way it goes, I should be able to complete the full 15 days of this program without a problem. I know it is too early, but I feel less reflux today. The hardest part of today was the snacks. I think I am used to putting things in my mouth without really giving it another thought. Being mindful and really planning out my meals, was fine, but I forgot to plan the snacks. I will work on that in the next few days.