Thursday, May 26, 2011

Day 52 - 7 Month Focus

I have noticed that since I've cleaned my diet up that I am really sensitive to certain foods. A number of months ago, my son brought in some fast food. It smelled so amazing!! I have not had fast food since January 2010, so I was kind of missing it. It's so easy to avoid being around this type of food when it's out there, but in my home...it was irresistible!! So I asked him for a bite and I got one. Don't even know what it was, but it was yummy. However, within a very short time....I had painful heartburn.

As you know, if you've read my blog, that I've not been feeling very well lately. I had a lot of pressure/numbness in my face, trouble with my eyes, stomach cramps, moodiness, anxiety, fatigue and weakness in my body. I thought the Hemi Facial Spasms were back because I felt some of these symptoms when I had that going on. So I went to my doctor who referred me back to my Neurologist, who did not think this was HFS symptoms, but of course, she invited me back to her office for more tests!! Not a fan of that...for sure!

So after I got this news, I simply prayed to the Lord for help in this matter. Can I just say dread, shock (because I thought I was done with all this crap), and hopelessness swam all over me. Then I began to think back to see if I've done anything different, added anything to my diet that may have caused this and I suddenly thought of this diet juice powder that I add to my water. I started drinking it only in the evenings to help get in some extra fluid. I would have a glass or two. Then on the weekends, I would have less water and more of the flavored water. And what I was noticing that every Monday, I would have all of the above symptoms and by the end of the week, they would subside only to reoccur again on Monday and the whole cycle would start again. (Monday - Friday less intake ~ symptoms would subside, Saturday & Sunday more intake ~ symptoms would increase)

So the light bulb went on, I thought.....maybe my problems are because of the drink. It has Aspartame in it. So last Monday, I did some research and got the list of side effects for Aspartame and all of the symptoms I had were on that list. So guess what...No more flavored water for me!

I stopped drinking it last Monday and by Tuesday, the facial pressure and numbness was gone, my energy level was up, started feeling strong, got me a whole bunch of hope!!

As of today, I feel great!!

Well except that I ate something at the Portland Rescue Mission last night that does not agree with me. I really am sensitive to the foods I eat and the things I drink.

The things I pour into my body really makes a huge difference in how I feel. I am grateful, because it's helping me to stay on track. I had forgotten that I used to feel sick when I ate whatever I wanted. I was sick most of the time. Now, I love feeling good, I love having energy and hope....I don't want to do things that make me feel that bad. This healthy lifestyle makes me want to live!! Not die because of how bad I feel!

So happy!!

How about you. Are you sensitive to foods?

Stats from yesterday....doing well and on target...Just running out of time this morning to post the info.

Keep focused!

7 comments:

  1. It is great that you know your body so well, and are able to isolate what triggers certain issues!

    I have to say that your post earlier this week that mentioned a Summer Bucket List truly inspired me! I have my summer's list on my blog :)

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  2. I have noticed the same thing with certain foods. Anything greasy has a real impact on my digestive system. I won't go in to detail, but it ain't pretty.

    I'm working to cut all artificial sweeteners out of my diet, even the 'good' ones. I just don't see how they can be healthy. That is still a work in progress.

    I'm glad to determined the source of your problems. I hope they go away quickly. You've had more than your share of physical ailments.
    Lori

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  3. I have the same sensitivity now too, I was having a moment like 3 months ago and I caved and had some mcdonalds french fries and I was sick all day!

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  4. Sorry to hear about the worries and health issues. As I was reading your symptoms, Aspartame immediately came to mind (as well as some food dyes). I'm so glad to hear you discovered it for yourself.

    I wonder why the stuff still exists!

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  5. This healthy lifestyle makes me want to live!! Not die because of how bad I feel!


    That quote from you above really resonates with me too! I not only was at risk of an early death but I FELT like I'd rather die. Eating better sure makes you feel like living life, doesn't it? Awesome. So glad you found out what was causing your symptoms. Looks like your prayer worked! I am learning to also be more in tune with my body than I ever was before.

    God bless..
    ~Margene

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  6. There is an award for you over on my blog :)

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  7. I am not as sensitive to foods as I am to pollen, especially at this time. I never had allergy testing to figure out exactly what I am allergic to, so I suffer with drippy nose and constant sneezing for about 4 weeks a year.

    Glad you figured it out!. have a great weekend!

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