Bring it On

I made a new edition to my life change plan this week.  I joined a site called "My Fittness Pal" and so far, I love it.   It reminds me a great deal of Weight Watchers from when I did it 2 years ago in terms of tracking, but there is not "Point System" to deal with.

I really started using it today for the first time and actually tracked food, and exercise, and explored some of the tools, forums, and message boards they have to offer.

Everyone really has their own story, and they have welcomed me into their community with open arms.  I posted on the "Introduce Yourself" message board today saying that I was looking to create a network of supportive people, and received a HUGE out-pour of supportive comments back, invitations to workout groups (for accountability), and friend requests to share experiences.

People really can be quite fabulous :)

Stay that way!
xoxo

www.myfitnesspal.com/saduffy913

6 Months Later

Well, I've made it 6 months without wheat and I have noticed a few things.

1. My energy level has changed immensely.  I find it easier to get up in the morning, to motivate myself to workout, and to stay active all day long.
2. I don't crave wheat products at all anymore.  Sure, watching people eat a sandwich or order a pizza, or bring cupcakes or brownies to a party causes a little twinge as I remember a time when I could eat them, but I'm not angry. 
3. My headaches have decreased ten-fold. They are not gone entirely, but between eliminating wheat from my diet over the last 6 months and recently removing white sugar as well, my headaches have gone from all day, every day,  to once or twice a week.
4. My mood has improved.  I am still struggling with some hormonal issues that seem unrelated to the wheat/sugar in my diet, but over all, I am noticeably happier.
5. Finally, I am 54 pounds lighter than I was when I started.  I'm not there yet, I still have some lbs left to shed, but I am working at every day.

No matter how many times I have wanted to give up, I am so proud of how far I've come, and I cannot wait to see what the next 6 months bring!

Stay fabulous!
xoxo

Woops

Well, I seriously neglected this blog for almost 2 months.....but I guess it is as good a time as any to give an update.

Food:  Food isn't as hard anymore.  Do I still miss wheat when I have to walk by one of the 20 subway restaurants at school? Sure...but then I smell the yeast and it makes me nauseous.  I do still miss certain things, but I have found some really GF alternatives.  The GF Bagels are actually quite good, but it is still heavy in carbs, so I have to limit those.  The same goes for the breads, but they make for a good, small, sandwich every once in a while.   I have a new found appreciation for rice cakes.  They are yummy...with nutella, peanut butter, cheese, as an open faced sandwich, or just plain!  I'm pretty okay on protein...pork chops, ground turkey, and chicken (of course), but I've gotten good at looking up recipes online and modifying them to fit my needs...and taste buds.

Weight:  Perhaps the most exciting news is that I have lost 40 lbs since I went Wheat Free.  It has not been easy (not by a long shot), but every day it is worth it.  I still have a ways to go, but as the weather continues to get nicer, my motivation to go out and be active increases.  Even if its just going for a long walk in the afternoon, it has been nice to enjoy the weather.  I am hoping to get a bike in the near future, or at least a brake replacement on my roller blades, to make the most of summer workouts. Especially since the apartment I'll be living in this summer is a bit further from class than I'm used to.

All in all, things are good, and I am looking forward to things to come.

Stay Fabulous!
Sarah

Enough is Enough

Despite the title of this post, I know I cannot make any guarantees, but I have vowed to make a more conscious effort not to let the frustrations of this "body transformation" get me down.  Enough is enough.  I am tired of feeling bad about myself when I am working so hard to make so many positive changes in my life.  I am working my butt off, and the results will come. As my mom said this morning, even if you don't see the results on the scale, your body is still changing. 

Change is hard.  Regardless of the reason behind it, or the over-all goal.  But after having re-read what I posted yesterday, I felt bad.  Not bad in a "pity party" kind of way, but I was angry at myself for being so hard on myself. 

I want to start making a list, maybe once a day, maybe once a week, but a list of all the things I'm doing right.  My accomplishments.  I frequently make "to-do" lists, and even though checking off the items  symbolizes accomplishing the task, I think I can do more.

Especially on the days when it is hard to look in the mirror at the body I am fighting to change, it would be nice to know that in spite of it all, I'm still doing the right things.

Just something to think about this week...
Stay motivated, stay fabulous
xoxo

The Weight of the World

I've had a rough week.

Despite my efforts and waking up at 6am every day to ensure that I got in a good work out, my weight hasn't changed.  I knew I would eventually plateau, but i didn't think it would be so soon...I am still crossing my fingers in hopes that it was just a fluke, and that this week will go better, but I'll have to wait and see.

What was worse, my parents surprised my sister and I with an AMAZING spring break excursion that requires some new clothing, and when I went shopping today to try and find some things, it was a total bust.  Nothing fits right. It is unbelievably discouraging, especially after how hard I have been working.  I'm far from giving up, but I am certainly lacking confidence, and I don't like it.

Fortunately, my mom is coming to see me next weekend and she will be my personal cheer leader, and help me ward off some of the disappointment.

Now, off to bed so I can continue my morning workouts without a hitch.

Despite the frustration, stay fabulous
xoxo

Busy, Busy, Busy

After a very trying week, I am anxiously awaiting the weekend.  I get to go home for a couple days, back to my amazing support system and intend to come back to school rested and energized.

Although I have been keeping busy, I am still avidly working at my weight, and still trying my best to stay satisfied with the foods I'm eating.  I must say, as long as I put in time looking up recipes and use a few different ones a week, I'm pretty happy.  It isn't perfect, but I'm managing.

Due to the busy nature of the week, I don't have much time to devote to a post, but hopefully everything will be back under control soon.

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo

Time For School

The first week of school is off to a great start.  My classes seem great, professors seem nice, my new roommate is really cool (and gluten-free), and, for the moment, I'm not angry at food.

I did an hour long fitness class at the Rec Center last night, Athletic Yoga, and boy oh boy was it a work out.  I was seriously feeling the burn both during and after.  I took it easy today, just some light weight lifting. And a little birthday craft for Justin once class let out.   I do have a bit of a headache today, and my stomach hurts, but nothing a lot of water, some oils, and a good night's sleep can't fix.

Plans for a girl's night with some friends are in place for tomorrow night and then my first day of writing tutor training on Friday afternoon.  Almost done with week #1.

Until next time, stay fabulous
xoxo

On My Own

Some days are harder than others.
Some days I crave the foods I ate less than 4 weeks ago.
Some days the frustration makes me want to cry.
Some days I do cry.
Some days I get discouraged.
Some days I'm motivated.
Some days I cook.
Some days I eat left overs. (more often than not)
Some days all I want is ice cream.
Some days I'm angry at food.
Some days I'm angry at the scale.
Some days I'm angry at me.

But I'm on my own now...and I just have to take everything one day at a time.

 As always, stay fabulous
xoxo

New Semester, New Changes

Well, I'm back at school for my final semester of my undergraduate career.  My mom drove me back to school last night and took me for my first Wheat-free shopping extravaganza.  What I learned:  Wheat-free is expensive!

Now, I didn't purchase much that was specifically wheat-free, but the products I did buy where surprisingly pricey.  But I also stocked up on produce, protein, wheat-free pastas, quinoa, and plenty of cleaning products for my apartment.

All in all, it was a successful trip, and I am super grateful that my mom was there for support, but the real test will come when I have to shop by myself, and avoid all the treats I am currently missing.  *sigh*  Life goes on...and mine's going healthier.

Until next time, stay fabulous
xoxo

Back to the Grind

After a lovely escape to St. Paul, Minnesota for the weekend, it is back to the grind of school preparations, grad school anxiety, new supplements and new food.

All in all, I did pretty well with food this weekend.  My mom has been a terrific help...she has worked really hard to make sure that we are all getting nutritious and delicious home-cooked meals, while adhering to all of the necessary dietary restrictions (and trust me...they are plentiful).  My stomach was filled with gluten-free pizza and bagels, chicken salads, fresh and organic fruits and veggies, salmon, and some delicious chocolate & pomegranate desserts.

Although the desserts didn't quite follow the limited sugar diet restriction, I felt that a little treat wouldn't hurt, and I was right.  No headache :)

I've still been experiencing aches and pains though.  My neck and back feel stiff in the mornings, but that may be from sleeping on an air mattress the last few nights or long car rides, and my head goes through spurts of pain throughout the day, but nothing comes close to the pain I was in before all of this.  So that gives me hope.

I have an appointment with the Dr. K on Thursday right before I head back to school, so I'll get some last minute tid-bits from her, and then I'll have to start brain storming for my first Wheat-Free/Sugar-Free grocery trip.   I am very hesitant about that at the moment...not so much about finding things to eat, but about the time it will take to prepare certain things and still having an variety.  I don't want to get stuck in a rut where I feel like I can only eat salads and chicken, but it will be a test to see if I can really plan meals ahead of time and plan my days with time to prepare and cook the food I want at least for a few days in advance.

It will be a lot to think about over the next few days, but between now and then I have Dr. K to look forward to, an eye doctor appointment, a trip to Chicago, and a massage.  Now to take it all in stride.

Stay fabulous.
xoxo

Week 3, Wheat-Free

I am heading into my 3rd week without wheat, and with minimal amounts of sugar, and I am staring to feel the cravings.  I initially thought I was doing really well with the diet change, because I wasn't craving anything in particular, but now I can feel the "hunger" setting in.  I am in a place where I will have just eaten and 20-30 minutes later I feel soo hungry, but I know I'm not.  My body is starting to feel starved, even though it isn't.

In addition to the hunger pangs, I am also suffering from headaches of unknown origin today.  Starting last night and continuing through today.  I thought it might be the weather, but there hasn't been any significant barometric pressure changes in the area, and the skies are all clear.

Just gotta keep my head up, and stay focused.  My goals are in place, and I'm ready to be done with pain.

Off to Minnesota tomorrow for a weekend trip, probably won't follow up here until Monday night.
Until then, stay fabulous.

People are Awesome...even if they're strangers

I received this awesome response today from a Gluten-Free live community I discovered last night.

Hey Sarah!

Welcome to the crazy club of "No thank you, I'll pass on all of the delicious home baked items you are serving at this party!"

Honestly, that's the hardest part. I feel bad for other people who get disappointed that I can't enjoy their goodies. :)

Of course, I'm over a year and a half into this and I don't know if I was singing the same song a couple of months ago.

Here's the good news:

• I have lost about 40 pounds just because I stopped eating gluten and dairy (which just automatically leads to less sugar in my world..)
• Everyone says I look awesome. That even my skin "looks radiant" (heard that one today).
• Halle Berry has always claimed that her beauty secret is having "diabetes" - I finally get that, and you will too.

How to do this:

• Non packaged food is usually quite safe. Vegetables and meats (I know you probably have to get away from fruits due to the sugar), but also, become friends with quinoa - I LOVE THE STUFF! It's a grain, it's a protein - I hardly ever make rice or potatoes anymore (good for your sugarlessness!) because of quinoa (this was yummy).
• Find YOUR new fun food. I have discovered that I love chips and salsa. Is it the healthiest thing in the world for me? No, of course not, but I can't have pizza anymore or any pastries, so I'm going salty!
• READ FOOD LABELS. This is a good habit to form anyway, but in the first couple months of this transition you will have to do it more than an ordinary person. It will help a lot and you will learn a lot.
• Find staple meals. Chances are, if you are like me, those staple meals you used to make when you were tired or just looking for something quick involve some ingredients that you can no longer have... try to find replacements. I ALWAYS used to make and freeze marinara sauce for pasta (I'm half Italian-American, after all), but then I couldn't have PASTA anymore!?! Solution: gluten-free pasta, and, eventually, even QUINOA PASTA (have I mentioned that I love quinoa?!)
• Find your community. Like this one and others online. I spent the whole first year obsessing so much about food, I blogged about it (Searching for Sustenance). I plan to head back to the blog, but I needed a reprieve after thinking about nothing but food 24 hours a day every single day of the week! I plan to head back this year, but in a lesser capacity. In the meantime, there may be some useful resources and other blogs to connect to through there. That was how I found my community and communicated with them.

Sarah, your health will pay you ten-fold for this. It can be expensive if you try to find replacement foods for everything, so first try to build meals from what nature provides us - meat, vegetables (fresh is best, and frozen is better than canned, but ANY vegetables is better than no vegetables!)  and grains (that are safe for you to eat). Then supplement those meals with packaged food.

I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to ask me any questions here, on my blog, via e-mail or whatever!

All the best,

Nicole :)

 Ask and you shall receive. :)

Fun Facts

Budweiser is a Rice Beer...no wheat :)
Guinness is also Wheat Free
So is Mike's Hard Lemonade
And Wine
Also, malt is made from barley 
....I'll still have to watch out for the sugar contents, but at least there's hope for a college kid with a social life

Lifestyle Changes for 2012

December 15, 2011-  The first day of winter break, and I was looking forward to a great deal.  My day started early with driving my mom to work and was followed by a day of running errands, to-do lists, and ending the day with an appointment with my chiropractor, complete with the likely cause of the headaches I've had every day for the last 2 years.   At my previous appointment Dr. K had mentioned doing some allergy-type testing if the adjustments she did to my back weren't holding, and that meaning some possible dietary changes, but I was clearly unprepared for the extent of the changes that were in store.

I don't fully understand the process involved in the allergy/sensitivity testing she did, but in any event she found that I am intolerant to wheat and sugar, have an imbalance of hormones, an overabundance of yeast in my intestines, and unbalanced levels of iodine, zinc, and chlorine in my system.  Throw all that in with a few lumbar vertebrae issues, a sacrum issue, and a backwards neck and voila.

The general gist of that information comes down to the following:  My headaches for the last two years appear to be hormonally controlled.  The lumbar section of your spine is also the hormonal control center, so put that out of alignment and I'll get a headache.  Yeast also has a hormonal component to it, and feeds on wheat and sugar.  Throw in an overabundance of yeast, complete with a wheat and sugar issue and my lumbar vertebrae are effected, giving me a headache.  The mineral substance issue...I have no idea what that's really doing, but its contributing to the headaches.   My neck being backwards...I have no idea how that came about, but I can tell you this: It HURTS.  My first 2 sessions with Dr. K involved her working to realign my C1 and C2 vertebrae and Holy Moly did that one hurt.  It actually ended up making my headaches worse, and I hadn't even thought that was possible.  But we found out that by adjusting my lumbar vertebrae, and leaving my neck alone, it is actually correcting itself naturally.  Weird, huh?

So, as a result of all this chaos, I am now in the midst of a frustrating attempt to eliminate wheat and a great deal (but not all) sugar from my diet.  I say frustrating because at this current moment, I am discouraged, and underwhelmed by the "results" I have seen thus far.  I am only 2 weeks into this, and I know it will take time. 

My hope is to use this blog as a healthy way to manage my stress and frustrating as well as my triumphs.  I hope to include recipes, pictures, and all sorts of personal touches as I go.

I hope you'll stay tuned, and thank you for your support.
xoxo