Since my last post, which was waaaaay too long ago (but I’m sure you can understand that moving, a grandbaby, a spur-of-the-moment wedding, a graduation and open house plus company from out of state, not once but twice, can make for a very busy life!), I have decided to go grain-free. Sort of a “modified paleo” diet, as I don’t think giving up good quality organic grass-fed raw milk and dairy products is necessary. Neither is eschewing properly prepared legumes. And for many people, they have no problems with traditionally prepared grains. I envy them!
I have gradually come to this point, starting first with jumping on the WPF bandwagon and in the last year going gluten free. I had, for some time, been pushing aside that niggling little voice telling me to ditch grains all together. How could I do that? I have finally come to the conclusion that, at least for a while, I need to quit eating grains. Easier said than done, of course.
With a Do The Best You Can With What You Have kind of attitude, I have adopted my own, personalized version of the Paleo Diet. I will still consume raw dairy, moderately included traditionally prepared legumes, and not beat myself up when the grocery budget says You Must Eat Some Rice This Week (traditionally prepared, of course). I will limit myself to rice, as I have already noticed that consuming corn makes me feel bloated. Such a pity, as I love sweet corn in the summer. Although hearing that sweet corn is most likely a GMO now makes that a bit easier to deal with. Monsanto…ugh.
So, we went to the beach the other day and planned on eating lunch there. I packed a huge insulated bag with cheese, broccoli, carrots, grapes, watermelon, nuts, cucumbers, homemade Kale Ranch dip, and water. Turned out that I packed way too much, but better than going hungry! I was concerned that those “snacky” kinds of food wouldn’t really be satisfying, but they were. It was also so relaxing to be by the water, and that must certainly be a “digestive aid.” And, then I topped it off with some ice cream from an ice cream shop, not knowing what was in it. As you can see, I am far from perfect.
I have had some cravings (last night I wanted a nice, greasy cheeseburger with a “real” bun and some fries…I settled for some cool, refreshing watermelon. Yum!), but it all really comes down to, as my friend Esther so wisely said today while visiting, “I’m the manager of Me.” I choose what to put in my body, or my family’s, and I want to choose healthy foods that my body will accept. I really believe that all this diet frustration…whether “dieting” to lose weight or just figuring out what is really healthy…can be simplified by eliminating all processed foods, then paying attention to what our bodies tell us when we eat “real” food. Every body is unique, even though it broadly functions like any other. Some are allergic to peanuts, some not. Some can’t process gluten, some can. So what works for one person, or group of people, may not work for another.
I have been trying to remember to ask my Creator what I should eat. The days that I do…and obey…I feel and function much better. The days where I let my tongue dictate what I eat…not so much. I have also been trying to pay attention to the subtle clues that my body gives, such as a hot, burning ache in my shoulder joint when I eat something (I’m not sure exactly what yet…either corn or wheat derived) I shouldn’t. Keeping a food journal would be helpful, but I’m just not there yet!
At least I know that a gluten and grain free picnic at the beach is not difficult…and really doesn’t require that I pack half my refrigerator. Have to remember that next time…
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