Food Adventure

I have been trying to lose some weight and eat better since....well before I had my kids.  I have read all kinds of books, ate healthy foods and I have burned a whole lot calories on the spinning bike, however I was still not getting the results I wanted. I recently had been reading about food intolerance and I suspected that my cravings were more than just a lack of will power. Words like addiction and gluten free began to haunt my mind. I finally decided to do something drastic. I was going to stop eating the foods I loved. It is funny, because I sound like an obsessed teenager. The girl in love with the boy who has treated her badly. Food was treating me badly. It was time for a break up!

I made sushi! It's not perfect, but either am I.

My Symptoms
I have switched doctors many times over the last 15 years. I have been plagued with PMS, migraines, IBS and difficulty losing weight. All the doctors told me I was healthy. I had mild acne, tired all the time, and gaining weight (even though I was exercising and eating healthy). Oh and I caught every germ that crossed my path. I was either sick or I had a sinus infection. I could count on one hand the days I felt good. How was this healthy?

Chicken soup! Next I'll add quinoa instead of rice!

Empowerment
I started an elimination diet a few weeks ago. I eliminated sugar, corn, soy, dairy, gluten, eggs and peanuts. Sounds impossible right? Imagine me saying this in a dramatic voice "I looooooovvvvvvveeeee pizza, pasta and peanut butter!" I did it for 3 weeks. The first week was tough; I won't lie. Emotions came up...lots of  negative emotions. By the second week I felt powerful. I felt like I could take on any challenge. I had never been so confident in my life. I lost 7lbs  the first week. My skin cleared up. I was getting compliments left and right on how my skin glowed. No migraines...yippee! My clothes were lose and I hadn't exercised one little bit. Digestive problems were gone and I had more energy. Oh and I was feeling pretty sexy! Best of all, I wasn't craving or missing the foods I thought I could not live without. I do however miss the convenience. 

On the Canvas
I have been using my creative juices to cook up new recipes. I made my own BBQ sauce, sushi, and I perfected my chicken soup. I was also inspired by some savoy cabbage to paint! It has been fun to look at food in a different way. I have been experimenting and discovering new combinations that I haven't even seen on Iron Chef! Over the next few weeks, I will be reintroducing the seven food back into my diet. It will be interesting to see which ones give me problems and which ones I leave out for good. I have also started a regular exercise program and I hope to firm up my skinny new body. The elimination diet has helped me to be really mindful when eating and aware of the signals my body was giving me. Bottom line is I love the new foods I have been eating and they love me back!

Till we meet again my creative friends.
Jenni

Special Thanks to my husband for all his support. I didn't follow any specific diets or plans. I drew from several resources. I would like to thank Ami Patrick of Embody Health and Wellness for all the resources, recipes, her classes on detoxing and sugar. Another Thank you to JJ.Virgin for her book "The Virgin Diet" and her inspiration as a strong Mom!

Gift
Today was a gift! The weather where I live had been in the single digits! Hats gloves and fur trimmed coats were no match for the winter winds and snow. Today however it was 58 degrees! It was truly a gift, because tomorrow it will be in the thirties and snow! I took the opportunity to take a walk and enjoy the warm weather. I got caught in a downpour. I felt refreshed and lucky to have had the walk.

Last week I couldn't sleep and I rolled out of bed at 6:00 am on a Saturday. My husband and kids were still sleeping soundly, when I quietly gathered up my art supplies and went to the kitchen to paint. That is when I saw the full moon. It was a perfect composition. There were clouds, an a tall graceful tree back lit by the bright winter moon. It was pitch black except where the moon was radiating it's warm glow. I gasped in awe. The word lucky came to mind. I am so lucky to witness this beauty.

The gifts are all around us. We will see them only if we are looking.....and being mindful.

12/2012 Grandma and my nephew

I wrote the above blog this morning and now the word gift has taken on a new meaning. My grandma was told bluntly by her doctor that she has maybe two days or two months to live; and that medicine cannot do anything else for her. As sad as this news is to me, it is also a gift. I have time to call and to visit my grandma. I have time to tell her I love her. Other loved ones have passed and I have often wished for one more chance to hear their voice or hug them. I have that chance. It is a gift.

Till we meet again my creative friends.