Read Up!

My new favorite book is Grain Brain by Dr. David Perlmutter. It is rather eye opening in terms of brain health in relation to the foods we eat. I find the recommendations in this book to be compatible with The Body Ecology Diet (BED). Dr. Perlmutter recommends eliminating grains and concentrated sugars.  In terms of differences it involves limiting carbohydrates more than BED and does not mention probiotic foods. I read the Kindle version of this book on a Kindle app on my smart phone - it was a good way to read this book

I recently watched a PBS special featuring Dr. William Davis, the author of Wheat Belly. In his talk he discussed the reasons that modern day wheat is the culprit in so many modern disorders. It was very interesting. Dr. Davis recommends eliminating grains and concentrated sugars and does recommend taking probiotic supplements. Again I believe BED is compatible with Dr. Davis's recommendations.

The Paleo Diet is another diet that is essentially compatible with BED, Dr. Perlmutter and Dr. Davis. In Paleo grains, sugars and other processed foods are avoided. Because each of these approaches to food come at the problem from a slightly different perspective the recommendations are also slightly different. On balance I find the essence of each to be in line with each other.

To purchase on Amazon, see links below:

Winner Winner Dinner Dinner

At dinner my plate has a lot of non-starchy vegetables (Body Ecology recommends 80%). I generally like to make two different non-starchy vegetables for variety. Then I combine that with a little of one of the following (Body Ecology recommends 20%): starchy vegetables or grain-like seeds, or animal protein.

Examples:

• Broccoli, some green beans and a red potato.  
• Zucchini, yellow squash and a small piece of salmon or cod. 
• A quarter of an acorn squash with butter, cinnamon and stevia with spinach, red bell peppers and broccoli on the side
• Fajitas - made with all veggies or a meat with a mix of non-starchy veggies.
• Eggs with non-starchy veggies
• Curried non-starchy veggies with chicken or by themselves
  
  It's also really good to add cultured vegetables to each meal. You can find them at Whole Foods in the refrigerated section or make them at home. Just mix and match with the choices you like.... look at my post with all the choices available. Have Fun!

IDK Why

People are always asking why I don't eat this or that. Why no tomatoes... why red peppers and not green peppers... why no apples or pears... why not combine starchy foods with animal proteins. I do not always have the answers to such questions at my finger-tips. I read a lot about nutrition and ways to manage IBS. If something makes sense to me, I try it and it works... that's good enough for me.

I retain what I need to do more than why I am doing it. If you need to prove it to yourself read the books. My two bibles are IBS Free at Last and the Body Ecology Diet.

Starting Small

I spent a long time thinking of starting the Body Ecology Diet. I just could not bring myself to begin.   My friend, who got over her chronic fatigue with the diet, suggested starting small. I picked two small ways to start:
1) First, I bought the Kindle edition of the book so I would have it available on my smart phone. My friend suggested reading the book slowly as it is a bit challenging.
2) Second, I tried the most basic aspect of the diet.  I made 80% of my plate non-starch vegetables and 20% either starchy vegetables or animal protein.
It was an easy way to start and it got me going. It seemed manageable and after that point I decided I would think of my food as medicine... But, that's another thought for another day.

So... I've changed

It's been a year since I've blogged... a very busy year. In the past 9 months I've lost over 50 pounds with help from a combination of low FODMAPs and the Body Ecology Diet. I did not set out to lose, I wanted to feel better and lower my blood pressure a little as it was going in the wrong direction. After tweaking my diet one more time the weight started coming off and rather easily.




Lisa in Spring 2012

Lisa in July 2014

What a differnce a year makes, 2013

 

It's just so fun in 2014

My daughter sent me pictures of myself from a couple of years ago and I recognized that my appearance has actually changed. Today I will share.

Day to day I feel better and yet feel like I look pretty much the same. New clothing is a big perk, and I've had to get a new wardrobe 3 times this year. Not to mention healthy blood pressure and a healing gut.

I think I will start blogging tips again. First one... if you've already done an elimination diet with IBS Free at Last and are ready to try more, look into the Body Ecology Diet. There's a website; though I enjoy the book the most.  I keep it on my smart phone with the Kindle App.