It’s been a different kind of week in the Jay home.
We’ve embarked on a small yet still significant journey.
It began when I bit the bullet and saw an herbalist last week. I was seeking some answers about some minor but persistent health concerns (yes, shingles, I’m talkin’ bout you). It was a new experience for me. Although we rely on natural healing and traditional foods, we’ve been blessed in never needing to seek professional advice.
The prognosis was candida and the prescription landed me with a diet change. It would be more intense but I’m still a nursing mama so I can’t get into detoxing yet. No wheat, no dairy, no white carbs, along with some other restrictions.You can imagine how my baking, butter-loving heart took that news. It really didn’t surprise me. I knew it was coming. But, oy! I love wheat!
She also told me to read Wheat Belly which Dan promptly picked up and read. He then took everyone off of wheat. At least I’m in good company. The book certainly was an eye opener. We’re not intending this to be a final parting from wheat, but we’re on a break.
There’s been some pouting and tears (mainly from me). Whining and despair along with my withdrawal symptoms. Mostly, though, everyone has excepted the change quite well. We are missing our fresh baked bread, and I’d love to pull a tray of cookies out of the oven, but so far so good. No cravings, just a small sense of mourning now and than (that also from me).
The best part is that we’re starting to notice a difference . I’m feeling better and more energetic than I have in a long while. The rest of the family is a few days behind me but I’m curious to see what we learn.
We’re going to treat ourselves to this change in our habits for a little while. Then we’ll reevaluate.
And I’ll admit that I strongly hope to manage the treat of Christmas baking by the holidays. A girl can dream, right?
In the meantime, we’re enjoying veggies, green smoothies, and high quality meats, while getting to know some less familiar grains. I’m also to avoid many of the gluten-free alternatives so I’m wading through the plethora of wheat-free, dairy-free recipes the internet offers looking for something that fits. I’m searching for recipes, meal ideas, and a few treats to help us through this experiment of sorts.
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Do you deal with any food sensitivities? Or perhaps you’ve made a choice to eliminate wheat and/or other grains from your diet? I’d love to hear your experiences and welcome any suggestions, tips, recipes. Please tell me my baking days aren’t over!
xoR
Oh, Rachel, I hardly can imagine my life without dairy products or wheat! Sometimes it is necessary to take two steps back, then to jump forward.
You’re in my thoughts
I couldn’t imagine life without wheat or dairy either!! I look forward to hearing about your food journey in the future.
Oh, honey – I hope this is just a break for you all, while you get healthy. I’m glad you are seeing results already. I’m also looking forward to seeing where this food journey takes you – you always come up with the most interesting recipes to share. 🙂 xo
Hey! Playing catch up. Don’t fret about the wheat. There are healthy substitutes and you will find “new” baked goodies with time. I hope this new diet helps get everything “right” with you body. It did wonders for my sister and in the long run, it was worth it.
That salad looks divine – good start. If anybody can do it you guys will find a way!
Rachel,
Since I love those things too, I am hoping for you it is just temporary. And, I really hope you feel better soon!!! Whatever is topping that salad looks just fantastic!
I think you are going to be pleasantly surprised at just how good you can really feel once all the junk from dairy and wheat are out of your body.
I am doing a mod version of Whole30 right now [still can’t eat meat, but I have introduced bone broth in my diet and lived ;)]. I haven’t tried it yet,but I keep hearing about coconut flour which sounds promising. My family loves to eat farro [a huge favorite], quinoa and millet, have you tried any of them?
Keep at it Rachel, I am cheering for you!
So should I not tell you that I came home from work today and stirred up wheat bread, white bread, working on pumpkin bread and still making cookies before bedtime. I’d better get back at it ‘cuz once I sit down, I’m toast!!
My sister has celiac disease and she makes amazing bakery treats, so don’t fear the junky food is out there with diet restrictions. I’m entitled to read more about your journey 🙂
We started as gluten free because my niece has celiac disease. I felt much better, although via testing I do not have the disease. We have now gone completely grain-free. The kiddos do still have grains occasionally. Too tough not to while we stay a few weeks with my parents. I agree the hardest is the idea of not baking. I love to bake! You will adjust, but it is tricky at first. I think you will be amazed at how good food tastes.
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I once was on a nutritional cleanse for 6 weeks that did wonders for me. It included homemade chicken/veggie soup broth. A cup a day, everyday.
I am always on the fence about eating meat products for animal welfare reasons, but I really believe in the power of chicken soup as “medicine.”
XO