If I only had listened!

So since my last post we had Christmas, a colonoscopy and New Years.  Of course I lost a few pounds from the colonoscopy from starving.  =-)  But it made me realize that when I cut out stuff from my diet and my system was cleaned out...my tummy was almost flat.  Yes I know that I can't starve myself to keep a flat stomach or even be on a liquid diet.  After I was given good results from my colonoscopy I realized I finally need to look into my diet and see what I am eating that is probably causing all my issues.  I have never been a huge fan of meat but do love the 1-2x a year BBQ steak and chicken is a staple around here but I don't mind tofu or other alternative protien sources either.  So I checked out books and finally started reading up on IBS/Fibromyalgia and eating for my blood type.  I came to the conclusion that I can keep living the way I am living or I can make some sacrifices and feel so much better and I would be that much healthier.  For years off and on people asked if I had a lactose intolerance.  I always associated that to other issues that I don't have.  After reading up on the fact that dairy is one of the hardest food sources to digest and that it is one of the top things to cut out of your diet when you have IBS.  I also now have two beautiful little girls that already show signs of IBS and I don't want them to go through what I went through growing up and into my 30's.

So the experiment started.  I have cut almost all dairy out of my diet for about 2 weeks now.  And along the way discovered I am allergic to soy milk...but can eat other soy products.  Almond or coconut or rice milk is my new go to milk.  I do miss a nice glass of fat free milk but I can do without if it means living a more comfortable everyday life.

I also started cutting down on meat, which has been fairly easily since I don't really crave it all that much and never really have.  Tofu is my new best friend.

Gluten Free is also something I work with.  But I have only done GF when it is possible or easily workable into my meal plan. 

Carbonation was also something I loved...sparkling water and seltzer were my go to instead of soda.  But that can cause bloating.

So far I have lost 6 lbs since my last post.  And mostly it has been the last 2 weeks when I started experimenting with this.  Do I miss my milk, sparkling water and french bread YES!!!  But when I look in the mirror and I can see a somewhat flat stomach and with just a little toning and core work I can get back to where I was 10 years ago...I dont' miss it that much.  Trying to find recipes that are dairy free, meat free and gluten free all at once is a struggle so I do what I can.  If it has gluten....who cares or a little chicken that is okay too.  I at this point I am not going to say "I WILL NEVER EAT..........AGAIN!"  Because after my 1/2 marathon I might just have to get an In-n-Out burger...yes.  Will I pay for it later Yes.  Will I ever fully give up cheesecake...No...but I will eat it only on special occasions.  It is all about balance and finding out what works for my body.  I have not felt like this in so many years it is amazing.  Not feeling like I am constantly bloated and like there is a 10lb ball in my stomach feels amazing. 

This is definitely not for everyone and I would never say that.  But after reading what works for Type A blood type and for people suffering from IBS and I make the changes and I see a difference pretty much immediately...it works for me and that is all I care about.

So here is to a new lifestyle and a new me and a healthier happier family.  And next time when someone suggests something I will not just brush it away and actually look into what they have to say.