eating better and feeling better

[doublevision1]

For about two weeks now I've been eating very differently than I usually eat. Zero wheat, next to no processed sugar (1 oz of dark chocolate to be exact), next to no alcohol (1 x 5 oz glass of red wine to be exact). Small portion of chicken or fish every day. Tons of vegetables. No dairy except Greek yogurt. Cut coffee intake in half and drinking more green tea. Everything has been fresh; no packaged/ processed/ fast food. I've lost almost 9 lbs and am down one pant size. Exercise about the same, 5k every other day on the treadmill.

Becoming smaller is nice, but the biggest difference is in how I feel. I'm sleeping better, have more energy and not so sluggish. My head also feels clearer, my mood better. My digestion is improved. I don't know if it's the lack of sugar and/or gluten, or the increase in healthy foods, or the smaller portions, or all of the above but I am feeling so much better overall. Same MS complaints, no change in them other than fatigue. But feeling more comfortable otherwise make the MS stuff more bearable.

This is a real test for me as I am a huge fan of sweets and love to bake, but so far it's been easier than I would have thought and I'm not having any cravings. I didn't actually start this for weight loss but to deal with the sluggishness. The weight loss has been an added perk. Hoping I have the will power to make these changes permanently. Am just so surprised at what a difference this is making. Just thought I'd share. :)

[maxthecat43]

SORRY!   I'll blame faulty memory,  I meant to congratulate you on your changes, and success.  

Corriel:  I'm sure we can both do it too.  Although my 5k will have to wait until my broken and sprained toes heal...

Tammy

[maxthecat43]

Congratulations!   I have several family members and friends doing the same diet.  The 5k run is awesome too!

According to a friend with fibromyalgia, removing the gluten is what helped her to manage what she calls fibro-fog.  I haven't been quite as successful in removing gluten this time.  I'm working on it though.

Tammy

[kwarendorf]

The not baking thing is a big pain in the a**. I just bought a 7QT KitchenAid stand mixer. It sits on my counter taunting me! Bu I know I can't trust myself at the moment...

Kyle

[rendean]

DB,
I too, have switched to green tea (3 cups a day) and dropped my bad habit of 2 L of diet Coke /day. Switched to organics where affordable and and am growing my own organic veggies! Everyone  keeps commenting on how good I look and I have a renewed level of energy.

Like you, I still have my MS symptoms but have more energy!  Glad you have more energy and the added plus of the weight loss!

BTW, green teas improve digestion. Keep it up!!

Ren

[HVAC]

It is amazing what the right fuel does. What amazes me is my body works at all with crap. Just water. That is what our bodies are made of and we put anything but water in. hen I eat right and exercise I am so much happier.


Alex

[immisceo]

Congratulations, DV! Thank you for sharing. It's really motivating. I'm totally on board with you.

I had a weigh-in this morning at the doctor's that was of concern to more than just my vanity! We can't control or predict our MS, but we can sure as heck help stack the cards in our favour as much as possible, and I've been dealing myself bum hands in this respect lately!

I know I can do this, because I have before. I just really had a slide with this latest depressive episode. Hopefully a combination of longer days, warmer weather, the right meds, and inspiration from people like you will get the ball rolling.

I'd say with all the changes you're making and success you're having, you have every right to shout it from the hills! Go DV, go!

[Lulu54]

Congrats on feeling better - once again you re evidence that eating cleaner has a direct connection to our energy and health.  Now if only I could get motivated to do the same.....
Keep up the good work!

[Corriel]

Thanks for sharing this! I have been struggling with eating better and noticed I just felt generally "better" when I was on track. I have been foolish in letting work take over a bit so skipping meals seems to be a habit again.

Your post reminded me of why I need to focus more on myself again.

Thanks!
Corrie