Most people don’t do well with giving things up. It is hard. We get attached to our habits and can feel deprived when we “can’t” have what we want. But sometimes it becomes clear that giving things up, or better described as letting go of certain habits, is going to be worth it, so that we feel better. Depending on what we find through our intake session, blood testing and food journaling, it can become clear that certain habits are hurting the client’s health and the work is to try to make the change in a positive way. Here’s what my client (and assistant here at Ways to Optimize), Michelle, has to say about going gluten-free. I love how she has shifted from focusing on deprivation and all the things she can’t have to trying new things and enjoying it. She also has some great tips for you.
“I don’t have food allergies, but I know so many friends and family members who avoid gluten because it makes them sick. When Amanda recommended I cut out gluten, I decided to finally give the gluten-free lifestyle a try. There are so many gluten-free options these days, how hard could it be? The first week or so, I think I ate more gluten than when I wasn’t trying to be gluten-free. After about a month, it doesn’t seem hard anymore, it’s just different. It’s November and the majority of holiday favorites are laden with gluten, yet I’m not worried.
“Here are few things that I discovered on my journey that might be helpful to you.
Don’t focus on what you can’t have. When I thought about never having a Ritz cracker or Oreo again, it made me crave them. I went on a weekend retreat and I was afraid it would be hard to avoid gluten. It’s not hard, it’s just different than what I’m used to. One morning at breakfast I passed up the biscuits and gravy and cinnamon roll, but I had 2 scoops of eggs and a gluten-free muffin."
“Don’t swap gluten for sugar. Do you know how many different candies are gluten-free? A lot! Just because it’s gluten-free, doesn’t mean it’s a good choice."
"Add more veggies! I went to a dinner party, and to my surprise all the food was gluten-free. I can still go to parties and avoid gluten. We had a beet and goat cheese salad, beef stuffed artichoke caps, roasted broccoli & peppers, and a yogurt & berry parfait. I’ve never had so many vegetables in one meal."
Isn’t that great stuff! Michelle is feeling much less inflammation and doing better gluten free. That’s got to be worth it!
If you are looking to navigate change in your diet and lifestyle and would like some support please get in touch with us. We believe in helping you make change that is lasting, not using quick fixes. To do this you have to shift your mindset. Instead of just telling you WHAT to do, we help you figure out HOW!
“I don’t have food allergies, but I know so many friends and family members who avoid gluten because it makes them sick. When Amanda recommended I cut out gluten, I decided to finally give the gluten-free lifestyle a try. There are so many gluten-free options these days, how hard could it be? The first week or so, I think I ate more gluten than when I wasn’t trying to be gluten-free. After about a month, it doesn’t seem hard anymore, it’s just different. It’s November and the majority of holiday favorites are laden with gluten, yet I’m not worried.
“Here are few things that I discovered on my journey that might be helpful to you.
Don’t focus on what you can’t have. When I thought about never having a Ritz cracker or Oreo again, it made me crave them. I went on a weekend retreat and I was afraid it would be hard to avoid gluten. It’s not hard, it’s just different than what I’m used to. One morning at breakfast I passed up the biscuits and gravy and cinnamon roll, but I had 2 scoops of eggs and a gluten-free muffin."
“Don’t swap gluten for sugar. Do you know how many different candies are gluten-free? A lot! Just because it’s gluten-free, doesn’t mean it’s a good choice."
"Add more veggies! I went to a dinner party, and to my surprise all the food was gluten-free. I can still go to parties and avoid gluten. We had a beet and goat cheese salad, beef stuffed artichoke caps, roasted broccoli & peppers, and a yogurt & berry parfait. I’ve never had so many vegetables in one meal."
Isn’t that great stuff! Michelle is feeling much less inflammation and doing better gluten free. That’s got to be worth it!
If you are looking to navigate change in your diet and lifestyle and would like some support please get in touch with us. We believe in helping you make change that is lasting, not using quick fixes. To do this you have to shift your mindset. Instead of just telling you WHAT to do, we help you figure out HOW!
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