More food please!!

As I mentioned in an earlier post, the introduction of foods began with eggs on July 9th. Two days after starting eggs, I broke out with a mild case of hives. No eggs for awhile. :( I felt so much momentum up until that point. I was very discouraged that I couldn't even eat the very first food I introduced. I wanted to give up, quit, eat whatever I wanted. With the support of family, I was able to stay strong and get through it! Since that point, I have introduced tomatoes, beef, and oats with NO problems. The introduction process allows me to eat one serving of the new food the first day, two servings the next day, two days off the food and on the fifth day I get to introduce another food and keep eating the current food. Each time I tried a new food, it was like Christmas! SO EXCITING!! Then came...peanuts!! As my mom predicted, that didn't go well. I've been a victim of migraines throughout my life and times of stress just enhance the probability one will surface. In the past, these headaches were triggered by peanuts, processed meats, and chocolate. DANG IT!! Still a culprit. I had a BAD headache for two days, body aches, sweats and just overall feeling yuck. Very frustrating because I LOVE peanuts...and used to eat them in one form or another almost everyday. Hmmm...that is suspicious, right?

Well, after the tragic introduction of the peanuts and the doctor's assurance that the reactions are pretty normal, I started Greek yogurt this week. Dairy takes longer to introduce so I don't get to introduce the next food until next week. Even though I am not really a big fan of the healthier version of yogurt, Christmas again!! It was exciting to create one more interesting combination! I added it to the almond granola (recipe to come later) I made and put some blueberries in it and feasted! Still feeling ok...

Since I started this journey almost two months ago, I have lost 10 pounds for a total of 25 pounds GONE! Weight Watchers has been a challenge since the points values for the things I can eat are either really high or worth no points. Tracking has been tough. Exercise is what is helping me the most. My mom comes to my house two or three mornings a week and we walk around the neighborhood. I walked 3 miles this morning! I haven't consistently exercised like that in...well...ever! Ha! She told my brothers she comes out to the neighborhood to "walk Emily" and they were appalled because that sounded like she was walking me like a dog. Unfortunately, that is about how it is. She is my motivation and my inspiration and I really believe I wouldn't make the effort to walk without her. She has been a HUGE resource along my path and I can't even express how grateful I am to her!

I working on finding some stress management techniques that will help me protect my body and emotions while recovering from adrenal fatigue. I attended a yoga class at Downtown Yoga and had an amazing experience! In the moment, everything was clear and my actions had purpose. I definitely want to continue with the yoga! Journaling has been a huge help in allowing me to express what I am feeling and what I need. Relaxing music to help wind down before bed has also been helping me. Exercise and having a walking partner to discuss the problems of the world is helpful. I have a LONG way to go before I completely tackle this stress beast, but I am definitely on the right path!

I wish I could say I am one hundred percent and everything is better but that is not the case. I used to have one or two good days each week. I now have one or two bad days each week. Definite improvement! However, I start back to teaching next week and I don't know how things will be when I don't have the time to focus on myself and my health like I have been able to this summer. I am excited AND anxious for a new school year! I am really looking forward to facing the school year with the newer version of me!

Berry Mango Sunrise Tarts

My search for a sweet treat resulted in the following recipe:

Berry Mango Sunrise Tarts

Recipe time: 4 hours total (30 minutes to make, 3-4 hours in freezer)

Ingredients (4-2 inch tarts)
2 mangoes (I used defrosted mangoes from the freezer)
1 c. raspberries

Ingredients for crust
2 T. unsweetened applesauce
1 c. raw walnuts
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ginger powder
1/4 c. shredded unsweetened coconut

• Mix the ingredients for the crust in a food processor. Pulse and process the mixture until it looks like a crumbly dough. You should be able to shape it with your hands. Use a spoon to press into the bottom of the tart forms about 1/4 inch thick. ( I used rubber heart-shaped molds because I didn't have tart forms)
• Puree the mangoes in a blender or food processor. Pour part of the puree into a bowl and set aside.
• Add the raspberries to the mango puree left in the blender or food processor and mix. 
• Spoon one flavor into the form.
• Spoon the other flavor on top of the first flavor.
• Place in the freezer for at least 3 hours

This was a nice treat and I think it would be fun to experiment with other fruit flavors and layers too!
Here is the original link and recipe I used for inspiration for this one! Enjoy!!

Original recipe found at www.fitchen.com

Introduction of foods

     I've never loved eggs as much as I do today!! Going without so many different foods has really helped me appreciate how good those foods really are and how much I LOVE to eat. My brother Eric brings us farm-fresh eggs whenever he gets more than he can handle. They taste better than the ones from the store anyway but I think I ate my ONE egg in about two seconds because it was so good. I get TWO eggs today and I am saving the experience for dinner. :-) I will actually feel like I am eating a real meal. I am going to try fried quinoa (like fried rice) but use turkey instead of ham. We will see how it goes...
Tomatoes are next! Hurry up Saturday so I can start adding tomatoes to my salads!
     I feel AMAZING today. Better than I have felt in years! I have been organizing and cleaning BUT I have to remember to still take it easy and not do too much. I went for a walk with my mom yesterday and today (thanks mom!!). We went just over a mile both days and I was surprised I handled it as well as I did. We have to go early in the morning because of the heat but it feels great to get out and talk to another adult! I feel like everything is going well. Next week we start treating the adrenal fatigue and things will just get even better!

Day 20

Tomorrow morning! I am very excited for my appointment and I am ready to find out what the plan will be for my treatment. I need to work on treating the adrenal fatigue next. Today has been tough! After traveling and fighting kids and staying in hotel rooms, my body is ready to shut down and take a break. My neck has been hurting today and my small headache  turned into  migraine. It is the first major headache in three weeks and I certainly DON'T miss them. I am feeling better this evening but I hate the feeling that I can't continue through the day without getting back in bed. Hopefully I will get more answers tomorrow. :-)

The diagnosis...Day 19

Two more days after today!! Traveling home today was TOUGH! I wanted my travel snacks more than ever before! When the travel weekend began, I didn't think I was going to make it without slipping up or cheating. I am so proud of how well I did and how strong I was! 

Lab results came back and show I have a severely depressed immune system and extreme adrenal fatigue. Both are treatable and I will be discussing treatment plans with the doctor on Monday. The anti-inflammatory diet seems to be step one in the treatment plan. Fortunately the tests showed NO food sensitivities so I should be able to introduce foods faster than originally anticipated! I am ready!!

Day 18

The biggest challenge so far with this "diet" has definitely been traveling! In the past, I needed to have my great big Diet Dr. Pepper, my chocolate, assorted treats and snacks for the kids and we were able to stop whenever or wherever we wanted to without a thought. What fun is a road trip without treats and drinks?!? I remember going with my parents MANY times to get a drink and treat and I guess that is why I still like to do it with my own children. They love it and have even come to expect it. Daegon has been such a huge help to me by reading ingredients and helping me brainstorm ideas for snacks that would travel well. I brought a bag of snacks my kids like but I don't so I wouldn't be tempted to cheat. I was able to get a salad at Wendy's for dinner and the only thing it had on it that I wasn't supposed to eat was a small amount of cheese. That was manageable! Bringing the cooler and booking hotels with microwaves and refrigerators are what has saved me this trip. This journey isn't impossible but does require some serious planning ahead. It does get easier. And I am getting VERY excited for the next step...reintroduction of foods!! 

Traveling...Day 17

Big challenge!! Not only is it the 4th of July...a  holiday famous for backyard barbecues and parties....but we are traveling to Salt Lake for a couple of days. Travel and not being able to eat anything...not a fun combination. I was prepared with my cooler of snacks, my salad dressing, my supplements, and my protein shake ingredients but I was not prepared for the 40 people in line at Subway or my reluctance to try Carl's Jr. We went into a gas station and looked past all kinds of candy and junk, hot dogs, soda, popcorn, etc. One teeny-tiny shelf had trays of fresh fruit and veggies along with some string cheese and Lunchables. I picked up the trays while doing my "Robert Irvine happy dance" (for any Restaurant Impossible fans) and silently thanked the smart managers at the gas station for providing me with something to eat! I was able to add some almonds and get in my protein and veggies for lunch. We decided to definitely find something good for dinner!!

We ended up going to Golden Corral because I knew they have a salad bar there. Even though I was prepared and brought my own salad dressing, I decided to just use the light Italian dressing they had. I had a HUGE salad with grilled chicken and some fruit for dessert. I may pay for the salad dressing tomorrow, but it was nice to eat out! Words do not describe the cravings and temptations I faced with the fried chicken, potatoes and gravy, and macaroni and cheese, And the desserts! It was SO hard and I was strong! I didn't go this long without foods I love to give up with 4 DAYS LEFT! I have everything I need to finish this out...even while traveling!