I didn't set out to 86 all that stuff so completely, but through near-obsessive research on how diet impacts overall health markers (see resources below), I increasingly became convinced that the carbs were the underlying cause of a few things I've felt plagued by: the psoriasis, the achy right shoulder and right hip, the sinus infections, the fatigue. And since I gave up the gluten and other carbs, all those things are either gone or noticeably improved.
The continual experimenting with my diet and workout regime is endlessly fascinating, and doing meticulous self analysis is rewarding. But what I didn't expect to happen has been my favorite part -- when others ask me questions that allow me to share my experiences.
Case in point: About a month ago, a friend who's been battling what I can only describe as severe IBS spent about 36 hours asking me all manner of questions about how my eating is changing how my body works. I gave her a few suggestions, and my fervent hope is that she's feeling better and making positive steps forward.
Then today, over lunch, I had another such conversation, wherein I felt somewhat at liberty to dispense with some accumulated knowledge and experience. It feels AMAZING to be able to report to others how this new paradigm of eating/living has changed my life... changes that themselves feel pretty darn amazing. :-)
As someone who has frequently made bold claims about her love of teaching (e.g., "I'd sooner teach for free than give up this job -- but don't tell the administration!" or "I tend to fall into a deep depression if I'm out of the classroom for more than a month"), it should come as no surprise that I am so eager to share my experiences and help others find the joy that comes with eating well and moving with purpose. But it has surprised me, quite a bit.
I continue to guard against becoming THAT Girl, the one who sanctimoniously parades out her holier-than-thou atttidue about her lifestyle is SO superior to yours. I try really hard not to bring up my quirky eating habits unless asked. And I trust that you all will let me know if I fail in either of these regards. Please!
But if you do want to peruse some of the resources that have made such a huge difference for me? Here's a list -- probably partial, but certainly including the things that have made the biggest difference.
Books
- Why We Get Fat
- Fat Chance
- Mindless Eating
- Wheat Belly
- The Miracle Workout <-- this is the foundation for how I construct my 3x/week workouts
- Cut the Fat
- Win the Diet War
- Dr. Rob Show (a letter I wrote them is featured in episode #100!)
- Let's Reverse Obesity <-- not tons of information, but a really compelling story of a guy fighting obesity
