Food is overrated.

Long story short, I have a nervous stomach.  I wont go into gross detail, but, since I was a little kid I've regularly complained of belly aches (legitimate ones.)

I learned of a highly recommended holistic medical doctor here in town, whose focus is on wellness and health maintenance.  I figured now was as good a time as any to get to the bottom of this issue.  My initial appointment went well, as my new doctor spent exponentially more time with me than any other doctor I've seen in my whole life.  Bold, but true, statement.

I left with a binder and a prescription: I was to be on a detoxification/restoration diet for the next month.  At the end of the month, I would begin reintroducing foods, one by one, and maintaining a food journal to note how they make me feel.  This would help me (and my doctor) to identify any trigger foods.  Excited for the prospect of a belly-ache-free existence, I practically skipped out of the office ready for the challenge.

Then, I arrived home and actually reviewed the diet outline.  I (naturally) got nervous.  I was expected to cut out: dairy, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, eggs, sugar, preservatives, red meat (except lamb and venison), shellfish, most fish, citrus fruits, tomatoes, eggplant, mushrooms, peppers, peanuts, cashews....etc. The list goes on and on.  Unfortunately, I also arrived home with a trunk full of groceries, most of which fell on my "avoid" list.

After a hungry night of recipe research, menu planning, consulting with Kris and the wonderful Jen Landgraf (both have adhered to restrictive diets), and shopping trips to the health food aisle at Kroger and Whole Foods (in Nashville), I was ready to go!

The timing has certainly been a challenge considering it fell during Nick's block leave and we just so happened to have a number of social events where there was plenty of "to be avoided" food present.  My self discipline has never been so tested, but, I am a stubborn woman who is sick and tired of tummy aches!  I am three weeks in, and feeling GREAT!

There's a lot to be said for just eating healthy, natural foods.  I now have greater empathy for those people who suffer from food allergies and the scrutiny with which they must look at the nutrition labels.  I have also appreciated the opportunity to sample foods I wouldn't have otherwise known about, especially coconut milk, rice flour and almond butter.  While I am very much looking forward to eating bread again, I am grateful to have better insight into healthier options with which to feed my family.  I have much greater perspective now as to the power of your diet on you overall health and well being...