(This is my affiliate link and I will make a small portion of the profits if you buy through me)
Monday, February 25, 2013
Real Food eBook Bundle
Hey,
Anyone out there still reading?
Maybe you've done GAPS and you've reintroduced some grains, and would like to attempt GF sourdough? Before doing GAPS, I published my GF sourdough adaptations on Gnowfglins.com. Their sourdough eBook (with my tips included) is part of a Real Food eBook Bundle, on sale all week. Check it out if you're interested!
(This is my affiliate link and I will make a small portion of the profits if you buy through me)
(This is my affiliate link and I will make a small portion of the profits if you buy through me)
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Intro Again
Not sure how many of you are still out there, but I thought it was worth mentioning that we are starting Intro again tomorrow. We recently had to take a 10 day trip to CA for my grandmother's funeral. Between the stress of the trip, being exposed to lots of different detergents in beds at Grandma's, hotels, etc., and eating out (even though we did the best we could with food choices), Audrey is about as bad off with her eczema as she's ever been. Again.
I have to say this is incredibly discouraging to me. I hoped I would never have to see my baby like this again. However, I am grateful that I know what will calm her system down again.
I am now about 6 months pregnant and will be modifying the diet as needed for myself, but I have been hitting the fruit too hard again anyway, and need to cut it out! We all could do with another round of intro, so...we're doing it.
Hopefully we'll move quickly.
I have to say this is incredibly discouraging to me. I hoped I would never have to see my baby like this again. However, I am grateful that I know what will calm her system down again.
I am now about 6 months pregnant and will be modifying the diet as needed for myself, but I have been hitting the fruit too hard again anyway, and need to cut it out! We all could do with another round of intro, so...we're doing it.
Hopefully we'll move quickly.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Realizations
Hi GAPS friends,
We are now nearly 7 months into the GAPS diet, and I continue to be amazed. There are still hard days sometimes. We slacked off on the cod liver oil and probiotics, and Audrey's skin issues returned somewhat, though nothing like they were. But I've realized something: I have been in pain most of my life! Now, when I carry laundry up and down the stairs, or carry around my 25 pound toddler, or even (gasp!) exercise, IT DOESN'T HURT.
All my adult life, people have told me that I needed to exercise. That it would make me have more energy. That I would feel better. That having sore muscles wasn't that bad, it kinda felt good. Well, for me none of that was true. But it is now! Before GAPS, I would exercise 10 minutes and be sore for three days. Just the feeling of burning in my muscles as I worked out was excruciating to me. I now realize, when you're already at a 7 out of 10 on a pain scale, adding 2 more points to that is, well, intense. But I was so used to the pain, that I didn't realize I was living at a 7 out of 10. I knew I didn't feel good. I might have classified it as a 4 or 5, but I wasn't aware of how many things I did differently because of pain. Now, I have the urge to exercise. When I do it, it feels invigorating. My muscles only stay sore for maybe a day, even if I work out as hard as I can. I get a burst of energy when I'm working hard instead of feeling like it just might kill me.
I was never diagnosed with anything because I never sought that out, but I'm positive that must have been what people call fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue or maybe even lupus? I'm not sure. All I know is I was sick. And I'm getting well now. And life sure looks different. :)
We are now nearly 7 months into the GAPS diet, and I continue to be amazed. There are still hard days sometimes. We slacked off on the cod liver oil and probiotics, and Audrey's skin issues returned somewhat, though nothing like they were. But I've realized something: I have been in pain most of my life! Now, when I carry laundry up and down the stairs, or carry around my 25 pound toddler, or even (gasp!) exercise, IT DOESN'T HURT.
All my adult life, people have told me that I needed to exercise. That it would make me have more energy. That I would feel better. That having sore muscles wasn't that bad, it kinda felt good. Well, for me none of that was true. But it is now! Before GAPS, I would exercise 10 minutes and be sore for three days. Just the feeling of burning in my muscles as I worked out was excruciating to me. I now realize, when you're already at a 7 out of 10 on a pain scale, adding 2 more points to that is, well, intense. But I was so used to the pain, that I didn't realize I was living at a 7 out of 10. I knew I didn't feel good. I might have classified it as a 4 or 5, but I wasn't aware of how many things I did differently because of pain. Now, I have the urge to exercise. When I do it, it feels invigorating. My muscles only stay sore for maybe a day, even if I work out as hard as I can. I get a burst of energy when I'm working hard instead of feeling like it just might kill me.
I was never diagnosed with anything because I never sought that out, but I'm positive that must have been what people call fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue or maybe even lupus? I'm not sure. All I know is I was sick. And I'm getting well now. And life sure looks different. :)
Monday, August 15, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
This is working.
I haven't been taking the time to write lately. During intro, it seemed like there were new things to say every day. By now, we've just kind of settled into this way of eating and it seems more or less normal.
But here's the thing: it's working!
Last night I made spaghetti by slicing zucchini with a mandolin. Ground beef. And We Had Tomato Sauce. And though Audrey woke up crying once during the night (we had been out late watching fireworks and it easily could have been related to that) and Hannah said her stomach hurt (she still says that regularly), there were no potty accidents, there was no uncontrollable crying, there was no tearing itchy skin open...
I am SO glad we've done this. Let me say that again: I AM SO GLAD WE DECIDED TO DO GAPS.
My only wish is that we would have started a year ago, when I first heard about it. We would be so much further along in our healing!
I hit 12 weeks in my pregnancy today (yay!) and my energy levels are coming back to my new normal. My new normal has not actually been normal since over a year ago. Even prior to getting pregnant, I found it difficult to pick up toys around the house, vacuum, or do other simple tasks like that. I just had no energy. Now, I'm finding myself with the urge to exercise (WHAT?!).
Things aren't perfect. I'm still dealing with a lot of constipation. I'm sorry, but I cannot bring myself to do enemas. Not gonna happen. I've been taking aloe vera gel every 3-4 days, as needed, (bleh) which has been a very gentle help for me, since magnesium seems to mess things up when use it. It's not technically on the diet, but it works for me. (Incidentally, don't let yourself get caught up in doing the diet "perfectly." I'm not convinced there's any way to do that. You're not a failure if you have to make compromises here and there. We are following GAPS 98% of the time, and I refuse to worry about the 2%.) Also, Hannah is burping a LOT with meals. I have been dragging my feet, but I'm going to start using HCL with her, to see if I can clear up the stomach aches. She's just not digesting well yet. I still require HCL with meals too.
Overall though, our symptoms have become so much better. Nick is thrilled. We are almost 6 months in, and there's no question that it's working!
But here's the thing: it's working!
Last night I made spaghetti by slicing zucchini with a mandolin. Ground beef. And We Had Tomato Sauce. And though Audrey woke up crying once during the night (we had been out late watching fireworks and it easily could have been related to that) and Hannah said her stomach hurt (she still says that regularly), there were no potty accidents, there was no uncontrollable crying, there was no tearing itchy skin open...
I am SO glad we've done this. Let me say that again: I AM SO GLAD WE DECIDED TO DO GAPS.
My only wish is that we would have started a year ago, when I first heard about it. We would be so much further along in our healing!
I hit 12 weeks in my pregnancy today (yay!) and my energy levels are coming back to my new normal. My new normal has not actually been normal since over a year ago. Even prior to getting pregnant, I found it difficult to pick up toys around the house, vacuum, or do other simple tasks like that. I just had no energy. Now, I'm finding myself with the urge to exercise (WHAT?!).
Things aren't perfect. I'm still dealing with a lot of constipation. I'm sorry, but I cannot bring myself to do enemas. Not gonna happen. I've been taking aloe vera gel every 3-4 days, as needed, (bleh) which has been a very gentle help for me, since magnesium seems to mess things up when use it. It's not technically on the diet, but it works for me. (Incidentally, don't let yourself get caught up in doing the diet "perfectly." I'm not convinced there's any way to do that. You're not a failure if you have to make compromises here and there. We are following GAPS 98% of the time, and I refuse to worry about the 2%.) Also, Hannah is burping a LOT with meals. I have been dragging my feet, but I'm going to start using HCL with her, to see if I can clear up the stomach aches. She's just not digesting well yet. I still require HCL with meals too.
Overall though, our symptoms have become so much better. Nick is thrilled. We are almost 6 months in, and there's no question that it's working!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Life Goes On
I was thinking about this blog last night, realizing how long it's been since I last wrote consistently.
Now that we're done with intro, I find I have very little to say. We're still eating GAPS style. We cheat occasionally, with varying success. I would definitely say my kids seem stronger and happier since we started this.
Audrey's arms and legs are clear of eczema and beginning to feel soft again. She still reacts when she gets overloaded on salicylates or nightshades, but No-Fenol helps, and when she does have a reaction, a few sips of a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water makes the itching stop instantly. We've been able to eat SO many foods that we avoided for years!
Hannah has a spot on her cheek that flares up bright red when she gets something that doesn't agree with her - so far strawberries and currants are culprits. I also noticed behavior regression with the currants the other day - it was very pronounced. I've never really paid a lot of attention to that part of her symptoms. I wonder, is it an actual brain reaction, or just a response to not feeling good?
I have found that I can use egg whites (though not the yolks, oddly) in baking and all of us seem to handle that ok.
I have discontinued my anti fungal supplements until my nausea from the pregnancy subsides. Without those in the mix, my nausea levels are usually much lower than I remember from previous pregnancies.
It is difficult to cook and eat like this while newly pregnant. All the fat and the strong smells are hard for me. I am drawn toward fruit and nuts, but when I eat too many of those I pay for it with gas and candida symptoms. I've been pretty tired and weak some days too. So I'm struggling some, but overall feeling decent. 2nd Trimester (and hopefully more energy) is just a couple of weeks away!
Tessa amazes me with how sturdy and hardy she is. I've never seen her have a reaction to anything. She is 18 months next week and wearing size 24 months clothes and size 5 shoes. Her face is broad, her skin is clear, she says probably 30-40 words and understands everything I say to her, she is almost always happy and calm. My pregnancy with her happened after I went off gluten, and all of her solid foods have been WAPF/GAPS style. I wonder how much of it is genes, personality, or diet? My experience raising her has been night and day different from my first two children!
Nick had to go away over the weekend and was able to do very well finding grain free options in health foods stores, delis, etc. He came home feeling fine. I was so proud of him! He really seems to have very little draw to the old foods. He is so happy to be thin and to have lots of energy.
So there's our update! I pray healing and wisdom for all of you as you feed your families!
Now that we're done with intro, I find I have very little to say. We're still eating GAPS style. We cheat occasionally, with varying success. I would definitely say my kids seem stronger and happier since we started this.
Audrey's arms and legs are clear of eczema and beginning to feel soft again. She still reacts when she gets overloaded on salicylates or nightshades, but No-Fenol helps, and when she does have a reaction, a few sips of a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water makes the itching stop instantly. We've been able to eat SO many foods that we avoided for years!
Hannah has a spot on her cheek that flares up bright red when she gets something that doesn't agree with her - so far strawberries and currants are culprits. I also noticed behavior regression with the currants the other day - it was very pronounced. I've never really paid a lot of attention to that part of her symptoms. I wonder, is it an actual brain reaction, or just a response to not feeling good?
I have found that I can use egg whites (though not the yolks, oddly) in baking and all of us seem to handle that ok.
I have discontinued my anti fungal supplements until my nausea from the pregnancy subsides. Without those in the mix, my nausea levels are usually much lower than I remember from previous pregnancies.
It is difficult to cook and eat like this while newly pregnant. All the fat and the strong smells are hard for me. I am drawn toward fruit and nuts, but when I eat too many of those I pay for it with gas and candida symptoms. I've been pretty tired and weak some days too. So I'm struggling some, but overall feeling decent. 2nd Trimester (and hopefully more energy) is just a couple of weeks away!
Tessa amazes me with how sturdy and hardy she is. I've never seen her have a reaction to anything. She is 18 months next week and wearing size 24 months clothes and size 5 shoes. Her face is broad, her skin is clear, she says probably 30-40 words and understands everything I say to her, she is almost always happy and calm. My pregnancy with her happened after I went off gluten, and all of her solid foods have been WAPF/GAPS style. I wonder how much of it is genes, personality, or diet? My experience raising her has been night and day different from my first two children!
Nick had to go away over the weekend and was able to do very well finding grain free options in health foods stores, delis, etc. He came home feeling fine. I was so proud of him! He really seems to have very little draw to the old foods. He is so happy to be thin and to have lots of energy.
So there's our update! I pray healing and wisdom for all of you as you feed your families!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Update
Hi all,
I keep meaning to write an update! The past two weeks have been spent coping with lots of morning sickness. I think it's about the same as with my other three pregnancies, but as always, it's challenging. I've been downing lots of ginger, using my Sea Bands, and trying to eat often. I'm not 100% sure of my dates on this pregnancy, but I'm counting down the days till week 12, when I felt much better with all three other kids.
As far as GAPS goes, we've done a little cheating in the past week, mainly to help me cope. For the first time since we started GAPS, I had a HUGE craving for chocolate this week. I bought one bar of dark chocolate (the Eat Freely brand, which has no soy, dairy, etc., but does contain organic cane juice) and allowed myself a square of that. Very satisfying! I also have found it difficult to constantly drink ginger tea to help with my nausea. I ended up buying a package of crystallized ginger to keep with me. It does have a little sugar in it as well, but it's sometimes either that or be non-functional with nausea. :-P
I have continued with my anti fungal supplements. I wonder if these might be making my nausea a touch worse than otherwise, but I would so much rather have my gut flora in good shape when this baby comes. So we press on!
Hannah and Audrey really hit it hard with the salicylates this week, and they both struggled a bit. Hannah has a bit of a rash on her left cheek, and Audrey did some scratching. They love to eat Bubbies dill pickles, and berries - two things they could not eat at all prior to GAPS. We just have to keep it at a reasonable level or they seem to get overloaded.
I'm rendering tallow today. Smelly! My pregnant nose does not appreciate it, but my body sure likes the fat when I cook with it. Nick helped me out by making the batch of jerky for the week. Although the smell of it in the dehydrator is tough too.
I've been thoroughly enjoying reading Mark's Daily Apple. I love his positive approach to eating this way, and for the first time really in my adult life, I've been happily exercising using his plan. Eating right for my metabolic type has been huge, and I actually feel good exercising for the first time that I ever remember. Tonight I was able to do one full set of his lowest level of "Lift Heavy Things" exercises. I look forward to strengthening my body and having more energy, especially once I hit second trimester.
Gotta run for now!
I keep meaning to write an update! The past two weeks have been spent coping with lots of morning sickness. I think it's about the same as with my other three pregnancies, but as always, it's challenging. I've been downing lots of ginger, using my Sea Bands, and trying to eat often. I'm not 100% sure of my dates on this pregnancy, but I'm counting down the days till week 12, when I felt much better with all three other kids.
As far as GAPS goes, we've done a little cheating in the past week, mainly to help me cope. For the first time since we started GAPS, I had a HUGE craving for chocolate this week. I bought one bar of dark chocolate (the Eat Freely brand, which has no soy, dairy, etc., but does contain organic cane juice) and allowed myself a square of that. Very satisfying! I also have found it difficult to constantly drink ginger tea to help with my nausea. I ended up buying a package of crystallized ginger to keep with me. It does have a little sugar in it as well, but it's sometimes either that or be non-functional with nausea. :-P
I have continued with my anti fungal supplements. I wonder if these might be making my nausea a touch worse than otherwise, but I would so much rather have my gut flora in good shape when this baby comes. So we press on!
Hannah and Audrey really hit it hard with the salicylates this week, and they both struggled a bit. Hannah has a bit of a rash on her left cheek, and Audrey did some scratching. They love to eat Bubbies dill pickles, and berries - two things they could not eat at all prior to GAPS. We just have to keep it at a reasonable level or they seem to get overloaded.
I'm rendering tallow today. Smelly! My pregnant nose does not appreciate it, but my body sure likes the fat when I cook with it. Nick helped me out by making the batch of jerky for the week. Although the smell of it in the dehydrator is tough too.
I've been thoroughly enjoying reading Mark's Daily Apple. I love his positive approach to eating this way, and for the first time really in my adult life, I've been happily exercising using his plan. Eating right for my metabolic type has been huge, and I actually feel good exercising for the first time that I ever remember. Tonight I was able to do one full set of his lowest level of "Lift Heavy Things" exercises. I look forward to strengthening my body and having more energy, especially once I hit second trimester.
Gotta run for now!
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