 |
Let me start by saying that I am shocked by this “diet”. For a number of reasons, actually. First one being that I wasn’t hungry at all. Normally, I think about food CONSTANTLY. I was always checking the fridge, the cabinets, stopping at fast food restaurants, etc. I never felt full or satisfied by food. It was an all day, every day obsession. The first day, I did have a little of that going on, but I just ate something that was gluten free, and went on with the day. I wasn’t expecting miracles on day one, so I wasn’t worried. To be honest, I thought it was normal to think about food all the time. Well, maybe not normal, but it was “just me”. Part of my personality. Which is probably why I gained so much weight.
Day two, I ate three meals, and didn’t feel the need to forage for food all day. Weird, I thought. Maybe I am getting sick? Although I felt fine. Good, actually. Days three through seven were pretty much the same. I wasn’t starving. I wasn’t thinking about food constantly. I didn’t feel the need to go out to eat. It was odd. Well, for me, it was odd.
A few things I should mention before I go on. I used to be tired all the time. Took a nap every day. Couldn’t concentrate on anything for long periods of time. I always had ten projects going at once, but couldn’t finish any of them. I had headaches, almost daily. I was always hungry. I was kind of irritable. (I’m pretty sure my husband would say “kind of?!” LOL!) I was also feeling kind of depressed, which I chalked up to not being able to finish my list of things to do and being overwhelmed.
Since I started eating gluten free, I have had one headache, no naps and finished four long-standing, halfway done projects. I feel happier – more mellow, and I have been able to stick to tasks on hand. I also seem to “lose” less words when I am talking. Like a fog has been lifted. Actually, I was really worried about that – the losing my words thing. I thought I was losing my mind. I’m glad to know that wasn’t the case 
I was never one to have stomach problems that most people with the allergy have, so I can’t say that it has helped there.
Oh, and I lost 8 pounds.
Eight glorious pounds!!
Yes, 8 pounds!
I think it might surprise you to know that I bought a bunch of “gluten-free” products at Whole Foods, to replace the things I couldn’t eat, but I haven’t used any of them. Well, except for the GF Bisquick. I tried a pancake recipe I found on Pinterest for greek yogurt pancakes. They were yummy!
Gluten Free Bisquick
Instead, I’ve been eating eggs, chicken, vegetables, fruits, cheese, potatoes, rice, beans, yogurt. All things I had eaten before, and can find in the regular grocery store. I just checked the ingredients and made sure they didn’t contain gluten. Many products say so on the label, but if it didn’t, I checked online (there are a million Gluten free websites). I am not a fan of foods with “weird” textures, so the few gluten free cookies and breads I have tried, didn’t appeal to me. They were kind of “gritty”. But I’ve found that I don’t miss them. At all. It’s like a switch turned off in my head. Maybe the desire will come back, but for now, I’m grateful that it’s not nagging me.
I have not counted calories. I have not stayed away from sugar. I still have my coffee with lots of cream and sugar every day. I eat potatoes, and other starchy carbs. And I still lost the weight. This has never happened for me before. I have tried a low carb diet before, and I hated every second of it. This is not the case for me with this way of eating.
I don’t know if this diet would work for everyone. I can’t give you any advice because I’m not a doctor. All I know is that I feel better.
Okay, before this thunderstorm knocks out my power, I’m signing off.
Thanks for stopping by,
Eliesa
|
My husband and I have been debating trying the gluten-free lifestyle, as we have both suffered with “middle-aged spread” this past year-and-a-half. You make it sound both easy and worthwhile!
It’s much easier than I anticipated. But then, it’s only been one week. I think it makes me feel better in general. I don’t know if the weight loss will continue like this, but not being exhausted every day, and less headaches are reason enough for me to continue.
Your doing great! I have a friend who has no allergies and if she does splurge and eat some she has a headache and falls asleep. LOL
Well, that gives me incentive to not fall off the wagon! Thanks for the words of encouragement
I haven’t tried gluten free but I have been low carb for years and I find that the days/weeks that I binge on carbs (PMS moments), I feel EXACTLY as you described. Oddly, your symptoms that you described before going gluten free are exactly how I feel when I have a ‘carb craze,’ as I call them. I think you have convinced me to go all the way.
So happy for you that you are having success and feeling great. Keep going! When you need a boost, just look to us. We will get you through the hard times. Good luck!
I have never had luck with the low carb diets because it restricted basically everything that I love to eat. I couldn’t maintain it for more than a day or two. I’m having a hard time thinking of this as a traditional diet, as I am not yet counting calories or feeling hungry. Crossing my fingers that it keeps on this way!
I am still so touched by the kindness of strangers concerning all this. I appreciate the support, and interest, that you all show. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart
You have given me hope because I sound exactly like you. Thank you so much. Going to the grocery store tomorrow. I actually love you!
I’m not sure about what you like to eat, but I would just try to eat the stuff you eat already first, like meat, eggs, fruit and veggies… Don’t over think it. I went and spent about $70 on Gluten Free stuff, and it probably won’t get used much for a while. I got afraid not to have flour, etc that I could use for baking, but I haven’t found recipes that I want to try to use it yet! LOL!
I have all the same symptoms you mentioned so this has inspired me to go GF…especially if it will mean I will actually have energy & be able to lose this 40lb I’ve gained!! I’m getting back to healthier eating, low carbs (low glycemic index) so its the perfect time! Your results are very impressive!! Thnx so much for sharing & please keep us updated!! Blessings!
Best of luck to you too! I can’t believe I waited this long to try it. I guess the “no bread” thing had me turned off…
I’m inspired by your post. I will be trying this. Thanks!!