I mean, really. I always laughed when I heard people talk about blogs. It sounded like something you would find in your bathtub drain. I never understood the purpose. But, as time went on, it became a word I heard frequently. And I began to hear stories about how blogs have helped people. I am still a complete virgin to the blog world, but thought I'd give it a try. My reason? My whole life and diet are about to get a complete overhaul, and I wanted a way to document the process. Plus, writing it all down means I actually have to stick with it.
I have always had seasonal allergies, but didn't get tested to find out what they were until a couple years ago. Even after testing, and taking allergy meds every day, I still didn't see much improvement. Yes, I am that girl. The one who is always fighting a sinus infection, or who always has a stomach ache. I am also the girl who is always hurting myself. I am told regularly that I should write a book about all of my mishaps. Instead, I think I'll settle with a blog.
Anyway, it wasn't until a recent visit to my chiropractor that it finally became clear why I am never 100% healthy. We were talking about my frequent ailments, and I mentioned my allergies. She then said that there is a chance that my grass allergy may also be a wheat allergy, and since I always eat wheat and grain products, my body is always fighting off an allergen. She suggested I try to go gluten-free for three months to see if my overall health would start to improve.
I walked out of the office terrified of the changes I would have to make, and even sought out a second opinion from my allergist. Through him, and some internet research, I found out that, yes, grass allergies can be linked to wheat allergies, especially in someone who has type O blood. "Holy crap!" I thought, "I have type O blood!" So, I began to think that maybe this whole gluten-free thing may actually benefit me.
Ironically, just the weekend before, I had been talking to someone who had recently gone wheat free and was telling me all about the benefits and suggesting that I give it a try. I had thought that yes, it did seem to have a lot of benefits- weight loss, better digestive function, overall bettering of health, not to mention the benefit have becoming a better cook thanks to all the practice I'd be getting. However, the thought of having to actually cook all of my meals, and the expense that goes with that, seemed like too big of a mountain to want to climb right that moment. I though, "Yeah, I'll do that... when I am motivated to do it. Maybe in a month or two."
Well, folks, that was five days ago, and having had the epiphany since then, that I may actually have a sensitivity or an allergy to wheat, I have decided to strap on my hiking shoes and climb that mountain. So this, my friends, is my way of journaling this adventure. I know it won't be easy, and I know I will need a little support and a lot of resources, but I am making this happen. It is now Wednesday, and I am finishing out the week by eating the rest of my bread and other grains I will miss, and in that time I am making a list of things I can and cannot have. This weekend, I will grocery shop and restock my refrigerator and pantry with gluten-free products, and I will begin the process of cooking and eating only GF foods.
I will keep you posted as I go. Hopefully, through this process, I can also help someone else who is thinking about going gluten free and doesn't know where to begin. I will share my resources, success stories, challenges, and anything else I just want to get off my chest. Hope you'll follow along!
