Elimination Diets....Are They Worth the Trouble?

Elimination diets are popular, and often prescribed by nutritionists and endocrinologists trying to get to the bottom of a patient's GI issues. 

Yesterday I shared my own journey back to good health, and how I did not eliminate, but reduced gluten and dairy.

For people who are not having serious health concerns, the concept of eliminating their favorite food groups for 30 days is a short-lived idea. Short-lived because it requires planning ahead for grocery shopping, recipes, and more. Finding a great support system is key for success, and I am fortunate to be a part of a great group of people in a private Facebook forum that focuses on healthy living. We share recipes, and store bought foods that we have found, with great joy and diligence in label reading, that meet the elimination diet criteria.

If the thought of eliminating a food group 100% for thirty days seems overwhelming, I encourage you to cut back on ONE food group (gluten/wheat or dairy are two food groups that are typically prime suspect for a host of symptoms) for four weeks.  These two food groups are most often associated with skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and more. Keep in mind that cutting back can help one lose weight, but as long as a food group is still in the diet, a skin condition or other ailment is not likely to go away.

If weight loss is your goal - counting calories is not necessary, and you don't need to measure or weigh yourself unless you wish to....your clothes will let you know if your body is losing body fat through the mid-section and elsewhere, and in all likelihood, your joints and overall sense of wellness will be tell tale signs of how your body is responding.

It is imperative to find an alkaline-based (aka vegetable/plant-based food) substitute to take the place of the glutenous foods you are eliminating. Whether it is breakfast cereal, toast or bagel, or sandwich or pizza - you want to fuel your body with food that does not fuel diseased cells. Fresh, raw plant-based foods are a great choice. For me personally, a vegan, low-glycemic protein shake  free of soy (thyroid disruptor), and artificial ingredients, was key to my success. I added Arbonne Fiber Boost to my shake as well, as my diet seriously lacked fiber (important for colon cancer prevention) and the combo of protein and fiber helped me to feel full well past the lunch hour (as a strawberry smoothie was my breakfast meal replacement).

Now that farmer's markets are back in season, it is a great time to cut back on gluten, and instead, indulge in nutrient-dense foods for a healthier and happier life.

May you feel great, look great and live great!
Rita S.