When I started writing this post, I was going to lament the fact that I used to be a running, kickboxing, kettlebell snatching woman…and that, as of late, I hadn’t been doing any of that. The post I was going to write was all about the past and things that were/are wrong with me.
But then I remembered: change happens in the moment. It happens right now and right now and right now. It doesn’t happen in the past.
Another thing about me? I go through phases. I’m all gung-ho about this or that, and then I’m not. And that’s okay.
Here are some ways I’ve changed in the moment, recently:
Yesterday, when I took my grandson for a walk to the beach in his stroller, I ran up and down the boardwalk. And it felt awesome. I’ve missed running. But not like I used to. It used to be about times and distances and proving something. Now, I do it because it feels good. I want to do it again.
I pretty much stopped eating wheat/gluten, but not 100%. It was something I decided to try, in the moment. I’ll eat oatmeal that was processed in a plant that also handles wheat and I also have a Gnu bar every day and they have a bit of wheat in them. But wheat-based breads, pastas, etc. Meh! I’ve made a few gluten-free recipes and tried a few gluten-free products, but I’m not going out of my way to replace wheat/gluten.
I’ve also stopped eating dairy (except Greek yogurt, which doesn’t seem to bother me). I never considered that I may be lactose-intolerant but my massage therapist (who, by the way, has been working on my lower back/hips/glutes with amazing results) did some muscle testing on me and suggested lactose intolerance, not gluten intolerance.
And while at Green Mountain At Fox Run I learned that sometimes, when we start to crave a certain food (or food group) it may mean that we’ve become intolerant to it, versus meaning that our bodies need whatever it is. I had started craving things like cottage cheese, regular cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. And my intestinal system was not reacting well, although I didn’t seem to notice it. It was only when I’d gone without much dairy (at GMFR) and then reintroduced it when I got back, that it became obvious to me. And sure, I could take Lactaid in order to eat dairy, but why? If it’s not good for my body? So this is something else that changed in the moment.
And writing this post, about what makes my body feel good, acknowledging who I am and what I am proud of, instead of what I used to do, or what’s holding me back, is a change in the moment.
Finn and me at Ocean Beach Park, New London, CT
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Hmm… interesting. Maybe I crave bread so desperately because I am intolerant to it!! I have long suspected I have some issue with some food I am eating but have not pinpointed if it is dairy or wheat or what. Actually, I hate to say this, but veggies and fruit seem to cause me problems:( I have thought about getting a blood test but seems to me that the jury is out on the accuracy for “intolerance” or “sensitivity.” Maybe years ago I did a very strict elimination diet under the supervision of a dietician and never did figure out anything. I was also tested for celiacs disease so know I don’t have that.
You know what’s interesting Karen? I thought I was having an issue with veggies and fruit too…now that I’m not eating wheat/dairy, I don’t seem to be having those same issues with veggies and fruit! I also know that our bodies can change over time and that we can become intolerant to things we used to tolerate!
Celiac tests have a very high rate of false negatives, and also do not test for intolerance to other substances in grains besides gluten. I eliminated wheat/grains for 2 weeks, just to see if I had a problem. It was quite obvious I did (the withdrawal symptoms that lasted a week were a big clue, but in spite of them, after 2 or 3 days, I felt really awesome, as if a fog lifted, and colors seemed brighter, I could see more clearly, I could hear better, it was really amazing). Your mileage may vary, of course. I really loved my bread, and hated to give it up, but I told myself, “It’s only for 2 weeks, I can do anything for 2 weeks.” Well, it’s been 2 years, and I can never go back, but I no longer want to. I want to feel good.
This reminds me to just be in tune with my body where it is TODAY…I love Gnu Bars Karen, and eat one daily as well. They are so tasty, filling, and make me feel very good. Especially the Expresso. Along with a big glass of water. Would hate to give those up…In your picture you look happy, healthy, whole…Peace and blessings, xoO
I’ve always found when I cut out a food group, whether it was Atkins or whatever, within a short time I am craving it. Because of that I’ve adopted the philosophy of ‘everything in moderation’ (except wine perhaps ;))
Love the quote!
b
What’s funny is that I was craving it (dairy) *before* I cut it out…now? Not so much…and I’m not craving wheat/gluten at all.
Did they give a reasoning behind our body craving things we are intolerant to?
I find eating of bready substances makes the drive to eat bready substances even more powerful – like s train running down the hill.
I am a gung-ho then meh sort of girl. I have somewhat learned to embrace it. It is just who I am and when I fight it I become miserable.
So right about change happening now. Hard to embrace that when you are hell bent on knocking yourself.
I am sure there is reasoning but either I don’t know what it is or I forgot. Sounds like we’re two peas in a pod in some respects :-)
LOVE this Karen.. all the learning & how good you are feeling about yourself.. and got to just LOVE that pic & your cutie grandson – adorable!
Yeah, when I’m not trying so damned hard, things work out nicely!
I love the photo of you (having only ever seen the one at the top of the page!)!!!
I’m coeliac so can’t eat any gluten, but was interested in your comment about not wanting to replace gluten. When I was first diagnosed I was excited by all of the new GF things coming out but realised that I wasn’t usually a biscuit or cake eater and yet I was going to start just because they were GF and available!!! A girlfriend recently decided to minimise wheat intake and did the same thing – started baking GF goodies that she wouldn’t normally have made – as if she was thinking, because there’s no wheat flour they’re healthy. Instead she ended up eating more than she used to!
So, I like your observation!
Deb
Deb, if you want to see a bunch of other pictures of me, check this out: http://www.kclanderson.com/pictures
And yeah, re replacing gluten, I have to say that I’ve been using brown rice and potatoes and such, but not a whole lot…I did make some gluten-free cookies but felt the urge to eat them all up! Thank goodness I didn’t make a lot!
I like how you said that you go through phases and that you are *OK* with that. Gives me something to think about … and I LOVE that picture of you and the CUTEST boy in the world!
Yeah…being okay with that sort of happened in the moment. I was thinking that I was supposed to upset with the fact that I hadn’t stuck with certain routines, and then I thought…pfffft.
What a lovely photo!
I used to think something was “wrong” with me that I could so easily flit from interest to interest, and then I read a book by Barbara Sher (_I Could Be Anything If I Only I Knew What That Was_, I think) in which she discusses the concept of “scanners” and “divers” and the need for and value of both kinds of people. I realized it was not only okay to flit, but it was a beautiful thing. :)
I LOVE THAT!! I will have to check that book out…it sounds like it was made for me!
OH
Ive never thought about it this way at all.
when we crave it could mean intolerance to.
food for my tuesday thought, Karen. for me and my girl!
Yeah…I can’t explain why…,maybe ask Marsha Hudnall?
Hi Karen! I, too, have cut WAY down on my gluten intake – not in a drastic way – just not eating the bread on the table or a sandwich daily. So now, when I do have bread ( or something similar) I donot like the “bloating” unsettled feeling. I know I feel better without it so I do!
Exactly!
SOMETIMES I just wanna run real fast…. usually that urge goes away!
And GLUTEN! yuk to the yuk-yuk-yuk!
Sometimes I do run real fast, but only until decide to stop. ;-) It doesn’t take long!
Yes, Karen, being proud of who we are at the moment and letting go of this constant need to change!
I love the picture with Finn, he is so cute, and you look like you have a wonderful bond with him!
Thanks…
Darling picture Karen! So cute. I go through phases in almost every area of my life. I think I am somewhat like what Cammy described from that book. It’s usually in a good way though, as those phases always make me learn something new.
Thanks…and I guess that’s why this process can never be one-size-fits-all!
I love the picture! I go through phases too. I learn new things about myself through-out each phase. I’ve learned what works for my me and my body and the only way I got there was by trying different things. :)
Yep…live and learn, trial and error :-) We are the experts of our own bodies!
Karen, I just have to say that reading your posts are like it used to be when I went to church. It seems that you have been peeping in on my life because it’s like you are writing directly to me. I was just tested yesterday for food allergies and have a strong suspicion it’s going to be positive for gluten. Instead of thinking about how I’m going to replace it I’m trying to think of foods/meals that I can just do without it. Mostly because I’ve tried two different gluten free breads and both were total crap.
I like you being okay with the winds of change, it makes me feel better about how often my mind changes and makes me consider that my mom’s ever changing ways can be tolerated too.
Super cute picture, little kids can be so much fun!
Ditto with me, can eat lf Greek (and 1/2 c lf cottage cheese), but all other dairy seems to bother me. And I only eat 1-2 servings per day.
Not sure if it is wheat or the additives or the process, but that messes me up too.
Lightly steamed broccoli Is one thing that really helps me with regularity.
Also hot water with a squeeze of lemon before meals if I am having tender tummy.
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