So in October I went back to my doctor to get my blood test results, I had told her I was feeling pretty tired and couldn't seem to drop weight. She tested me for the usual suspects and everything came back fine. I sat down with her to review the results since even though everything was fine- I wasn't happy with that answer. We sat down again and talked about my training and my diet. I explained how I had been to a nutritionist so I didn't think that was the problem.
Then we talked exercise. Her question "what do you do for workouts?" My response "I swim, I bike, I run. I do triathlons." Her eyes opened wide she said she could understand my frustration but she had no idea what to tell me. Well gee thanks doc!
I went back and started looking into possible causes. I started with food allergies. I am not 100% sure what it could be but let's start with gluten. So I went gluten-free. No wheat, rye, barley. I have been doing it for a month now. I've lost 10lbs and I have a lot of my energy back. I don't fall asleep the second I sit down. It also seems to have made my mood a lot better- I feel a lot more even keel. Hey whether it is that I am gluten sensitive or its just working for other causes- I don't care. It is better than just dealing with my doctor's "I don't know"
My boyfriend has become gluten free too. Or at least "when we are together". My family seems to have embraced it. My mom immediately started experimenting with gluten free dishes and getting ready for gluten-free options for thanksgiving. Looks like I will be having my first gluten-free thanksgiving this year. I'll let you all know what dishes we come up with- so far it seems like GF corn bread stuffing, GF pies, and I'm not really sure what else is in store.
I read an article last night in this month's Women's Health about being gluten free. It wasn't the most positive spin I have seen. I think it lost sight of the fact that some people choose this diet as a way to be more healthy. Yes there are hazards with any diet- compensating with bad foods- but if used properly with a balanced diet I can't seem to see the bad. Given that I am not someone with celiac I don't have to be extremely cautious. The other positive I have is my diet is very healthy normally so this is just one change that might make a difference.
Other good news: I will also be racing twice this week... more on that with the next post :)
Double D Athlete
Swimmer turned triathlete, a wanna be cyclist, and dreams of being a Kenyan runner.
That's a great idea & is worth a shot! I know you have been frustrated for quite some time. I have a soy allergy & it's in practically everything... Do what's best & listen to your body! Sounds like it's responding well to the changes.
ReplyDeleteI think we'll be attempting a GF pie crust this week - I'll let you know how it comes out. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats! After a few tries you will have it down... Several throughout the family eat gluten fee and what was once tough is now second nature!
ReplyDeletewww.glutenfreeathlete.com
Thanks guys. I think it will be good. My grandmother is making me gluten-free pies! Glad to have the family behind me. It seems to be helping, and since the doc was no help its a good try. That site is great!!
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