Sunday, August 22, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Still Alive
Hello... hello... hello... (echo, echo).
I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm still alive. The past week has been difficult; my health has not been good, and my emotional state has been strained.
I was back at the doctor's office last Thursday (August 12th), and was told (by a different doctor than I've been seeing) that I "actually probably don't have celiac disease." What?! I don't really understand the science behind the diagnosis; but it seems that I do have the gluten anti-bodies, but not as many as would be expected if I did have celiac disease. The doctor on Thursday suggested that I have a gluten sensitivity, and since then, I have been slowly introducing (healthy) gluten back into my diet without much change. (Incidentally, she also doesn't believe I have Sjögren's, either).
That still begs the question -- why have I been so miserable and sick? They really have no idea. They're running a butt load of tests, but who knows?
I'm starting to wonder if the stress I am under is making me physically sick, but that's another story. I'm taking steps to promote total wellness in my life, but it's a long and tedious process. Until I get things figured out, my posts here are likely to be less frequent.
I promise I'll be back -- probably with a new name (since apparently Jenna doesn't need to be totally gluten-free) and maybe a new look, too.
Until then, be well everyone!
I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm still alive. The past week has been difficult; my health has not been good, and my emotional state has been strained.
I was back at the doctor's office last Thursday (August 12th), and was told (by a different doctor than I've been seeing) that I "actually probably don't have celiac disease." What?! I don't really understand the science behind the diagnosis; but it seems that I do have the gluten anti-bodies, but not as many as would be expected if I did have celiac disease. The doctor on Thursday suggested that I have a gluten sensitivity, and since then, I have been slowly introducing (healthy) gluten back into my diet without much change. (Incidentally, she also doesn't believe I have Sjögren's, either).
That still begs the question -- why have I been so miserable and sick? They really have no idea. They're running a butt load of tests, but who knows?
I'm starting to wonder if the stress I am under is making me physically sick, but that's another story. I'm taking steps to promote total wellness in my life, but it's a long and tedious process. Until I get things figured out, my posts here are likely to be less frequent.
I promise I'll be back -- probably with a new name (since apparently Jenna doesn't need to be totally gluten-free) and maybe a new look, too.
Until then, be well everyone!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
The Celiac's Best Friend
Since my diagnosis, I've felt pretty left out. Many social activities revolve around eating and drinking, and now that I have dietary restrictions to cope with, I haven't been invited to or involved with many gatherings. Even at work, my co-workers don't ask if I want to "do" lunch anymore, and on ordering-in days, my cubicle is skipped over.
At home, we haven't been eating out nearly as much as we used to, except for a few times when we'd hit up Culver's and I'd order a salad. This is good, because it's saving us a lot of money -- and fast food is a meal option that's healthy for us to miss out on, anyway.
It's just that I miss it. A lot. Eating out is a hard habit to break, made even more depressing by the fact that I don't have many (any?) good gluten-free fast food options.
Until now, that is! My friend (and fellow celiac) suggested I try Jimmy Johns' "Unwiches."
These tasty morsels are just like their sub sandwiches, except they're wrapped up in crisp lettuce instead of warm bread. They're a little bit messier to eat, but they taste amazing -- and the best part is, they're healthy and gluten-free!
It's nice to have an option that fits great with my nutrition plan (lean protein + complex carbs in one wrap!) that I can enjoy while out with family and friends. Even if you're not on a gluten-free plan, I highly recommend trying an Unwich!
Disclaimer: I'm not being paid by Jimmy John's to endorse their product(s), nor am I affiliated with the company in any way (besides being a loyal customer of theirs). I'm just a somewhat crazed fan of gluten-free deliciousness!
At home, we haven't been eating out nearly as much as we used to, except for a few times when we'd hit up Culver's and I'd order a salad. This is good, because it's saving us a lot of money -- and fast food is a meal option that's healthy for us to miss out on, anyway.
It's just that I miss it. A lot. Eating out is a hard habit to break, made even more depressing by the fact that I don't have many (any?) good gluten-free fast food options.
Until now, that is! My friend (and fellow celiac) suggested I try Jimmy Johns' "Unwiches."
These tasty morsels are just like their sub sandwiches, except they're wrapped up in crisp lettuce instead of warm bread. They're a little bit messier to eat, but they taste amazing -- and the best part is, they're healthy and gluten-free!
It's nice to have an option that fits great with my nutrition plan (lean protein + complex carbs in one wrap!) that I can enjoy while out with family and friends. Even if you're not on a gluten-free plan, I highly recommend trying an Unwich!
Disclaimer: I'm not being paid by Jimmy John's to endorse their product(s), nor am I affiliated with the company in any way (besides being a loyal customer of theirs). I'm just a somewhat crazed fan of gluten-free deliciousness!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
A Plan, I Has One!
It's Tuesday again, which means it's check-in time for the Healthy You Challenge! I hope everyone is having a successful August!
Me -- I've been flopping. A lot. I have good intentions, but haven't actually accomplished anything in a couple of weeks now. In fact, I gained weight, and then managed to maintain the gain. Whoo, go me!
I've been trying to think about why I haven't been seeing any results, and I think I have a solution. Check out my flow chart:
No Plan ---> No Goals ---> No Results ---> No Motivation
So today, I'm excited to announce a plan. I has one!
I will be following the Eat Clean Diet, which isn't actually a "diet" -- it's a nutrition plan. There are no caloric restrictions, no foods to eliminate, no potions to drink. You eat 6 to 7 small meals each day, drink copious amounts of water, and feed your body healthy foods. The plan jump-starts your metabolism each morning and keeps it chugging all day long. And best of all, it's highly compatible with gluten-free living! I've eaten "clean" in the past and saw great results; I don't remember why I stopped, but this time, I'm going to make it last!
As my Eating Clean book states, a good body is created with 10% genetics, 10% exercise, and 80% nutrition. By following the meal plan, I'm already addressing the 80% component. To kick up my exercise, I'm going to start with walking during my lunch breaks 3 or 4 times a week. I also want to start weight lifting, and although space is an issue in our tiny apartment, I'm going to find a place to set up our weight machine. And then, I'm going to start using it.
As much as I love my morning Starbucks run, I'm going to eliminate that (most days -- a treat is okay once in awhile!) and replace it with wholesome green tea. I'm also aiming for getting in at least 80 ounces of water each day (I realize this puts me well over my "8 glasses a day," but given the Sjögren's Syndrome, I really need to keep myself completely hydrated!)
So, we'll see how this goes. Today is my first day in full-swing, and I spent a good half-hour last night packing a cooler for work today. The cooler is full of nutritious foods -- low fat yogurt, carrots, green beans, an apple and a banana, Jell-O (for dessert!), lean turkey lunch meat (I had to improvise on my proteins), and tuna. With practice, I'll get better at packing and planning!
My goal for the week is to really give this my all. I know that if I can "tough it out" for one week, I'll be feeling really good -- and making healthy choices will come a lot easier, because I'll want to maintain my wellness. As far as a weight goal, I just want to see that number edge down, baby!
Me -- I've been flopping. A lot. I have good intentions, but haven't actually accomplished anything in a couple of weeks now. In fact, I gained weight, and then managed to maintain the gain. Whoo, go me!
I've been trying to think about why I haven't been seeing any results, and I think I have a solution. Check out my flow chart:
No Plan ---> No Goals ---> No Results ---> No Motivation
So today, I'm excited to announce a plan. I has one!
I will be following the Eat Clean Diet, which isn't actually a "diet" -- it's a nutrition plan. There are no caloric restrictions, no foods to eliminate, no potions to drink. You eat 6 to 7 small meals each day, drink copious amounts of water, and feed your body healthy foods. The plan jump-starts your metabolism each morning and keeps it chugging all day long. And best of all, it's highly compatible with gluten-free living! I've eaten "clean" in the past and saw great results; I don't remember why I stopped, but this time, I'm going to make it last!
As my Eating Clean book states, a good body is created with 10% genetics, 10% exercise, and 80% nutrition. By following the meal plan, I'm already addressing the 80% component. To kick up my exercise, I'm going to start with walking during my lunch breaks 3 or 4 times a week. I also want to start weight lifting, and although space is an issue in our tiny apartment, I'm going to find a place to set up our weight machine. And then, I'm going to start using it.
As much as I love my morning Starbucks run, I'm going to eliminate that (most days -- a treat is okay once in awhile!) and replace it with wholesome green tea. I'm also aiming for getting in at least 80 ounces of water each day (I realize this puts me well over my "8 glasses a day," but given the Sjögren's Syndrome, I really need to keep myself completely hydrated!)
So, we'll see how this goes. Today is my first day in full-swing, and I spent a good half-hour last night packing a cooler for work today. The cooler is full of nutritious foods -- low fat yogurt, carrots, green beans, an apple and a banana, Jell-O (for dessert!), lean turkey lunch meat (I had to improvise on my proteins), and tuna. With practice, I'll get better at packing and planning!
My goal for the week is to really give this my all. I know that if I can "tough it out" for one week, I'll be feeling really good -- and making healthy choices will come a lot easier, because I'll want to maintain my wellness. As far as a weight goal, I just want to see that number edge down, baby!
Monday, August 9, 2010
D'oh
What is going on? Is the Earth spinning backwards or something?
I don't know about anyone else, but I am feeling completely off and just -- wrong.
The scale didn't budge this week... not an ounce one way or another. I know I'm lacking in the effort department right now, but seriously? I haven't been binging on junk food or anything, either.
I have been really sick. Celiac-related sick. I was up for almost two hours last night, doubled over in gastrointestinal distress. My Jason helped me run through everything I consumed all weekend -- no gluten that we could identify. Possibly I have been into a hidden gluten source, or (probably?), my body is still trying to heal from all the damage that's been done to it.
My psoriasis has been especially bad these past few days -- which is probably linked to my celiac flare-up. (Both disorders are autoimmune-related).
I'm showing many symptoms of Sjögren's Syndrome, which is another autoimmune condition strongly linked to celiac disease.
Allow me just this one moment of self-pity --
This sucks. Really bad. Sigh, woe is me, and whatnot.
I need to get into the fighting spirit. I know I can shake this! It's GO TIME.
I don't know about anyone else, but I am feeling completely off and just -- wrong.
The scale didn't budge this week... not an ounce one way or another. I know I'm lacking in the effort department right now, but seriously? I haven't been binging on junk food or anything, either.
I have been really sick. Celiac-related sick. I was up for almost two hours last night, doubled over in gastrointestinal distress. My Jason helped me run through everything I consumed all weekend -- no gluten that we could identify. Possibly I have been into a hidden gluten source, or (probably?), my body is still trying to heal from all the damage that's been done to it.
My psoriasis has been especially bad these past few days -- which is probably linked to my celiac flare-up. (Both disorders are autoimmune-related).
I'm showing many symptoms of Sjögren's Syndrome, which is another autoimmune condition strongly linked to celiac disease.
Allow me just this one moment of self-pity --
This sucks. Really bad. Sigh, woe is me, and whatnot.
I need to get into the fighting spirit. I know I can shake this! It's GO TIME.
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