I've struggled for years with digestive issues, fatigue and headaches. My headaches are finally somewhat under control with a new medication I'm on, but I still have around 14 headaches per month. I've had allergy testing done and know I'm not allergic to any of the commonly tested items. I've also had a gluten test done and it came back negative. I believe my problem has two culprits, over-eating and an unhealthy diet combined with dehydration.
I never went without food as a child, so I'm not sure why I overeat. I can't stand to waste food and have a hard time throwing food in the garbage. I tell myself I'm being a good steward by finishing the last few bites. I also eat because food tastes good and I'm bored. I eat even when I'm full because I can't get my mind off of a particular item of food. Another part of my problem is unhealthy eating and dehydration. My typical diet consists of coffee with cream and sugar, yogurt with granola for breakfast, leftovers for lunch, chips/cookies/ice cream for snack, and meat and carbs for dinner. It doesn't seem to matter what I eat, as I've experienced pain after eating salad, dairy, wheat, processed foods, etc. You name it, I've probably had pain after eating it.
The Maker's Diet tells you to avoid all shellfish, soy milk, commercial dairy products, pasta except kamut or spelt, and all breads unless they are made from sprouted grains. It also recommends the use of special supplements throughout the day. It takes you through three phases, with the first phase being very strict and the last phase less restrictive. The first phase is "designed to stabilize insulin and blood sugar, reduce inflammation, reduce infection, enhance digestion, and help balance the hormones in your body" (p199). Phase two continues with the above benefits, but allows you a greater number of foods to choose from, and phase three is the maintenance phase.
Eat Right 4 Your Type says that our food choices should be linked to our blood type. I, for instance, am type O. Type O is characterized as a hunter and should eat lots of meat with very little grains and dairy. It also says we have hardy digestive tracts, are intolerant to dietary and environmental adaptations and respond best to stress with intense physical activity. This book goes into great detail about what to eat and what to avoid, even down to condiments and spices.
According to the dietary guidelines, I should be eating:
6-9 servings of meats and poultry weekly
3-5 servings of seafood weekly
3-11 servings of dairy and eggs weekly
10-18 servings of oils, nuts and seeds weekly
1-2 servings of beans and legumes weekly
2-3 servings of cereals weekly
0-3 servings of bread and muffins daily
0-6 servings of grains and pasta daily
6-10 servings of vegetables daily
3-4 servings of fruits daily
2-3 servings of juice daily
Does anyone have any experience with either of these plans? I don't really want to put forth the time and energy needed to successfully carry out either of these if they aren't worth it. I also want to make sure I'm fully prepared when I do decide which one to follow. I tend to jump in too quickly and then fizzle out just as quickly. I think if I put more time and effort into the planning stage, the actual doing stage will go much smoother.
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Well, you know I am a researcher and reader. I have read both, been overwhelmed by both, and tried implementing both, and failed miserably with both...as well as many others! For me it comes down to what is realistic. We can think things sound great. We can have the best intentions. But, really, c'mon, we live in a fast-paced society and have been conditioned to love convenience! When we get caught up in everyday life, are we really gonna stick with these things? Most likely not. And...does God really want our minds this focused on food? I don't think so! Our time would be better spent fasting two days a week to give our systems a rest and praying! The one I have actually had tremendous success with is called The Belly Fat Cure. Obviously, you don't need to lose the belly fat you skinny little adorable thing, BUT the book is short, sweet, and most importantly to me, doable and smart for anyone! It really shows how carbs & sugars are the real culprits and how we began having so many health issues after the industrial revolution when processing began. But, he shows you smart alternatives instead of taking everything away from you...which is what I will realistically stick with in this culture. It's a safe lifestyle for the entire family so you aren't having to be concerned with fixing different blood types different things, and you don't have to fret about where you will find your special foods. You just need to know how to read a label and begin making smart changes. Tom and I both feel better eating this way...like extremely better! Hope this can help you! If you decide to read it and try it, let me know and I will tell you some things I have learned along the way. Love ya!
Oh! And another thing...I was having terrible digestive issues, even though I was taking a probiotic. My brother has researched a lot about probiotics and suggested I try the Dannon drinkable yogurts that say for immunity on them because they are a different strain of probiotic (even different than the other yogurts that claim to help digestion, etc.). I started drinking those, had Alex and Trey drink them as well and we are all much better! Literally, I was having diarrhea every two days...terrible spasms since February and in a week it stopped! I also make sure I eat half an apple a day and eat applesauce. Sorry for the details to anyone that offends, but it was quite a victory in my life as you can imagine!!! :) I just want to share how effective those little yogurts have been!
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