I’ve waited a long time to write this post. I have had countless fits and starts in my quest to kick wheat. I’ve known for years that I have a sensitivity to it, but I’m so darn addicted I would cave in and eat bread when every cell in my body craved it.
Toward the end of April I became resolved that May 1 would be the day I’d try, try again. Halfway through the month I posted about it here. I felt I needed the accountability to make it through the remaining 15 days.
In the past 30 days I’ve had one communion wafer and two SMALL, accidental portions of wheat. I’ve already reported on the first accident. The second occurred on Wednesday. I had a bit of breakfast casserole that honestly looked Paleo. The person who made it later shared the recipe and it included bread. Judging by the size of my portion, I estimate I ate about one forth of a slice. I’m not going to fall on my sword over it.
May is normally my busy month and this one was no exception. But for the accidents, I remained wheat-free through:
- One Mother’s Day dinner
- Two graduation parties
- Two professional association lunches
- One all-day seminar with lunch of sandwiches and wraps
- A birthday party
- A retirement brunch
- A retirement party
- An office “ice cream sundae party”– I just stayed the heck out of there
- An early morning meeting with muffins
So how do I feel? I’m glad you asked.
- For years my eyes have watered profusely, especially in the mornings. Now the only time my eyes water is when the pollen count is higher than Nashville’s normal high.
- I sleep more soundly and I often wake up before the alarm clock.
- I think I have less brain fog…except during that early morning meeting. That thing started way too early and I was quite foggy.
- I still sneeze, but not as often as I used to. Remember, I live in the allergy capital of the Universe.
- I feel less bloated.
- My moods feel level.
- My physical sugar and wheat cravings are now GONE. At last night’s retirement party a huge chocolate cake was staring me in the face. I just didn’t care.
The cravings lessened once I got through the first 10 days. I used some strategies I’ve learned through coach training and implementing those made the experience easier than I anticipated.
In future posts I’ll tell you about some of the books I’ve read that inspired me to try this again. I think wheat sensitivity is an important topic and worthy of more attention.
One day at a time, I plan to continue this way of eating. I feel too good not to.
482gr8 