Experiments in Food: Check in

My last post was about how I was going to try the allergy elimination diet. Since that post I have cheated once or twice (by eating some chocolates on Valentine's Day and such), but overall I've been, as far as I know, without dairy for almost three weeks. However since I started this experiment, I've gotten very fatigued, gone to the doctor...twice... and have tried multiple digestive/tummy comforting aids.

One doctor thought I was still suffering from anemia (I was a vegetarian/vegan for an awfully long time, and my iron for more than a year afterwards, was awfully low).

The next doctor, thought I had a stress induced stomach virus... the first doctor's opinion was ruled out because of a blood test. And ....well, the this next doctor, who knows...she told me that staying away from dairy for the time being seemed like a smart enough idea and I should keep at it and get back to her how I am doing.

So far, been running 3 miles+ every day since...well a few days after the potential anemia diagnosis (to be exact, four days after)...with the exception of rest days of course...usually Saturday and/or Sundays with a Tuesday or Thursday thrown in.

I have been working rather hard, but not necessarily feeling run down. I've had stints of exhaustion.. but I think that is also a part of being a busy graduating senior. Who knows, in about a week or two, I am going to attempt to eat dairy again...honestly, I hope I don't have a reaction..

because honestly, I love ice cream and greek yogurt too much to not have it in my life as often as I have in the past.

Further updates in a week or two.

Experiments in Life(food)

Normally I'd post some writing, creative, of some kinda-- however I am going to take a sharp right turn and write about something a little more personal for the next few weeks: food. Since this past weekend I have had a very minimal appetite, I've been stressed out, and every time I eat something my stomach hurts afterwards I have decided I need to make a change. I don't feel like not eating and feeling tired is okay because I don't have enough food in me to fuel my body to do the things it likes to do: run, dance, yoga, etc. I'm exhausted, and it is only making me more stressed out.

After a few text conversations with friends, and a phone call to a very helpful cousin of mine, I've decided I am going to embark on an experiment I've been meaning to get around to for at least the past three years: The Allergy Elimination Diet. (Yes, Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and it may be very hard for me, but it is the only for sure way I can think of.) It seems very likely that I am allergic to dairy (I don't eat much of it anyway... besides ice cream.... and some cheeses...) however it doesn't stop me from eating it when it is in something someone else cooked.

I don't know that my stomach issues have anything to do with dairy, but I'll see after trying this experiment of cutting out all the foods that may bother me. Then after a period of time I'll start easing them back in to see if I have a reaction. Stress, may happen to be a factor, but I am going to also try to stop being a perfectionist in some areas of my life (yes, I am finally admitting that I can be a perfectionist) and start working towards improving my well-being.

Day One officially begins tomorrow (but generally starting now.) Wish me luck! And good luck to anyone else that decides to do the same-- I'll keep you updated on what's happening.