So....Now what?

I am going to attempt to re-set my system.  It isn't as fast or as easy as a computer.  But, I think it is absolutely necessary for me. I think my stomach and intestines are totally out of whack.  I think I have leaky gut issues as well as candida.  I think this may explain so many of my symptoms. 

I am looking forward to beginning a Stage 1 tomorrow.  New eating program and plans to work on my stress level also. 

I am eliminating a lot of modern day convenience food, foods that cause allergies, and foods that seem to feed candida.  The goal for this first phase is to improve immune system and intestine functioning and help improve absorption of nutrients.  

So, what WILL I eat?

Lots of fresh vegetables. Free range eggs or chicken, fresh fish, nuts (except for pistachio and peanut), rice milk, brown rice, gluten free oats, quinoa, unsalted good quality butter, ginger, herbal teas or dandelion root coffee, lemons, organic cider vinegar, sunflower seeds, fresh herbs and good spices, green apple, beetroot, avocado, cherries, berries.  

For me, this means juicing for one meal perhaps, having a grain based meal with a rice milk and fruit for one meal, and then a good quality steamed or raw veggies and protein (fish or chicken or eggs) meal.  It means snacks of veggies and nuts in between. Very simple foods for two to three weeks. (The time depends on how I feel and what my body needs.)

What WON'T I eat?

No sugar, dairy, wheat, grains that aren't on the list, starchy vegetables, processed food, meat other than what is listed, shellfish, junk food, etc. Essentially, if it isn't on the good list above, it isn't going in my mouth.  For about two weeks.  Yep. That includes Thanksgiving. 

Additionally, I will be drinking only water or herbal teas.  Absolutely no caffeine at all. I am also taking a product called Colozone to help clean up the colon. And, I am going to meditate each day. Ideally, this would be done during a time when you could take a break from work and take it easy... but with a small child and a full time job, that won't be happening.  I am just going to do my best to lighten my stress load. Not just for this two week time period, but for life in general.  This is not meant for me to be a short intervention, it really is my hope that this will be a lifestyle shift.  

The goal is to purge toxins from your system and get your body back to rights.  My focus will be on choosing snacks to make sure that I am not hungry during the day (I don't want to be tempted to cheat and eat something stupid) and that my blood sugar stays well-regulated. As long as I have a meal plan and snacks at the ready, I feel pretty confident about this plan.

I am hoping to post some recipes these next few weeks so you can see what wonderful things I come up with to eat with my limited list of ingredients... Perhaps you too will want to try them!

We will see how it goes...