Tomorrow is the first day of my second challenge. Not sure if it should be the 'second' on theoretically because, as I mentioned last post, I would say it was only partially successful... I didn't get to post yesterday as my man was updating his phone and for some reason, it kept turning the Internet off. Was a total mystery. However, this next one is going to be a genuine 'challenge' as its going to be a total lifestyle change. Tomorrow, I go gluten-free. For the month of February, to begin, but if I see significant positive change, I may keep it up forever. There are ample gluten-free products on the market, many very good.
While at Home Sense the other day (yes, Home Sense) I found some great gluten-free products. I picked up a box of baking / pancake and waffle mix, red velvet cupcake mix and pizza dough mix. There are a lot of products there, mostly dry mixes and cookies / crackers types of things, but still, plenty of options. I was also able to ground flax seed which will be great for smoothies. The Zehrs markets has lots of bakery items available (muffins, breads, bagels, pizza shells, etc) and down town, there is the Local Foods Mart that also carries plenty of fresh, local gluten-free options.
Potentially, to see the most benefit of a 'gluten-free' lifestyle, you need to not replace all the wheat products with synthetic substitutes. Gluten has a very high glycemic index and, often, the reason 'low-carb' diets are beneficial is not only because your body stores and burns fat more effectively, but mainly because it controls your appetite and you don't experience high spikes in your blood sugar. A Gluten-free diet can have the same effect if you don't replace them with substitutes like bread made with tapioca flour, which has an even higher GI. There are, however, far less preservatives and enzymes added to these substitutes if you are really craving.
My dermatologist first recommended a gluten-free diet as it has proven to help with different skin issues. I have also read that it can reduce irritability, muscles and joint aches, headaches and can help those dietings lose difficult belly fat. All of these things would be helpful for me. I remember when I was carb free before, I lost so much weight off my belly. So, ideally, I hope that being gluten-free will help flatten my belly (along with dieting and exercise) and also help with my eczema. If you'd like more information, you can get it here. The article in read from the National Post outlined one girls experience with gluten-free... She tried it out, tried all the baking from the Wheat Belly cookbook and it wasn't all that good, but they don't advertise being tasty, they advertise being healthy and gluten-free. But then again, she didn't necessary need to go gluten free and she didn't see any effects, so essentially as she didn't have an intolerance or sensitivity. It's an experiment for everyone. I have had several people recommend that I read Wheat Belly and I think I will, it is at Costco and will likely make my reading list shortly, especially as I get more into this diet.
There are a LOT of changes that need to be made though. I am planning on doing the following 'switches'...
First off, Costco has Thai Coconut Curry soup and it is soooo good and gluten free. I plan to take that for lunches, along with salads rich in nuts, kale, spinach, cheese and veggies. I have lots of items to make smoothies in the mornings that are healthy and gluten free as well. I am very much looking forward to smoothie making!!
I have rice cakes and nutella when I need a sweet snack. Popcorn or Turkey Bites when I want something salty. Fruits and veggies when I am just wanting to munch. Quinoa, sweet potatoes and rice to go along with my protein and veggies for dinners. Then, if I am really craving a bread type of item, I have my mixes, as well as gluten free bread and pizza shells in my freeze.
This weekend is going to be the transition period, I will be making a detox gluten-free soup as well as a detox salad to help clean out anything that has been attached to my insides for the past little while. Pinterest isgoing to be a good resource for gluten free recipes and snack ideas. I will report tomorrow on day #1.
Wish me plenty of luck, I am going to need it!
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