You’ve probably already read my About Me pages, Who Am I? and My Story (if you haven’t yet, that’s a good place to start!) So you already know that what I eat and do not eat are major components of my lifestyle.
There’s Supplements, too!
As I write this, in my kitchen cabinet sits a Ziplock bag that contains my list of vitamins and supplements with their corresponding dosages and the bottles themselves. There is a second list, also handwritten in my doctor’s scripty writing with a line down the middle separating safe foods and foods to avoid.
I very rarely need to revisit my list of foods because I know what most of them are. There are several that I never had an interest in eating anyway, so I don’t pay attention to them.
Many of you reading this will not be surprised when I tell you the main foods I cannot eat. Several are in the top 8 allergen list. Others just commonly cause issues with IBD or autoimmune diseases in general.
My (main) list of foods to avoid looks like this: gluten/wheat, most dairy, soy, corn, flax seed, peanuts, brazil nuts, white refined sugar, and more.
Clearly, this is not a one-sized fit diet, because Crohn’s is very, very far from being a one size fits all illness. And some foods, namely potatoes and pineapple for example, turn on me and come back.
The Paleo Diet
Sometime in 2014 I discovered the Paleo diet. I realized the way I eat was naturally similar to the Paleo diet, give and take some foods. I refer to my eating habits as Modified Paleo, because I can eat some things that are not “perfect paleo” and I cannot eat some foods that are stated to be okay.
The Paleo diet often gets a bad rep. It’s purpose is simply, to “eat like the cavemen” or people from the Paleolithic period. People immediately associate it with eating red meat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. That is so UNTRUE. In fact, many of my Paleo idols consume way more veggies in a day than I can figure out where to fit in!
Basically the point of the Paleo diet is to eat REAL, NATURAL, food. This includes good, clean sources of meat, eggs, and fish, fruits, vegetables, some nuts, and seeds that excludes grains and dairy.
In general, potatoes, rice, and dairy are not allowed. However there is a large population that accepts those and grass-fed/organic dairy. I support all of these, because I believe you should eat what works for YOUR body. Living with Crohn’s has shown me over and over again just how different everyone’s body is.
Um..hello!? This is how we should ALL be eating!
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Are you interested in learning how food can positively impact your health, too? I offer free 15 minute calls so we can talk about what you’re struggling with and how I can help you reach your goals as a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. You can find all of my services here.
Just Stick to REAL FOOD
Have you heard the expression, “Don’t eat anything your grandmother wouldn’t recognize?” It’s no secret that processed foods are within reach everywhere we go. Fast food restaurants and grocery stores contain foods so far from anything real. Is anyone really surprised why cancer, autoimmune and other issues such as diabetes, obesity and autism are rampant nowadays?
Take a walk down the aisles of your nearest conventional grocery store and take a peek at the ingredients and you’ll see why.
Although everyone’s body (with or without Crohn’s Disease) is different, I encourage people struggling with their health to eliminate those foods found everywhere; gluten/wheat, dairy, corn, and soy. Trial and error is the best way to figure out what works for you. Elimination diets are tough but will definitely get you some answers.
Sign up for my newsletter for access to some free tools, like a food journal that will help you to analyze your symptoms and diet!
More Real Food Bloggers
Gutsy by Nature
Against All Grain
The Paleo Mom
My Mindful Table
Eat Heal Thrive
And LOTS more… Don’t forget to look for all of the vegetable laden meals they eat! 😉
If you are ready to finally feel better, I encourage you to try changing your diet too. I will help! You can sign up for my (FREE, yay!) Diet Clean Up Challenge that will walk you through eliminating gluten and sugar (two BIG inflammation-producing foods).
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What are your “safe” and “problem” foods?
