Many people ask me "what can you eat?" Well here is a general list...
https://www.phoenixhelix.com/2013/06/02/paleo-aip-grocery-list/
I am out of the strict elimination phrase so I am now able to eat some grains as long as they are gluten free, tomatoes and potatoes on occasion and I have some caffeine with tea and intense dark chocolate (though I did just read that is not good for adrenal fatigue so I will probably be cutting that out as well for a while) I also get asked a lot... "how long do you have to eat this way" or "do you have to do this forever" The short answer is I have to do this for the next year at minimum... but my Dr. said, if you feel better eating this way - why would you change? Good question.
Others ask "don't you miss eating whatever you want?" Yes - yes I do miss certain foods and I miss them a lot. I miss bread, I miss pizza, I miss the convenience of picking up a sub quick from sheetz. I miss Snicker's Bars and Dr. Pepper especially when I am having a crappy day. I miss licorice when I am on a road trip. I miss ice cream from Cruisers. So the answer is yes, I miss a lot of things - but I don't miss feeling awful all the time. I don't miss the panic attacks. I don't miss the migraines (haven't had one in over 4 months). I still do get teary eyed sometimes when I go to an event and can't eat a single thing. I get frustrated at restaurants that say they have GF options and the option is a salad (Yes I do get tired of salads!)
Many also ask if I eat a lot of the same foods... the answer is yes. I should eat much more of a variety and I was reminded of that this week when my friend Trish Hoffman did a 20 Plant Based food challenge. It was a great reminder of the need for variety to get a variety of nutrients. Some of the foods I eat often include.... mushrooms (I usually eat 3-4 containers of them a week), broccoli, cauliflower, carrots (raw), meat (all kinds though I should eat more fish). I do also have a smoothie almost every morning which is coconut milk, a banana, and a variety of berries. I have to be cautious with my histamines so I still avoid spinach most of the time as well as strawberries (the low histamine diet is a whole new list of fun on top of the AIP diet - insert eye roll here)
Many people also ask if I feel different - the answer is a resounding yes! I do feel different and in many ways I feel way better. I have lost over 42 pounds, I have dropped two clothing sizes (which means I have some clothing I need to get rid of) but I am still struggling. My adrenal fatigue and constant fight or flight is improving but not completely gone.... my energy levels are low and I get tired very easily (hence why my doctor told me I need to rest 3 hours each day - no I am not doing very well with that directive). My immune system is still in distress and it could take up to a year or more to heal (insert sad face here). But with all things, this is a journey and I am making great strides, and I am learning the hard way that healing doesn't come over night and it takes a lot of hard work, and patience especially when you start to treat the actual issue and not just the symptoms.
I am so thankful for the care I have received at Turnpaugh Health and Wellness Center. I have made huge strides over the last 6 months and my numbers have improved. Dr. Shannon Smith has been an amazing doctor and I am so thankful for God's hand in providing just the right person at just the right time. I am also so thankful for my family Dr. and NP Mandy and Shellie and their support in this long and very frustrating journey. I am thankful that they support natural medicine and desire to work together with my functional doctor to help me achieve wellness.
