I spent a lot of time “researching” this weekend. I spent hours and hours on the internet””checking out colitis-related websites and ways to better manage my disease. I read about probiotics, folic acid, B12, and “leaky gut.” I read about the Specific Carbohydrate Diet and the GAPS diet. I scoured Robb Wolf’s website and read all of his testimonials related to colitis. I talked to my friend Erin who recently changed her diet in order to improve her health. (The image below is a list of what she’s been eating and not eating lately.)
Long story short, it’s time for me to change my diet, so I can get healthy. My ulcerative colitis is not going away anytime soon, so I don’t want to constantly worry about flares, and I really don’t want to rely on drugs for the rest of my life, so I’m going to see if making changes to my diet will keep me healthy for the long run.
After all of my research, the two diets that really resonate with me are the Specific Carbohydrate Diet and the Paleo diet, which are actually a lot alike. I bought Breaking the Vicious Cycle (aka the Specific Carbohydrate Diet book) right after my second flare. I read through the whole thing in one night and immediately started eating that way. But, once I started to feel better, I went back to my usual diet, which, of course, included some not-so-colon-friendly foods””and here I am fighting off another flare. Obviously, I need to change my eating habits for more than just a few weeks.
Honestly, when it comes down to it, I’m just sick of being sick, so I’m going to follow these diets (so much for I don’t do diets) and see what happens. Hopefully, I’ll stay flare-free and (with the blessing of my doctor) eventually wean myself off drugs for good. I’m not sure if these diets are forever, but they’re definitely going to guide my eating habits over the next several months.
I bet you’re wondering why I didn’t make this change sooner. Well, I’m a stubborn mofo and it’s taken me awhile to truly give up the things I love (i.e. iced coffee, booze, cookies). It’s been a hard decision, but know it’s for the best. I want to get healthy once and for all.
So, things are going to change here on CNC. (I hope you continue to read!) There will be less cake and more carrots, but I’m making this change for health””and myself, “self love” as my friend Erin says.
Breakfast
This morning’s breakfast was a two-ingredient pancake made with banana and egg. (The key is a small banana + a large egg.) I topped my pancake with a scoop of almond butter, and I drank water mixed with VSL#3. No iced coffee. *sigh*
Question of the Day
Have you ever followed a diet in order to improve your health?