The Little Things Add Up

It's Day 26 of my endometriosis diet and hard to believe almost a month has gone by.  Most days I've followed the plan completely, but I have had a few treats here and there.  I'm definitely starting to see some majors changes from this eating plan.  It's exciting to realize that less than a month is all it takes to see significant improvements in my body and quality life.

1.  I'm definitely slimming down.  
I've only lost 5 pounds, but my clothes fit much differently.  This morning I was able to wear a blazer that was far too tight a few months ago.  Getting lean also means feeling lighter in the gym.  That might be the best benefit, especially when body weight exercises come into play.  And my muscles are starting to pop!  My friend took this back shot of me last night at Jungle Gym, and I couldn't believe the muscle definition!  This is especially encouraging since I feel like it takes me FOREVER to see any muscle on my frame.

2.  I'm sleeping better.
Most nights I can sleep through the night now without pain or discomfort.  I still have the occasional rough night, but this is the exception instead of the rule.  I also fall asleep much sooner.  I used to be wide awake until 11 or midnight.  Now I can fall asleep around 9 or 10.  I wake up each day much more rested.

3.  I barely think about coffee.
I used to need coffee at least twice a day....sometimes three times.  Now, I can drive to work wide awake and make it through the entire day without that hazy fog or need for a nap.  A cup of green tea is all I need, and some days I don't even drink that.  It's amazing to be able to move on from something that was so addicting.  Do I still want it sometimes?  Of course.  But I don't feel like I'm going to die without it.

4.  I've found a good groove of what to eat and when.
I was worried at first that with the approved foods on the list I would feel deprived, or sluggish, or that maybe I would rely too much on high-fat foods like nuts, avocados, etc.  The first week or two I ate A LOT of fat.  It helped me feel full as I was adjusting to the new meal plan.  But now I've found a good balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats.  My typical day looks something like this:

 

I don't log my food every day, and I don't get too hung up on calories.  My intuition, workouts, and

energy level drive what I eat.  And If I'm hungry, I eat more!  I just stick to the clean, whole foods on my list and make sure I get plenty of veggies and fruit.

5. I don't have to rely on pain meds and ibuprofen.
I used to gobble up ibuprofen like candy, and there were multiple days each month when I couldn't sleep without taking a pain pill.  In the past 26 days, I've only taken a prescription pill one time.  And I barely use ibuprofen.  I still experience some pain, but I'm finding that it's more manageable and doesn't last as long.  This week in the gym, I've been able to get through complete workouts without any issues.  This is a giant step forward for me.

6. That "time of the month" wasn't so terrible.
I'll spare the details here, but let's just say it wasn't as awful as usual.  It's never a picnic, but any improvement is great.


As the first month comes to a close, I'm excited to see what other changes take place and what kind of progress I can make.  It can only get better from here!!

Singing to Journey Makes My Food Taste Better

Cooking is a big deal in our household.  Luckily Steve and I both enjoy it, and in the background we usually have some great music on vinyl.  Tonight's choice was Journey's Greatest Hits.  Crosby, our boxer pup, loves it when I sing to him.  (At least I like to believe he does.)

On the menu was my latest attempt at bringing in an "old school" favorite with a twist.  I'm a big fan of Italian food, and I was desperately craving some of that delicious comfort that only a big bowl of pasta, sauce, and mozzarella cheese can provide.  I had eggplant in the house for another recipe and started to wonder if I could do a spin on Eggplant Parmesan.  I found this recipe for Crispy Baked Eggplant, and I started to think...

This could totally be gluten-free with some tweaks!

I already had gluten-free flour from baking for a friend, and I found these breadcrumbs at Kroger.  They are definitely more course than traditional breadcrumbs, but they coated the eggplant well.  Everything crisped up perfectly, and we paired it with some baby portabella mushrooms, a veggie-filled marinara sauce, and ground chicken meatballs.  I'm so full and happy right now!!!  And I didn't even miss the cheese that would usually top this traditional dish.  It had too much flavor for me to feel like I was missing out!

That's my goal with this meal plan.  I want to do the best I can to clean up my diet and create versions of my favorite foods that will still follow the guidelines.  I'll admit, the past couple days haven't been perfect.  I went out to eat a few times with friends, and last night I watched football at our friends' house and had tortilla chips (cooked in vegetable oil) and one cookie.  But for me, that's pretty impressive.  With a choice of multiple desserts, I only ate ONE cookie!  My saving grace was bringing a homemade chili that was completely on point with my plan.  My husband gave me the idea, and I was so thankful he did.  I was starting to feel frustrated that I wouldn't have many options, but a big bowl of that chili filled me up, and I didn't feel tempted to eat all of the other foods.  Just that delicious cookie!


Every day it's getting a little easier to say "no" to restricted foods and to find ways to eat what's approved.  I still want to enjoy time with friends, and I will still go out to eat.  I can't shut myself away, but I can make a conscious effort to choose what is best for my body when I'm in situations where I don't cook for myself.


So far it seems to be paying off.  I had a rough night Friday, and Saturday I chose to take it easy and didn't work out at all.  But by yesterday morning I was back in the gym, and today I was able to give all I had to a BRUTAL workout full of squats.  Jump squats, split squats, Bulgarian split squats....and even some hexbar deadlifts too.  We worked that booty!!!  It was a love/hate relationship for sure.

Because a Girl's Gotta Have Dessert

One of the toughest habits for me to break is my love affair with sweets.  My parents offered me fudge to motivate me as I first learned to walk.  I celebrated t-ball games and straight A report cards with a trip to get ice cream.  And my mom's baking?  Don't get me started.  She used to send me care packages in college filled with the best sugar cookies and caramel popcorn.  And her pies...  Good. Lord. Almighty.  I honestly don't bake much for fear that I won't live up to her level of greatness.

Somewhere along the way I picked up the idea that sweets equal celebration, and honestly, I can find any reason to celebrate.  I developed a terrible habit of "just picking up something small" when I was out grocery shopping.  My husband and I don't keep junk food in the house, but if I eat in the car, it doesn't count...right??  (P.S.  He does this too.  Many Kit Kat wrappers have been dumped as evidence.)  I'll find a chocolate-drizzled kettlecorn or a funky chocolate bar and be convinced that I HAVE to try it.  I act as if the world is ending tomorrow and I might miss my opportunity.  And holidays or parties?  Best believe I will try every dessert available, even if my stomach is about to burst.  

The funny thing is, I always thought this was just me.  I felt like it made me a weirdo, and that my willpower was out of control.  I could meal prep, and eat more veggies, but sweets always found their way back into my "healthy" diet.  And it wasn't just once a week.  Nope.  It was almost daily.  Even my co-workers knew this, as they offered me peanut butter cups on the regular.  But as I did more research on endometriosis, I found that this is actually a common symptom.  Women with the condition tend to have strong cravings for sweets.  And the more you eat, the more you want.  I knew giving up this monster would be the toughest.  Even more so than coffee.  (Gasp!)

So I scoured my options and decided I would figure out a way to enjoy "dessert" so I didn't feel deprived.  My newest creation is one I'm pretty proud of, and it hits the spot as my after dinner treat.  

- 1 cup frozen organic blueberries and raspberries (I scoop them out while I eat dinner and let them thaw)

- 2 teaspoons of chilled organic coconut milk (Once chilled, it flakes off with a spoon and you can shake it onto the fruit)

- A drizzle of organic honey (A little goes a long way!)

Voila!  My taste buds are happy!  The berries are sweet and slightly tart, the coconut milk is creamy and feels indulgent, and the honey adds just the right amount of sweetness.  My next step is to try this blended together, because I have a hunch it could be sorbet or sherbet-esque.  For now, I'm enjoying it as a little bowl of goodness. 

The hubby and I also made some awesome Dijon Mustard Turkey Sliders and Homemade Coleslaw from our trainer's Epic Eats cookbook.  Dinner was delicious, and we have plenty for lunch tomorrow as well.  I'm finding that it's working better to make bigger dinners and take the leftovers for lunch than to meal prep everything on Sunday.  It's an adjustment for me, but I like that every day is different and more fresh.

Daily Stats:

Sleep: I had trouble falling asleep.  I was in quite a bit of pain and ended up using a heating pad and pain medicine.  After that I slept great though, and I woke up feeling much better.

Energy Level:  Great!  I didn't even need green tea in the afternoon.

Meals:  Stuck to the plan -- no problems.

Workout:  I felt pretty awful during Jungle Gym yesterday, so I listened to my body and took it easy today.  Light cardio (bike, elliptical, jogging on the treadmill) felt great.

Weight: 147.2 lbs (Down 4.2 lbs) 

But You Are Not Alone In This

With yet another snow day, and lots of time to think, I keep having the same question run through my mind.  Where does God fit into this plan for healing?  My faith is extremely important to me, and I think I felt almost guilty that I was presenting this plan like I believed I would be the one to heal myself.  That's not actually what I think at all.  For months I've felt like this is the direction I should take, but I don't think I would've come to that conclusion alone.  It's taken years of prayer, pain, doubt, and deliverance to bring me to where I am now.

I think it's human nature to wonder why things happen the way they do.  And often, we especially question when struggles or trials occur in our life.  If you've dealt with illness, pain, or suffering...or you've had to endure the agony of watching a loved one go through it, you know those questions are very real.  And it can leave you feeling alone, trapped, hopeless, scared, and abandoned.

Why am I going through this?  And why does it seem like there's no hope?  No possible way out?  

I've felt this countless times in my own life and those close to me.  It leaves me feeling defeated.  I remember nights when I was in so much pain, and I prayed to God to take this all away.  I've prayed for friends or family members who needed healing or that rescue from their circumstances.  And every time, the answered prayer comes back very differently from what I imagined.  Prayer isn't magic.  It doesn't work immediately, or in our frame of time.  And it isn't an automatic bargaining chip.  We can't promise God we will change or "do better" and he will give us our desires in that moment.  

But prayer brings me to my knees and reminds me that I can't do this alone.  And I don't have to.  I was never meant to go through this life on my own.  I always think of the song "Timshel" by Mumford & Sons...  

But you are not alone in this
And you are not alone in this
As brothers we will stand and we'll hold your hand
Hold your hand

I'm never alone, because God is there with me, and he's also put people in my life who lift me up when I'm weak.  They brush me off and help me start over again.  I don't have to be strong in my own strength.  I have the strength of God within me and the support of those around me.  

But I also love the last line of this song, because I think it's the other point that can sometimes be missed or neglected.

But I can't move the mountains for you

I believe in the power of prayer, and I know that I need the help of others, but ultimately I have to take the steps to move forward.  I have to make decisions and act, knowing that I have support systems there to guide me and pick me up when I fall.  But this is still my life to live.  I can't wait around, hoping something happens to me.  And I can't make excuses and wallow in my self-pity.  It reminds me of a story I heard once about a man who was caught in a flood and trapped on the roof of his house.  I don't know the exact story, but it went something like this:

The man sat stranded for days, calling out to God.  Multiple times, people came by in row boats and offered him a ride to safety, but each time he replied, "No, thank you.  God will save me".  Then when he prayed to God he asked, "Lord, why didn't you save me?  Why did you leave me here alone?"  God answered, "I did try to save you.  You turned each row boat away.  All you had to do was step in."

So that's where I now find myself.  God has provided an option of healing, and I'm taking that step.  I'm not saying I can do it alone.  And I'm not saying I have the power of healing.  But I do believe it's within my power to make choices that are best for my body, mind, and spirit.  

Today was a day of reminder for me.  I made it to the gym (thanks to my husband's SUV and mad driving skills in the snow!) and I felt pretty terrible.  I left the workout at one point until the cramping and pain calmed down some.  And I had that same familiar question...  

Why?

I don't know why some days are better than others.  But I do know that's the first bad day I've had in a week.  It's an improvement, and it gives me hope.  And I still managed to get a pretty decent workout.  It may not have been my 100% best, but it's better than nothing at all.  I'll take it.  And I'll remain hopeful knowing that tomorrow might be even better.  

When All is Quiet

Growing up in northwestern Pennsylvania, a good portion of my year revolved around snow.  My Halloween costume had to fit over my winter coat.  I wore snow boots to school and packed other shoes in my backpack.  Only a few times did I get to enjoy an Easter dress with cute shoes and a little floppy hat.  My friends and I would spend hours watching movie marathons, eating popcorn, and baking cookies.  And of course, there were snowball fights, snow forts, sledding, and ice skating with my brother.  We had to find ways to still get out and have fun when months and months were spent buried under multiple feet of snow.  And yes, we always had school.  ALWAYS.

Here in the south, it's a different story.  Life comes to a grinding halt when a snowstorm rolls through.  The roads become almost impassible without equipment to keep them clear, and everyone becomes shut away in their homes unless they absolutely, positively must be out.  For some, this might be a nightmare, but I love the peace and quiet that comes with snow days.  The blanket of white outside is gorgeous, and the rush and busyness of life slows down.  It's like I can take a breather, with permission, and just "be".  But with that quiet comes loud thoughts in my head.  And today those thoughts are focused on my diet.  It seems silly, but today I felt sad.  I felt like I was missing out.  I wanted to bake cookies, or drink hot cocoa, or make pizza.  I wanted to have popcorn while watching a movie.  I wanted the comfort that comes from comfort foods.  And I thought back to how many years I spent that way growing up.  It's amazing how food ties into our memories.

I stayed strong and stayed busy to avoid thinking about "forbidden" foods.  I cleaned the kitchen and both bathrooms.  I scrubbed the windows that featured my dogs' nose art.  I organized our shoe closet.  I went for a walk and enjoyed the crisp, snowy air.  And I still got to enjoy some yummy food.  I just need to realize now that I'm building my own new traditions.  Like a veggie and egg white omelette, plus oats with cinnamon and slivered almonds.  And a nice, hot bowl of shrimp jambalaya after being out in the cold.  It's different, but it's still delicious.  I'm well-fed, I'm warm, and I'm happy.  It's a lot to be thankful for.

And let's talk about improvements over the last week!  The past two nights I've slept all the way through the night, I've had only minor pain during workouts, and today I was able to put my heating pad away because I haven't needed it!  And a bonus...I've lost 2.6 pounds!  All of these triumphs let me know I'm on the right track, and that makes the small sacrifices and adjustments worth it.  

So here's to a few more days of peace and quiet with snow falling outside.  I hope you find some joy in it as well.

Questions, Temptation, and Chicken Salad

Not gonna lie.  Day #3 was a little rough.  It was my first day back at work and I felt lethargic the entire day.  I also had a raging headache, which continued until I ate dinner tonight.  My workout felt miserable, although I think most people felt that way today!  It was a tough one!

I've been at this point before.  I know my body is adjusting to the detox...but man, the struggle was real.  Co-workers also offered me chocolate three different times today.  I successful declined, but I was seriously tempted to have "just one".  I know where that leads though.  Sweets are my downfall, and stopping after I start is almost impossible.  I'm looking forward to a cup of blueberries and raspberries with coconut cream for dessert tonight!

I also had a great question from a fellow Jungle Gym beast today during our workout.  She was curious about my decision to choose more plant-based options and whether I was giving up all animal products.  Some women who go on an Endometriosis Diet do adopt a Vegan lifestyle.  I unfortunately am not prepared at this point to do that.  I need a lot of protein, and I just can't see myself consuming enough from a plant-based diet.  So for now, I'll stick with eliminating red meat and processed meats.  This will still reduce the amount of negative prostaglandins I'm consuming.  The "bad" prostaglandins come from animal fats and saturated fat, and they directly contribute to the pain and inflammation I've been experiencing.


Another positive today was the AMAZING Curried Chicken Salad I had for lunch!  I made a big batch yesterday and stored it in a glass bowl so I can scoop out servings over romaine lettuce.  The recipe comes from Danielle Walker's cookbook Against All Grain: Delectable Paleo Recipes to Eat Well and Feel Great.  I also found the recipe posted here.  I omitted the carrots (I HATE CARROTS!) and also didn't have mint leaves.  For the mayonnaise, you can choose based on your preferences.  I used a paleo olive oil mayo.  If you're not worried about being strictly paleo, you can use a traditional mayo.  I found the Curry Powder mix at Trader Joe's.  It's spicy, so you'll definitely want the grapes to cool things down.  So delicious and filling!!!

Daily Stats:

Sleep: Poor.  Woke up at 2:00 A.M. and couldn't fall back asleep.  Finally got up at 4:30.  😐

Energy Level:  Very low...plus a headache.

Meals:  Stuck to the plan, but I didn't a chance to eat my oats this morning.  Definitely need to make sure I eat all my food tomorrow.

Workout:  Rough one today!  So many burpees, pull ups, wall climbs, V ups, and weight lunges!  Loved the rope jacks though.  

Weight: 150.8 lbs (Down .6)

So...What Exactly CAN I Eat??

I love food.  I love the comfort of food.  I love the emotional attachment to food.  Food means meals with loved ones and friends.  Food means fuel when I'm famished from a workout.  Food means a big bowl of ice cream when I've had a terrible day.  Food means celebrating the good times in life.  So the question I ask as I begin this diet is...WHAT IN THE WORLD CAN I EAT???

I know choosing this lifestyle means just that.  Making a conscious choice to decide on foods that are better for my body and my needs.  It means forgoing what's easier or more convenient.  It means letting go of certain habits and comforts.  But it also means choosing health.  Energy.  The ability to sleep soundly at night.  The hope of a pain-free day, week, or even month.  The possibility of completing a workout and truly giving my all.  The chance to take days off of work to go do something fun, instead of having to call out sick because I can't get out of bed.  Instead of worrying about making plans because I might not feel well, I can finally look beyond with hope for brighter days ahead.

So I will focus on what I CAN eat instead of the laundry list of what I can't.  I know my restrictions, and the list is long.  No alcohol, caffeine, gluten, dairy, refined flour or sugar, red meat, processed meats, or soy.  But there are still lots of options and great recipes available.  It just takes a little more prep, creativity, and willingness to try something new.  I found a bunch of ideas in these cookbooks, plus some great websites.  Paleo options are helpful because they eliminate many of my restricted foods, but I still find that I need to tweak some recipes.  I'll keep playing around and hope to try a few new meals each week.  

Here's my approved list of foods:  

(Based on information from www.endo-resolved.com and The Endometriosis Natural Treatment Program by Worwood & Stonehouse)

Produce:

- Variety of vegetables (especially dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale)

- Mushrooms

- Onions

- Garlic

- Sauerkraut

- Variety of fruits (especially dark berries)

Carbs:

- Beans

- Sweet potatoes

- Tomatoes (avoid canned if possible)

- Rice

- Quinoa
- Oats

Fats:

- Olive Oil 

- Coconut Oil

- Avocados

- Nuts (especially walnuts, cashews, and almonds)

- Seeds

Protein:

- Salmon

- Shrimp, Oysters, Clams, Lobster, Crab

- Chicken, Pork, or Turkey (lean)

Additives/Condiments:

- Coconut Aminos

- Coconut Milk

- Organic Honey

- Stevia

- Mustard

- Vinegar

- Spices and seasonings

Drinks:

- Almond Milk

- Green Tea

My goal is to stick to this plan completely until my birthday, which is March 20.  Then I will enjoy some drinks and favorite foods and see just how I feel.  I may regret it, but it gives me a more manageable goal to work towards.  After that, I'll reset and start again.  I want to keep this going long-term to really monitor the affects.  I have high hopes that this can be the lifestyle change I need to truly LIVE MY LIFE!!

Daily Stats:

Sleep: Poor.  Woke up at 3:00 A.M. with minor pain and couldn't fall back asleep until 5:00 A.M.

Energy Level:  Good, especially after Jungle Gym.

Meals:  Stuck to the plan completely.  Excited for Paleo Meatloaf tonight for dinner!

Workout:  Felt amazing during the entire workout!  I was even able to do Ninja Rolls without the help of a riser.  Super proud moment since I hate them!!

Weight: 151.4 lbs (Which means no holiday weight gain!!)

A Look Back Before Moving Forward

Here we go.  A new year begins, and everyone has their idea of a perfect resolution.  Maybe it's to lose weight.  Maybe it's to quit smoking.  Maybe it's to see if they can finish a pack of Oreos in one sitting.  I don't judge, because everyone is in a different place.  Some people have thought carefully about a resolution and made a plan.  It could be a matter of life and death.  Others might decide on a whim and leave it be after a week or two.  Wherever people are on the resolution continuum, I hope they are at peace with their decision.  Maybe this will be the year they drop those 50 lbs and start running 5Ks.  Maybe they rekindle a relationship with a long lost relative or friend.  Or maybe this is the year they make the most badass chocolate chip cookie cake.  The sky is the limit.

For me, the new year always brings a great amount of hope and optimism.  It's a fresh start.  I believe each year teaches us lessons, both difficult and joyful.  So what better time to start a new plan that could possibly change my life.

But to move forward, you also have to look back.  And there's a long history behind my current decision.  If you choose to read all of this, you're a saint.


A Long, Painful Road to Find Answers
When I was 20 years old, I went on a missions trip to Kenya for the summer, and while there I contracted malaria and came home with a pretty messed up liver.  After a treatment of vitamins and enzymes, my health returned to normal, but I started noticing other issues.  At first my parents and I couldn't figure out exactly what was happening.  I had terrible pain in my stomach, lower abdomen, lower back, and even my legs.  It would be so bad at times I had to miss work or class.  One night in college, my roommates called my parents, who drove two hours to meet me because I was in so much pain.  No medication seemed to help.  And this was much more than "just cramps", as some doctors liked to think.  (We'll save that stigma for anther post.)  I saw a gastroenterologist who was convinced I had Crohn's Disease.  I got to enjoy a colonoscopy at the age of 21, and I was told with a chuckle that "I had the cleanest colon anyone had ever seen".  Well congratulations to me.  What was I supposed to do now?  I was then told that I must have Irritable Bowel Syndrome and that there wasn't much I could do except "watch what I eat".  Again, not very helpful, especially for a college student.

After another year of popping ibuprofen and laying with a heating pad until I could function like a human again, I moved to Hampton, VA and saw a new doctor.  I won't blast him here, because he was somewhat helpful, but he's not my favorite person.  He was the first doctor to suspect that I had endometriosis, and he confirmed the diagnosis through a laproscopic surgery.  I indeed had scar tissue growing outside of my uterus onto other organs, and he removed as much as possible through five small incisions.  The recovery was brutal, and when my boyfriend was willing to help me through it, I realized how much he loved me.  (He ended up marrying me, so obviously I did something right.)

After the diagnosis came the next question.  How do we treat it?  How do we keep the endometrial tissue from growing back again?  Dr. So and So's answer was always medication.  A birth control pill to stop my period.  Or a narcotic to block the pain.  Or even an anti-anxiety medication to "trick my brain" into not noticing the pain.  All failed miserably.  I finally left his practice and found a doctor who specializes in treating endometriosis.  Two summers ago, she did my second laproscopic surgery to remove the scar tissue again, plus an ovarian cyst and benign tumor.  And again, the recovery was awful.  By this point, I was just hoping for some relief.  It never really came.  It took 3 months to get back to normal after the surgery, and I had "minor pain" for maybe six months.  That was the only improvement.  And then the intense pain started to rear it's ugly head again.


My Current Plan
Fast forward, and here I am.  Still in pain.  Still going through the cycle of good weeks and bad weeks.  Still having to call off from work because I can't get out of bed.  Still having to leave in the middle of a workout because my body is tensing so much I can barely walk.  Still cancelling plans with friends that I looked forward to for weeks.  And the answer is always the same.  Either another surgery, or another medication, or even....hormone therapy or a hysterectomy.  I'm sorry, but I refuse to accept that as my reality.  I want to be a mother so badly.  And this damn disease makes that feel impossible.  So for now, I'm taking matters into my own hands.

I've been reading about the endometriosis diet for months, and so many women have boasted that this is the answer they were seeking.  In a nutshell, the diet eliminates foods and drinks that cause inflammation and high amounts of estrogen in the body, which in turn allows the body to regulate and heal itself.  It makes complete sense to me.  I've overhauled my diet in the past and definitely saw improvement, but this is even more specific to my issues.  


Baby Steps
I took the first step 12 days ago by giving up coffee.  Yes, I know how many days it's been.  Yes, it completely sucked.  I was sick at the time, so I figured it was a good time to kick coffee to the curb.  If you know me, you know my love for coffee.  I drink it on my way to work.  I drink it before I work out.  I drink it before a night out with friends.  I drink it when I'm cold.  I drink it when I want a pick me up.  I drink it because it just sounds delicious.  I probably drank 3 cups of coffee a day, every day, for the past 4 or 5 years.  It. Was. A. Problem.  And the horrible headaches from withdrawal were proof.  I miss you, coffee.  And I always will.  But that's my first step in the right direction towards helping my body heal.

I'm taking today to finalize my meal plans for the week, and tomorrow I'll grocery shop and meal prep.  I'm used to making a weeks worth of meals on Sunday, so this just gives me an extra day since I have tomorrow off.  Friends have helped me out by sharing recipes and cookbooks.  I'm excited to try some new dishes as I work to clean the "junk" out.  Today, I'm keeping it simple with foods I have in the house.  I started the day with some over-easy eggs and spinach.  Thank goodness I don't have to give up eggs!

This blog will be part of my healing process.  Writing is very therapeutic for me, and it also helps me to document what works and what doesn't.  Feel free to check back as I share information and ideas.  If this helps even one person, that's more than worth it to me.

Happy New Year!!!