Day One - So It Begins...

Here we are folks. Day one of no gluten, sugar, or dairy. I have this feeling that I don't really know the depths of what I'm getting myself into. I'd like to be clear that I know this will most likely have to be a change that is permanent. For now, I'm going to see how it goes. I know I will need to do this for at least 6-9 months to get a good read on the effect it has. Bear with me. I'm new to all of this.

Here are today's symptoms and their status:

History and Diet Change

Fast forward almost six years and 25 pounds. There are a million changes that have happened since my previous post. New house, new husband, new baby, new zeal for the Lord. I'm not going to get into much of that, but I'm sure it will come up at some point throughout this entire process. 

Rewind almost 20 years. When I was 14 or 15 I was diagnosed with an overactive thyroid. This caused many symptoms that were problematic not only outwardly but internally as well. I started seeing an endocrinologist who put me on medication to slow down my thyroid production. The taste of the daily pill was such that it made me not eat regularly and I lost more weight than I should have and I (in all of my 15 years of wisdom) decided to stop taking the meds. I didn't tell my parents and I didn't tell my doctor, but at my next checkup, the levels were all back to normal. I fessed up that I hadn't been taking the prescribed medication and the doctor determined my thyroid had regulated itself and there was no need to continue in treatment. I was cured!

Skip ahead ten years. I had gone from my 5'9" 125 pound self to the 5'9" 180 pound self. I had had a baby in the time that had passed and grown up a bit, but started having symptoms of an under-active thyroid. I talked to my family doctor about it, had blood panels checked, and it was determined that my thyroid was, indeed, under-active. This same physician also did a preliminary evaluation of my thyroid gland and found a nodule on it. I didn't mention this before, but when I was seeing that endocrinologist as a teenager, it was also determined that I had a goiter, or an enlarged thyroid gland. When my current doctor saw that, he scheduled me to see a surgeon to have it removed.

I kept the appointment with this surgeon who didn't seem to care much about anything other than getting a procedure scheduled and relying on my GP's decision to have my thyroid removed because it had a "growth" on it. No biopsy and no further testing. Straight to going under the knife to remove a gland that regulates so much of my body. Honestly, I was disgusted. I bailed. Didn't go back. Neither doctor asked what I thought about this or gave me any options. I know my body and regardless of their preliminary findings, I refuse to have and -ectomy without first determining whether it is actually necessary. 

I didn't receive any more treatment for my thyroid and honestly didn't want to bring any of it up to my GP again, given his reaction the first time. My symptoms had seasons of ebb and seasons of flow but they never really went away completely.

June of 2016, I had my second child. I was surprised at how quickly I lost all the baby weight and then some. I felt good. And then, I didn't. In October of that year, I quickly put on 30+ pounds with no changes to my diet or level of activity. I was at the heaviest I had ever been (I'm counting even at 9 months pregnant) at 235 pounds. I realize that I was embarking on my mid-30s and a little change of how my body functions is normal. Thirty pounds in one month is not normal. I went with it for a few months chocking it up to holiday weight gain, but it didn't subside.

In addition to the weight gain, other things were plaguing me. I was cold all the time. I didn't sweat anymore. I was losing gobs of hair (#gratefulformynaturallythickhair). I had dry skin (like sandpaper for my face, arms and legs) and unmanageable dandruff. I only pooped maybe twice a week. Had constant digestion problems (go figure, with the constipation). I had no energy.

For whatever reason, one day I suspected something was off with my thyroid again so I started researching common symptoms of hypothyroidism. If I recall, all but one of the listed symptoms, I had. Promptly, I scheduled an appointment with my family doctor to have blood work done and get it checked out. When the results came back, my T4 levels were almost non-existent and my TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels were off the charts. Normal levels of the TSH are between .4-4.0 milli-international units per liter, but mine were at over 100. The doctor started me on 75mcg of levothyroxine, a hormone replacement drug. After 6 weeks of taking that, levels were checked again and found to still not be under control, so was bumped up to 100mcg of the same medication. My levels were checked after another 6 weeks on that dosage and found be back in the normal range, so he left it at that. 

My symptoms didn't let up though. I continued on thinking maybe if I went a little longer on this medication then finally I'd start to see some change. 

I didn't.

In fact, every one of the symptoms I had before got worse and I added a few more to the list: dry mouth and tooth decay. I lost a little bit of weight over that year, but it came only after major fasting over multiple weeks at a time.

I scheduled another appointment with my doctor to have blood work done. He gave me his usual 90 seconds of attention to hear why I was there. I tried in those few seconds to tell him that the symptoms hadn't subsided or improved and I'd like to have the extended thyroid panel done to see if there's something more than the general T3, T4, and TSH levels are off. He agreed as he was walking out the door as I was telling him he needs to make sure this panel will be checking more than the basics. 

My results came back, I didn't get a call, but I could look at them through this app they offer at his office. I look through, anxious to see what it will tell me, but all that was there was the basic panel and a note from the nurse saying everything is normal and there's no need to change anything with the current treatment. 

Because I've not yet reached perfection through Jesus, I can get impatient and bossy. Quickly, I typed out a response to the lab results stating that it wasn't complete and I asked for more than the basic levels to be tested, that there is an expanded panel that digs deeper and that is what I had requested. The response I received was that this was expanded as it gets but I can schedule another appointment (another $35 co-pay) to talk to the doctor about it the following week.

I. Was. Not. Happy.

Already I had scheduled an appointment to talk about it and already I had been blown off and not heard. Here's the issue. I live with my body every day and I know when things aren't right. I know my doctor has many, many patients and I would never expect him to remember every little thing about my medical history, but when I do the research for him, tell him of my history with thyroid issues, let him know that  the symptoms are there and worse than before this treatment began, I do expect him hear me out and try to reconcile the issue. Or at least refer me to someone who will.

Okay, I've been stubborn and pissed about the entire situation so I haven't scheduled that appointment to talk to him about it (yet). What I have done is have a fire lit under me to do what I can on my end to relieve the symptoms and possibly help regulate my thyroid myself.

That was my history, now here is my plan:

I'll be honest, searching the internet isn't the most awesome thing to do when trying to find solutions or insight into my thyroid issues. There are so many opinions, expert opinions, and studies that ALL CONTRADICT ONE ANOTHER.

In doing what I can to weed out the nonsense, I found some consistencies in almost all of the articles, opinions, blogs, papers that I read and it all has to do with diet.

Apparently gluten can really jack with your thyroid production. The way it's treated in your system triggers this and that (I don't want to go get quotes and/or misrepresent the truth here) that triggers issues with thyroid production and how the hormones it produces can be processed. Let's be honest here, I've always been of the opinion that the latest gluten-free craze is bananas and just another diet bandwagon to jump on (i.e. low-fat, low-carb, etc). Yes, I realize there really are people with celiac disease and that's different and very real, but this intolerance to gluten that has just popped up and now plaguing 90% of the population? I wasn't buying it.

Then I started reading more and more about how it truly does affect the efficiency of the thyroid and even if you're on medication it could be making it so the treatment isn't working. That struck a chord with me since the medication alone hasn't done anything but make my doctor think there's no issue anymore.

That being said, I've decided to give it a shot and see if it helps. It's tough because I love things made with wheat - pasta, bread, crackers, desserts, flour tortillas. They're staples in my diet. Give me all the crap you want to about the carbs and the weight gain, but this wasn't a change for me. I had always eaten those things. I'm from Kansas, the breadbasket of America. It's a thing here. A very prominent thing.

Two days ago I cut out gluten. Last night after more research and contemplation, I decided to cut out added sugars and dairy as well. That started today. Let me also say this: God has led me to fast from these things numerous times in the past. Within the past year, I've realized that He has a tendency to gently ask us to give up things for him that may not be good for us, personally. Alright, alright, I know this isn't some deep revelation, but it means a lot to me to know and have it confirmed that He truly does know me inside and out and will try to help me be the best me, the one He created me to be.

I want to track my progress as this goes along. Not just numbers on the scale, but all my symptoms that are associated with this thyroid problem. This is going to be real and transparent and honestly, I hope no one reads one word of this so as to not have to be too vulnerable and open to criticism.

This is the beginning of my journey. Welcome aboard.

Big Healthy Breakfast

Henry and I woke up this morning to a cold house (had to replace the batteries in the thermostat), hungry bellies, and no desire to go out in the chilly weather. Our conversations about meals tend to go like this:
Henry: I'm le hungry.
Me: What would you like to have?
H: I don't know.
M: Me neither. What sounds good?
H: I don't know, but something BIG.

I heard this again this morning and instead of cold cereal, I decided to actually go big. Look out.

So before I tell you about what I cooked, I want to tell you about where I'm coming from.

Hi. I'm Kimb. I love food. I might even venture to call myself a foodie. Henry is my six year old who likes to tell people that he likes fancy food, which is partially true, but he's pretty picky too. Within the past couple of months, I've been convicted to really clean up my diet. I came to realize that about 90 percent of what we were eating was providing no actual nourishment to our bodies. That plus the statistic that absolutely floored me, that health experts are, for the first time ever, predicting that my generation will outlive Henry's generation, made me ready for a big change.

So with those two revelations, I decided to make a lifestyle change. Cut WAY back on the processed fluff we currently call food (I'm calling it "fluff" because the majority of it has no real use in our bodies. It goes in, it comes out, and maybe leaves a little behind to add a little fluff to our bodies. ;)), and try to use as many whole food options as possible. I'm trying to veer away from food that has been made with artificial sweeteners, chemicals, hormones, and antibiotics. That's kind of the premise. I'm not saying I'll never eat any of that again, I just want to change it from being a major part of my diet to minor one.

Let me also state this, I'm not saying this is what you should do, it's just what we've decided to do to try to get a little more healthy.

Oh, one more thing, being a food lover, there's no doubt in my mind that I will be able to find and make food that tastes amazing while still being good for you. It's an adventure. And a tasty one at that!

Okay. Back to breakfast!

I cooked some turkey bacon, egg whites, and leftover Italian bread. I'm not a connoisseur of bacon, but I prefer turkey bacon. It tastes just as smoky and wonderful, but I know it has far less fat than the kind that oinks.

Egg whites might be hard to adjust to for some, but for me, I've always preferred the whites over the yolks and they have the added benefit of no fat, no cholesterol and loads of protein. I cooked them with a little olive oil PAM spray and a slight sprinkling of salt and pepper.

Next, I brushed some olive oil on the leftover Italian bread that I split in half, and put it in the skillet, Texas toast style. While the bread was browning, I put the eggs and bacon on an oven safe plate and put it in the oven at about 225 degrees to keep warm. There's really nothing worse than cold eggs for breakfast.

I had a giant, fresh pear on hand, so I sliced up that bad boy and poured a couple glasses of strawberry banana smoothie. The smoothie wasn't homemade, but from Bolthouse, who makes terribly wonderful ready-made smoothies that are jam packed with real fruit. No really. It's real fruit.

 When the toast was done, I took the plate out of the oven, added the sliced pear and bread, and we chowed down.

How's that for a big, healthy breakfast!?

Depression Defeater

BATTLING DEPRESSION

Here's what happens to me when I am down on myself and down on life.  I get irritated, I get angry and I get sad.  I think I'm worthless to God, my family and friends.  It seems that I forget how to even plug back into the source of joy (the Holy Spirit) and then it is just a downward spiral.  But, this is what I've learned in the last couple years of fighting this battle.  

Depression is getting down on ourselves and our situations.  And, when we are focused on ourselves, not on God or others, it is sin.   I know this seems like a drastic jump.  And you might say, "But, I just can't help it.  I don't WANT to feel this way.  I see no way out."  But, I want to give you a few tools that have helped me.  After all, Romans 12:2 says, "Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."

 

So, let's think about the customs of this world with depression.  

 

1.  Medicate.  

Usually, this means getting a prescription from the doctor and letting the pill chemically alter the brain.  Sadly, this comes with many side effects and is hard to find the perfect balance for each person.  One of the major things that shocks me when I read the side effects is suicide.  You're telling me that one of the side effects of my depression meds is suicide?  That's exactly what I'm trying to get away from!!

2.  Feeding the flesh to avoid the depression. 

 For me, this usually has been running to a fast food joint and overeating because since I feel so bad, I deserve it!  This could be going out and getting high or trashed.  Maybe it's even going and doing a little retail therapy to give yourself what you want.  Everyone has something they run to that is not God when it gets rough.

3.  Dwelling on bad thoughts.  

When I get depressed, I usually journal.  I pour it all out on paper or my iPad.  Some people call up their best friend and talk about how much their life stinks and how horrible they are as a person.  Some people simply sit around and cry, dwelling on their feelings.

4.  Sleep

Have you ever wanted to just spend your whole day sleeping to avoid life? Enough said.

Now, let's let God transform us by changing the way we think!

 

1.  Medicate through the natural foods that God has given us.  

He created everything to give us nourishment and healing in our bodies.  I have learned that if I am feeling down, instead of following my instinct of hitting a drive-thru, I will go make myself a smoothie.  Getting some really good nutrients into my body is simply amazing for changing the way I feel!  I have had to change my thinking and reject my old habits by trying this first.  I love changing up the fruits, but I always want to pack it with fruit, throw in some of my favorite protein powder (I use Melaleuca's because they use natural ingredients) and use my almond milk.  If I need it sweeter, I add some honey or stevia, both natural sweeteners.

The ingredients for this great smoothie is simply frozen strawberries, peach slices, honey and vanilla almond milk.  Oh, and a scoop of my vanilla protein powder too!  Not only was it super tasty, but it helped pull me out of a funk!  I have started trying to begin my day with a smoothie every morning to get my metabolism rolling and feed my body and brain with some good stuff.  :)

If a smoothie isn't available or not doing the trick, here is another easy remedy.  Take a handful of cashews and scarf them!  I buy the great big cans or jars at Aldi or Sam's Club and have them always available.  In fact, when I was constantly in a funk, I kept little snack size bags of cashews in my purse.  Cashews are a natural anti-depressant. :)

2.  Deny the flesh and feed the spirit!  

Romans 12:1 says, "And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him."  Offer your bodies to God.  Deny yourself and you will be shocked to find freedom when your step outside of yourself to love God and others.  In fact, instead of running out and overeating, overspending or getting wasted, try doing what seems unnatural.  Help out someone in need.  Someone may need flowers, a word of encouragement, or even a meal to eat.  Give of yourself to worship God with your body.

3.  Dwell on what is good.  

2 Corinthians 10:5 says, "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."  This means we need to catch those thoughts that are lies from ourselves or the enemy and throw them out.  Replace them with the truth that comes from the Word of God.  Remember the truth of how God created you and how you were fearfully and wonderfully made by Him.

Also, Philippians 4:8b says, "Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."  Just give it a try...only think on these things.  In fact, try making a list and only writing down these things about yourself and your situation.  Pretty soon, you will be so thankful to God for blessing you that your troubles seem to fade into the background.

4.  Instead of sleeping, try exercising.  

I know, this sounds crazy.  But, exercise is so good for our bodies.  It gets natural endorphins released into our system that gets us rolling and feeling better, even happier!  In fact, it is the same thing that happens when we are madly in love.  Can you believe that you can achieve this by simply going to the gym?  Plus, for many people, this is a great source of mental clarity.  The depression fog lifts and you may be able to focus on God and what He wants to change in your life. Win!

Now, let's go defeat depression and see this world changed, one life at a time!

  

 

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Welcome

WELCOME TO FIRST FRUITS FOODIES!

I'd like to welcome you to our humble mumblings about the blessings God has given us, our quest to draw closer to Him and our love for getting healthier while enjoying the amazing foods God has created for us.  My sister, Kimb, and I are just two moms who are growing each day in love and knowledge.  We have a passion for creating great food, sharing that with others and helping one another grow in our relationships with God.  

Just in the past six months or so, we both were convicted by God to eat more naturally.  We have discovered what a lot of processed foods, as well as meat with added hormones and antibiotics, have been doing to our bodies. Not only has unhealthy eating made us put on extra pounds over the years, but it has contributed to hormone problems, pain and mood swings.  Yuck!  When we started changing what we put into our bodies, all of a sudden, it was changing how we acted, how we felt and how we grew with God.

So, if you would like, join us on our journey to healthier living--physically, emotionally, relationally, financially and spiritually.  We certainly haven't learned it all and we struggle daily with health in all these areas.  But, we will try together to improve daily to see blessings in our lives as well as the lives of our families and all who God touches along the way!

--Chris