I have been on a quest for vibrant health and happiness for my entire life. And of course the search for love, but that would be another chapter all together.
From studying about herbs and homoeopathy back in Germany to Buddhism, TCM and Feng Shui, Reiki to Essential oils and many other vibrational healing techniques meditation to the search for the perfect diet.
In the search for better health and reducing my weight put on during menopause we came across the elimination diet.
Introduction to the Elimination diet.
Embarking on a journey of dietary change is always a bit daunting. I choose to become a vegetarian when I became a Buddhist in 2001. As a blood group O (blood group O is the first blood group and they are the traditional hunters and do well on meat). I wasn’t very healthy and added fish to my diet in 2010. In 2020/2021 after my move I cut out white sugar and wheat and started adding beef and wild caught fish to my diet. I considered my diet relatively healthy although I still ate out (or ordered food due to the covid restrictions) regularly. However I felt something needed to change as I felt that my body was in constant low grade inflammation and my nose had a lot of mucus, which made it difficult to breath despite the septum deviation surgery one year ago.
In addition my partner and me questioned our food because the way we felt after each meal. Was it really “normal” to feel sleepy and with no energy after a meal? Shouldn’t food revitalise us? So we explored different options and because of my hormonal changes due to menopause we choose to try the elimination diet.
Before embarking on these 30 days we went through our cabinet to discard any food which we were not supposed to consume for the next 30 days. We would be eliminating: pork, soy, corn, gluten, dairy, sugar, eggs, and canola oil from our diet for 30 days. The idea was to figure out which of the foods triggered the inflammation and made us sluggish. This blog post is a chronicle of our journey, the challenges we faced, the discoveries we made, and the seven significant health improvements that emerged. Hopefully this will encourage you to follow suit!
Setting the Course: Why We Chose to Eliminate These eight Foods
Our journey began with a decision to cut out certain foods that are commonly linked to adverse health effects such as inflammation. Here’s why we chose each one:
Pork: Often high in saturated fats and sodium, leading to potential heart issues.
Soy: Concerns over hormone-like effects due to phytoestrogens.
Corn: Commonly genetically modified and a prevalent source of allergens.
Gluten: A trigger for digestive issues and linked to celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.
Dairy: Associated with lactose intolerance and potentially inflammatory.
Sugar: A culprit for weight gain, diabetes, and a host of metabolic issues.
Eggs: Although nutritious, they can be problematic for those with allergies or sensitivities.
Canola Oil: Often processed and high in trans fats, linked to heart disease.
The Journey Begins: The Initial Struggles and new discoveries
The first few days were the hardest. No more quick meals or take away food. Everything had to be prepared from scratch, which required time. Eating out was impossible. I missed my morning Greek yoghurt with fruits a lot. However, within a week we both noticed that we were no longer bloated and tired after a meal. My mucus decreased drastically and I could breath better through my nose, subsequently our energy levels increased.
We embraced fresh vegetables, grass fed lean meats (excluding pork), sustainably caught fish, nuts, and seeds. I started to do my own nut milk, which I drank occasionally because most nuts are hight in oxalate, so they are best consumed in moderations. We eliminated processed food even spices 100%. The only spices we used were salt and pepper. We also drank Ningxia Red juice (60 to 120ml a day) and freshly juiced celery juice (350ml a day). Our taste buds gradually changed and we actually noticed how tasty simple vegetables and meat on its own are. The culinary exploration lead to new recipes and a newfound passion for simple and nourishing food. We share our recipes on our website and on our Instagram page. Please follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travellingbowl/ and tiktok:
The top 7 Health Improvements:
#1: Better and Clearer Skin
About three weeks into our journey, we noticed that our skin was less dry and the appearance of our skin became smoother and more vibrant. Cutting out dairy and sugar, known for their inflammatory properties, played a pivotal role in this transformation.
#2: Surge in Energy Levels
Gone were the days of mid-afternoon slumps and reliance on a cup of tea for a pick-me-up. Our new diet, rich in whole foods, provided sustained energy throughout the day. This newfound energy not only boosted our productivity but also our motivation to stay active and fit. Starting a new exercise regime for both of us was the result.
#3: Weight Loss
With the elimination of high-calorie, nutrient-poor foods, weight loss was finally happening. We didn’t count any calories and ate to our hearts content. I felt a lot less hungry. The pounds shed were a reflection of high quality nutrients and of the internal cleansing and rebalancing happening within our bodies. The belly fatt was dwindling.
#4: Reduced Anxiety and Enhanced Mental Well-being
The correlation between diet and mental health became evident as we noticed a remarkable decrease in anxiety levels. The omission of white sugar and other preservatives and chemicals added to the food, are known aggravator of mood swings. Our diet rich in nutrients, fostered a state of mental clarity and calmness. 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut and by improving our diet the gut improved too.
#5: Improved Sleep Quality
The changes in our diet had a positive impact especially on my sleep. I was able to stay asleep longer then before and woke up every morning at the same time. The absence of sugar and carbohydrate spikes, alongside a balanced intake of magnesium and potassium from whole foods, contributed to this improvement.
#6: No More Mucus Troubles
One of the fastest changes was the reduction in mucus production. This was particularly noticeable for those of us who had always struggled with dairy. Breathing became easier, and the constant need for tissues diminished significantly.
#7: Reduced Inflammation and Joint Pain
Lastly, the benefit that seemed to tie all others together was the reduction in inflammation. Symptoms of chronic inflammation e.g. join pain improved. This was a testament to the power of food as medicine.
Conclusion: The Destination Reached, But The Journey Continues
As we reached the 30-day mark, it was clear that this dietary journey was not just a temporary challenge but a transformative life change. The seven health improvements were just the beginning. This journey taught us about the profound impact of dietary choices on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It’s a journey we plan to continue, with each day bringing us closer to optimal health and vitality. The horizon is promising, and we invite you to set sail on your own journey of transformation.
Resources:
The whole kitchen for gluten free, corn free bread, cakes and other goodies:
For corn free and gluten free pasta try brown rice and buckwheat pasta (Fairprice, Cold storage)
We use grass fed beef and fish from Sasha Fine food, Singapore, for 25S$ of your first order please use this link:
The antioxidant wolfberry juice from Young Living, Ningxia Red can be ordered here: https://www.myyl.com/claudiahofmaier
(please take note that some of the above links above may contain some affiliation codes)
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