I admit, after being gluten-free for more than 32 years I have gotten lazy with my label reading. I stick with foods I know and trust. I eat more whole foods than packaged foods and only read labels when I am unsure of a new product or if I see that something on the packaging has changed. With this elimination diet, I have become hyper vigilant in reading labels again. And you know what?? Sugar is in EVERYTHING!!!
Seriously, I am shocked where I am finding sugar. I guess I never really thought about sugar that much until now. I don't live under a rock, so obviously I know sugar is ridiculously prevalent in most diets but the way it sneaks in is just crazy. I think I was most shocked to see sugar in sausage. Mild, Italian, breakfast, "healthy", it doesn't matter. Sugar or a derivative is literally in every sausage package I picked up (and then put down) this week.
I think the hardest thing for me this week so far has been eating no fruit or eggs. I make fruit smoothies every morning but not during this elimination diet. It's been hard to have fruitless smoothies. Straight up kale and almond milk just doesn't taste the same without a banana and some berries. As for the eggs, I don't think I get enough protein even when not on this diet. Eggs are usually a go-to source of protein for me. I usually boil up a few at the beginning of the week and snack on them during the day. Without these eggs, I have begun to rely heavily on nuts. I do not eat that many nuts, but I am loading up on almonds, walnuts, and cashews. I also bought sunflower seeds which I haven't had in years. I was actually worrying tonight that I having too much almond products: milk, meal, almonds, and butter. I have heard of people developing allergies from eating too much of one thing so I am hoping this really doesn't happen to me.
My main issue since I started this on Friday has been awful headaches. I don't know if it is that I am not eating enough or it is a side effect of the sugar leaving my system, but I've had a headache 3 out of 4 days. I don't usually get headaches this bad so I am assuming it is related to this elimination.
To be honest, I think I could/should cut out even more. I have been eating carrots which are ok according to my doctor. He just doesn't want me eating them all the time and drinking tons of carrot juice. I also feel I am heavy on the nuts, as I said before.
Oh and who decides to go away from home (and their own kitchen) the very first weekend of their elimination diet? Me, of course. I went to babysit my nieces and nephew and went armed with a bunch of food. I was really hungry on Saturday and not as bad on Sunday but did get another huge headache. I probably should have planned ahead a little bit better and brought some additional food with me. It wasn't too bad, but it could have been better.
Let's see how the rest of this week goes. I have dinner plans and a brunch. I think the socializing and dining part of this week is going to be tough.
Thank you for your emails and support so far!
Labels: elimination diet, gluten-free, yeast-free
