It’s been 8 days since I made the biggest change possible when it comes to food. If you follow me on Instagram and watched my stories, you already know that I’ve had to give up a lot of foods due to the sensitivities I have. Food sensitivity is different than having a food allergy. You could be eating things daily that you’re sensitive too and never know it, like I was, until you get tested. Typical food allergy symptoms will show up right away: scratchy throat, hives, swelling, Food allergies trigger the immune system, while food intolerance does not. Have you ever experienced a constant brain fog or moodiness that doesn’t seem to go away? Unable to get motivated, feeling so tried and lethargic (mentally and physically), a constant pain in your joints or muscles? Dark circles, acne or rosacea? Fatigue that never goes away no matter how much sleep you get? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s pretty safe to say you have a food sensitivity and you don’t know it. These have been my symptoms for the past 14 months before I finally decided to make a change. I was tested at Real Health Medical in Roswell, GA by Nancy Masoud who has over 15 years of experience in holistic nutrition, weight management and preventive health. My hair was tested and several vials of blood were drawn to determine which foods I have a sensitivity to, and it’s A LOT. Here is the list:
I wanted to share some products I’ve found this week which I have been loving. Sometimes I need a snack and get tired of just eating eggs and vegetables. These items below are all GF/DF/NF so if you have a sensitivity to any of those, they’re good to keep around!
Lundberg Brown Rice Cakes – I love how these are lightly salted which are perfect for a snack. There are so many ways you can dress up these cakes and I will be sharing some of my favorite combinations later. Also, there are only 2 ingredients which is amazing. Only 100 calories for 4 squares too!
Ripple Chocolate Milk – I found this at Whole Foods a few days ago and absolutely love the chocolate milk version. It really does taste like the chocolate milk I had growing up. It’s 100% vegan, lactose free, nut free, soy free, gluten free and GMO free. If you’re like me and cannot have nut milk or dairy milk, then this is for you!
Primal Kitchen Mayonnaise with Avocado Oil – I’ve been eating Primal Kitchen products for over 4 years. They make amazing Paleo friendly dressings and oils. Even if you don’t have a food sensitivity, these are much healthier options than the standard condiments sold in stores. I spread some of this on the brown rice cakes or add to my lettuce and ground beef wraps. It tastes incredible and is so good for you.
Daiya Cheddar Style Shreds – When you haven’t had cheese in a week and then taste this dairy free “cheese”, it’s pretty amazing. These shreds actually melt and mimic the cheddar cheese taste. I sprinkle a few on the brown rice cakes and pop in the toaster oven for a minute or two. They’re such a great snack!
Organic Red Lentil Spaghetti – Another two ingredient dupe for traditional pasta. One of the things I have missed the most are my carbs. Bread, cereal, pizza are just memories now and I have to be creative when it comes to finding foods that taste like ones I used to have. This spaghetti is actually pretty decent if you cannot have gluten or wheat.
La Croix – I’ve been drinking these for years and even more so now. I have a hard time drinking plain water and need something with taste. My local Publix usually has these on sale and I stock up our garage refrigerator so I always have them on hand.
I will be sharing more meals, recipes, foods I find and love (and don’t love) on the blog more since I know so many people struggle with finding good things to eat when you’re on a restrictive diet! If you have any questions, feel free to email me or ask in the comments below! Thank you to everyone who has been so encouraging!
Girl. You are making the best of this! I’ve cut out dairy naturally over the past couple of years because of my acne. It was a transition but not terrible! I’ll be following along for inspiration with my own eating!
Yay! Cutting dairy is so hard for sure! Share any recipes you love!
These are all such great snack ideas. I LIVE on La Croix! And that Daiya cheese is so good!
xo Jessica
http://www.whatsfordinneresq.com
You’re amazing! I would love to get tested as well. I’m sure it’s a hard and HUGE life change, but you can do it!!!
So proud of you Chanel and now you really have me thinking if I should go get tested myself
I am so excited for you to share more and recipes! Your breakfast fruit bowl looks amazing. You go girl!
Thats awesome. I have really thought about eliminating gluten!
I have Endometriosis and it’s been recommended that I start changing my diet and eating gluten free but it’s been hard to motivate myself. This actually inspires me. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
I’ve recently gone Dairy, Nut, and Gluten free for health reasons and I can’t wait to follow along and get recipes/products from you! Sometimes it’s so hard when all you want is a cheeseburger!
I had to cut out dairy almost 7 years ago. The Dermatologist of all doctors actually found my dairy sensitivity due to my breakouts. I’m definitely going to check out that chocolate milk, and the mayo! I really would love to be fully tested for all my sensitivities. I definitely have some of those “can’t be explained why I’m foggy” moments. I am pretty addicted to coffee. One of these days I’ll conjure the courage to get tested for all food allergies/sensitivities! 🙂
You’re so positive about this! I answered yes to a few of your questions & recently have been thinking I have a problem with diary! This is very insightful and helpful.
I wish I could change my diet like that! This looks awesome!
Right here with you! I’m gonna give the Ripple a try- and the cheese shreds. I can have some cheese, but do better without it. A lot of the kinds I’ve seen don’t melt which is so weird! lol
I feel your pain – I’m grain free gluten free and refined sugar free as I have an auto-immune condition called lupus and these items cause me inflammation. If you’re determined though, it can be done!
Taking out those bad foods that harm your body make a huge difference. My diet change has really improved my life
I’m happy you have such a positive outlook on this because I would just give up and die without garlic, coffee, and peanut butter!
I am seriously so proud of you for committing to this! I love reading out all of the things you are loving right now. You’re totally rocking this lifestyle change!
I love your honesty and commitment!
I’ve actually been considering making some changes myself. I never knew you could go to such lengths to get tested for food allergies and I may have to do that. I look forward to following your journey!