Whole 30 finale

Michael and I finished the Whole 30 diet on Tuesday, but we're reintroducing the missing foods S-L-O-W-L-Y. So far, I've had a variety of dairy products (we started with strawberry ice cream), a glass of wine and some coconut flour and honey in these Paleo Pumpkin Bars (my roomie added dark chocolate to the recipe - delicious!). Thankfully, my stomach seems happy with these foods. Next week we'll try some grains and see what happens. As far as wheat goes, I'll start with a pastry from Fol Epi, because pastry flour has less gluten than regular flour, or a pizza from Prima Strada, because their imported Italian flour is also light on the gluten. Eventually, tentatively, I'm going to start making sourdough bread, because fermented foods are good for your tummy. I'm especially excited to try Chad Robertson's Tartine Country Bread. I have a few favorite bakeries, and Tartine is one of them. If I actually stick to this plan, I'll let myself invest in the Tartine Bread cookbook.

Yes, you can see that I've got plenty of schemes regarding how and when I'll be eating wheat again, but don't be deceived. I'm pretty sure our diets will never be the same because there is no doubt that we feel better eating this way. Our digestion has improved and we both lost over 10 pounds. Even though that wasn't the point of the exercise, it's a telling outcome.

Sticking to the diet became a little easier as time went on. We planned ahead so the cooking didn't seem as onerous, and we found we had to eat less as our cravings adjusted -- thank goodness because our grocery lists have been pricey. One of the resources that helped us through the whole experience was the cookbook Well Fed. We feasted on shepherd's pie (with yams instead of potatoes), meat balls (think pork, pineapple and coconut flakes) and paleo pad thai (spaghetti squash instead of rice noodles - you get the picture). We also ate a million eggs for breakfasts and snacks. Sadly, after the first couple of weeks, I discovered that I have a sensitivity to nuts, though I have to conduct some experiments to find out if some are worse than others. I do like my almond butter, after all.

Phew. Well, I think I've captured the broad points without getting into too many personal details. Let me know if you want to know anything else...

Half way there

You guys, I haven't cheated. Er, I accidentally ate a small potato in some chicken soup from Alderlea Farm, but other than that, I've stayed true to the Whole 30 diet for the last 15 days. You want to know how? Michael. I would have quit 10 times over if it wasn't for 1) Michael organizing our meals and 2) Michael convincing me to keep going even though I wanted to eat ice cream to comfort myself during some tough days with Lady Clara. That second bit has been the biggest challenge, by far. That, and a poorly timed break from coffee (to see if it helps with Clara's sleep).

Physically, I'm still feeling good. I'm totally satisfied by our meals, and I can fit into a lot of my pre-Clara clothes (well, the some of the tops will have to wait until I'm done nursing). I'm not really worried about the next 15 days, but I'll have to deal with Thanksgiving and some out-of-town visitors; I'll let you know how it goes.

Whole 30

So! I'm on my fifth day without grains, dairy, sugar, legumes (including peanuts) and alcohol. Michael and I are doing the Whole 30 diet, which means it'll be 25 days before we eat those foods again. And even though I'd love a piece of toast with peanut butter or a banana muffin with a slice of cheese, and even though Michael would love a bowl of chocolate peanut butter ice cream or a cup of creamy coffee, we're feeling really good. I'm doing this thing because I have a sneaking suspicion that gluten is a problem for me. Truth be told, I'm sort of sad that I'm feeling so good, because I don't want it to be a problem. I want to continue frequenting my favorite bakery, you guys! But if I can improve my physical and emotional health by eating differently, I'm going to do it! For 30 days. And then we'll see.