Dairy Detox Update

So! I have been dairy free for over a month now, and I must say that I have had little to no difficulty with the switch. Sure, I kick myself when I'm dying to indulge in a vanilla soft serve cone here and there, but thanks to Rita's Italian Ice and some great ice cream substitutes, I make out just fine. My gas/bloating problem is under control, which is a big relief. And, my dairy detox has come with some surprising health benefits!

Last fall, as a product of being on my feet for many hours a day without shoes, karate over the years, and Zumba, I was getting regular discomfort in my feet, particularly between my third and fourth toes towards the ball of my foot. I would also experience numbness in my toes when the pain was especially obvious. After fighting it for about a month, I finally went to a podiatrist. She explained that I had inflammation between my toe joints due to lack of support. So, I immediately began wearing shoes at work and increased the support for my arch (which has been a chronic issue since my teenage years) with an insole. The pain/discomfort/numbness definitely decreased, but did not altogether disappear...until I removed dairy products from my diet.

Milk is a known allergen that can trigger an inflammatory response. Consequently, I have seen vast improvements in the pain in my foot. Sure, it didn't miraculously heal my acute injury, and I still have flares from time to time when I have been especially hard on my feet. Nevertheless, it is worlds better than it was back in October.

Also, as you know from my older posts, I have been combating rosecea, merely assuming it to be a byproduct of my "old age." Since my detox, the redness in my cheeks has reduced dramatically. I no longer need makeup to cover the red nor even out my skin tone. My skin is beautiful and healthy looking like it used to be! I am thrilled!!

Needless to say, I am very happy with my decision and the positive effects it has had on my overall health. Since I was walking tall (literally and figuratively) with such great results and ever so passionate about health and fitness, I plunged a bit further.

Now, my diet is predominantly vegetarian but with the allowance of fish. Truly, it happened naturally. Most of my diet in the last few years has centered around fruits and vegetables. And, as I take lunch to work with me every day, it is easy to control what I eat. Several months ago, after a rather prolonged IBS flare, my husband resolved to not eat as much red meat. I have never been a huge fan of red meat. Sure, I'll eat it, but given the choice between chicken and beef, I'll take the chicken. Regardless, after removing beef from our diet, he saw improvements quickly. Now, after removing meat almost entirely, his IBS problems have been non-existent. This is HUGE. Ever since I have known Jon, he has battled with IBS (at times quite literally). To not have to deal with this ailment is a true blessing. 

My husband and I often talk about how to take a proactive and healthy approach to our lives. Health and fitness are important to us, and we want to not just talk the talk when we are on the gym or dojo floor, but walk the walk, too. Truthfully, we do it for ourselves, not so much for those we are an example to. But, we enjoy knowing that we have integrity with what we encourage others to strive for.

In our quest for healthier living, I came across this book and highly recommend it, The Flexitarian Diet by Dawn Jackson Blatner. This book has a great approach whether you're looking just to tweak your diet or overhaul it completely. There is no pressure. The recipes are simple, easy, and allow for meat if you want it. It includes easy "swaps" to take out all the guesswork - if you're not a fan of bean, use chicken, beef, or fish; if you can't have cheese, use avocado. It is so user friendly and able to be modified according to your natural palette preferences. I have made many of the recipes and have a list of those I am dying to try. It includes 35 breakfasts, 35 lunches, 35 dinners, and 35 snacks - a 5 week plan that you can pick and choose from as you wish. Definitely a cookbook worth getting.

As I said, I am more than happy with the results of my new diet. I extend a great big "Thank You!" to my sister who has been a vegetarian for 2 years and is a great resource to call upon when in need of advice or ideas for a great recipe. I applaud my husband who has been the beef king for so long as he continues to take a more proactive and thoughtful approach to his diet and overall lifestyle. And, I encourage everyone to live a life that allows you to be exactly the kind of person you want to be. As SELF magazine often says, "Be your best SELF." You're the only YOU this world will ever know. :)