20 years of being in pain. 20 years of feeling fatigued. 20 years of useless gastroenterology appointments. I finally decided to take matters into my own hands and drastically change my diet. Was it easy? No. Do I still want a cheesy, tri-tip sandwich smothered with BBQ sauce with a side of fried zucchini drenched in ranch? Yes. But I've learned the hard way that if you want to truly feel good and live your best life, you have to make sacrifices. And believe me, they're worth it.
I saw a meme recently that said, "The U.S. doesn't sell food, it sells food-like products." And isn't that the truth! After decades of dealing with ongoing gut issues, which medicine has not been effective in treating, I finally feel normal. No more bloating, no more pain, no more brain fog and no more mood swings. Now, eating no gluten, no sugar and no fried foods is no fun, but the results are worth every shred of my self-discipline.
I was inspired by my best friend who got rid of ALL her autoimmune symptoms with a diet change. She had been to every leading specialist in the Los Angeles area looking for answers and was desperate for help. Fed up, she took control of her diet and ultimately her health. In awe, it dawned on me that it was time to stop my pity-party of one, suck it up and just eat what my body needs to feel good.
Changing your diet overnight is not sustainable for most. I've tried and failed in the past, but I find health issues are a huge motivating factor. If you're just longing for more energy and to feel better overall, moderation is key. No one diet fits all, but generally speaking, focus on whole foods over processed, protein over refined carbs, fruits and vegetables over sugar and try to limit alcohol. I'm no nutritionist but do unequivocally know that what you put in your body affects how you feel and look, which then in turn affects everything else, including your daily joy and self-confidence.
Not only do I feel more alive than I have in a long time and am experiencing a lot less inflammation, but I kid you not, I got smarter. I was living in a fog, struggling to stay awake and function during work. Now, my brain feels clearer, my memory and productivity have improved and I'm getting promoted! The only change I can attribute that to is my diet.
I'll admit that I do miss bread and the occasional sweet treat. But I don't miss feeling like I'm trudging through each and every day. My energy level and happiness have increased, which makes me a better employee, wife, mother and friend. So, I'll make do without the carbs I used to so cherish, and my body and mind will continue thanking me. Now I'm not preaching to adopt a certain diet, as that will look different depending on each individual's needs, health issues and intolerances. I'm just posting this as food for thought. Take it from me, if you change your diet for the better, you'll change your life for the better too.