Tag Archives: gluten-free

Getting Started with No Sugar, No Grains

Preparing to follow the No Sugar, No Grains lifestyle (NSNG) should be fun and exciting! I want to share our process for getting started, in hopes that it will make your transition easier and more effective.

So, you’ve been giving the idea of eating better some real thought. You’ve come across NSNG and it sounds like something you could really excel at and even enjoy! But you’re unsure how to get started because your house is currently full of food filled with sugar and grains. Have no fear! I’m going to provide you some tips on how to get focused on your goals, clear your kitchen and re-stock, without breaking the budget.

Getting Started

It’s important to have a good foundation set-up for yourself before you begin the No Sugar, No Grains lifestyle. If you leave your kitchen full of the tempting food that you’re now going to be avoiding, it will make this lifestyle even tougher.

My advice? Get rid of anything that you can’t eat (except for those items that your children may be eating). Give it away, you don’t need to throw it out. A food kitchen likely won’t take opened food, but a friend might. Ask around, there’s likely someone who will be interested in those cheez-its you’ve been hoarding.

The reason cleaning out the kitchen is so important, is because when you’re hungry and you stroll into the kitchen, you’re likely going to reach for the first thing you see, or something that you can grab quick. When we’re hungry our resolve to eat the right foods weakens, if your kitchen is free of them – then you have no choice but to go for that delicious Honeycrisp apple, instead of the Reese’s Peanut Butter cup.

You may be wondering whether it is worth changing your habits to eat this way, right?!

For me, it has been absolutely worth it! I am losing weight and not starving. I am NOT obsessing over calories, or points – I don’t worry about when my next meal is (because I never feel hungry).

One other reason you might consider making the switch… My body feels AMAZING! My brain is clear, I can think easier and come to solutions faster and my body doesn’t ache like it once did, when it was full of gluten. I’m telling you, it is SO worth it!

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again… nothing will happen if you don’t make the switch, you’ll likely continue living your life quite happily – but by switching you may find that you feel 10 times better, and that you don’t even miss the sugar or grains.

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How We Did It

We certainly don’t know everything, but I wanted to share how we went about adopting this lifestyle, in hopes that you may benefit from our experiences.

Seamus and I had heard of NSNG from a radio show we listened to. At first we were skeptical, we felt like there was no way we would do it. I mean, when you think, no more brownies, or no more crusty bread with your pasta, it can feel a little overwhelming. However, one day after Seamus had a particularly sucky week and couldn’t concentrate, he decided to give NSNG a try.

Sidenote: You will hear a lot about all the problems that gluten can cause in your body. It’s true! That’s part of why your mental clarity returns when you stop eating it.

Within a month of starting, not only was he thinking clearer, Seamus had lost 20 lbs with little effort, other than changing his diet. He’s kept losing, and now my husband, who is 6’5″ weighs 182 lbs (and trust me, he is not starving). This lifestyle really works!

After seeing his success, I was instantly motivated to give it a try. I attempted a start on several different occasions, but always quit by lunch time. Why? I wasn’t prepared, my house was full of the foods that I couldn’t eat, and my willpower to avoid them was weak. But then the new year rolled around and I decided to make a change, and to challenge myself.

On January 1st I made the choice to be dedicated to the NSNG way of life for 31 days. It was enough time to see how I would feel, and short enough where my mind didn’t start to panic about the change. My 31 days are now over, and I have no plans on stopping. I still feel great, and I’m losing weight (I’ve lost 8 lbs in 4 weeks). Why stop!?

What’s unique about NSNG?

We’ve been told for SO long that fat is bad, that it’s the enemy and that we should avoid it. But, my husband is living proof that fat isn’t bad – sugar and grains are.

Implenting NSNG is simple. Just stop eating sugar, substitute sugars and grains and you’re locked and loaded. But, of course it is more complicated than that, you have a brain who is addicted to sugar and believes that without grains (specifically pasta or bread) you’ll never make it. I’m here to tell you, you don’t need bread – with the amount of healthy fats that you’re allowed to eat, you won’t miss it.

Still Struggling to Get Started? Here are Some Easy Actionable Steps for You to Follow

  • Clear the cupboards. Go through your cupboards and get rid of everything that contains a sugar or a grain. No, you don’t need to throw it away – donate it or give it to a family / friend who has not adopted the NSNG lifestyle.
  • Meal plan. Before you go shopping to restock those now empty cupboards, spend time making a meal plan (you can see my tips on making one by clicking on the link).
  • Eat breakfast / lunch, before shopping. Make a shopping list and eat breakfast / lunch before heading out the door, you never want to shop on an empty stomach.
  • Stick to the list. Seriously! At least for the first few weeks, buy exactly what you wrote down. Your resolve may not be strong enough to say no to the junk, otherwise.
  • Food prep is key. Spend some time prepping what you can, cutting veggies, washing fruit – making certain meals ahead of time.
  • Eat the fat. Eat lots of yummy fat and protein and don’t let yourself get too hungry so you begin craving foods you shouldn’t eat. The one thing this does not mean is, eating fast food. You want fats that do not include grains or sugars!
  • Allow for imperfection. This one is HUGE! Don’t beat yourself up if you have a cookie at the company pot luck, or if you need to grab something on the run and you have a bun from a burger. This is life, it is going to happen – what is important is that you cut grains and sugars out of your life for the majority of the time.

How Do I Know this Will Work?

As I mentioned earlier, Seamus has lost 65 lbs simply by following the NSNG lifestyle. I can’t even attribute much of it to exercise, because he injured his back and hasn’t been able to run since August. He’s just followed NSNG, walked and has lost the weight.

If you’re interested in learning more about NSNG, or are maybe want to start following this lifestyle, Vinnie Tortorich has a book, Fitness Confidential and a self-titled podcast. There’s a wealth of information, all stuff I’ve personally benefited from!

I plan on sharing more about NSNG around these parts, possibly even recipes so be on the lookout for those!

Your turn!

Have you tried any diets and failed?

What’s your favorite way to eat healthy and lose weight? Have you ever thought about eating a diet high in fat and protein, in order to lose weight?

What other questions do YOU have about this way of life?

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What Does Binge Eating Disorder Look Like?

It’s What I Ate Wednesday, and it’s been awhile since I’ve checked in with all of you on how my Binge Eating Disorder has been. I thought I’d take today to do that.

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If you went by the pictures I took today, my eating would appear to be in check. Seamus made me a yummy egg sandwich on a GF muffin, and I had a banana. Sadly, I didn’t stop there – as soon as Seamus and Emmett left, I jumped to the fridge and ate two slices of pizza. They were delicious, and I regretted them the second I started eating them, but as usual, I felt out of control and didn’t know how to stop myself. I polished off the two pieces and continued my self-hatred until I got into the office, where I was quickly distracted by work.

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The distraction kept me occupied for a couple of hours, because I didn’t think about food until lunch time came around and I started smelling everyone’s delicious food (or not so delicious in the case of some frozen meals). Either way, the second I started smelling the food smells, all I could think about is food. A sub, to be exact, heavy on the onion and mayo. I got through a few more work things, and then I rushed out the door. I grabbed a turkey sub from Subway and headed home to sit on the couch and binge.

While I was sitting on the couch, I realized that I hadn’t gotten a picture of my food. Then, the thought popped into my head, “I wouldn’t want to have taken a picture. I don’t want anyone knowing what I am eating. I’ll just lie and say I had something healthy and that I forgot to grab a picture.” That was almost literally the thought that went through my head. And I almost did it, I almost lied to you, readers. But then, while I was bathing Emmett, I had a small epiphany… Maybe if I am honest and up-front with what I went through, it will help me overcome some binge eating issues, and it could possibly help someone else down the line, who may be struggling with the same thing.

When it came time to leave work, I had to fight a very strong urge to go to Starbucks and buy all the things. I managed, by a constant voice in my head saying, “Emmett’s in the car, Emmett’s in the car. You don’t want to be a bad role model for him.” I ended up with just a coffee, which is why I was going there anyway.

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Dinner was easy because I was home with Seamus. I rarely binge when he’s around because I don’t want him to see me doing it. He knows, I’ve shared my struggles with him, but I don’t want him to see it. He probably wouldn’t judge me, but I don’t want to even take the risk, so I eat a normal amount and keep the binging to myself.

So, friends, I’ve laid it all out there. It’s so scary to be so forthcoming with things, but I really want to get better, and keeping it a deep dark secret isn’t working, so I’m figuring that I may as well try sharing and see if I get to a better spot.

I’m linking up with Peas and Crayons, thanks for hosting, Jenn.

Herniated Disc and Ways I’m Healing Naturally

**I am in no way a medical practitioner and any advice or tips listed herein, are suggestions that have worked for me. Please contact your medical provider before beginning any new exercises or routines.**

Coping with a Herniated Disc

I mentioned in my menu plan on Sunday, that I have been dealing with a herniated disc. As I mentioned in that post, the pain from a herniated disc is the worst pain you can ever imagine. Nerve pain is the worst kind of pain because there’s no getting use to it, and it doesn’t dull. It stays as strong and intense from the moment it starts until it is healed. The only saving grace is that as it heals, it may occur less frequently.

Back in September of 2009, I had a microdiscectomy on a disc that was hitting my sciatic nerve on the left side of my body. The goal was to take away the numbness that I was dealing with, and to alleviate the pain that was constant. Sadly, the surgery didn’t do either. I left in more pain that I started in, and the numbness remained. I was out of work for at least 10 weeks trying to heal, because sitting behind a desk would have been impossible. After about 10 weeks, I still had pain but it was tolerable and something that I could work with. Now, 6 years later, I don’t have pain on that side, but the numbness remains. Now I have pain on the right side of my body from a herniated disc that is hitting my right sciatic nerve. However, this time around I’m handling things much differently, I’m going to work on healing myself naturally.

So, what am I doing?

First and foremost, I’ve cut gluten out of my diet. Gluten can cause inflammation, and has been shown to exacerbate herniated discs, I almost immediately cut it out. There is just no need for it, if it is even remotely causing any of my pain. I never ever want to be where I was on Thursday night again.

I was rolling around in bed trying to figure out how to get up to use the bathroom at 3 am and I just couldn’t do it without help. I had to wake poor Seamus up to assist me. At that moment, I hit rock bottom. I knew that my weight was negatively affecting my back and that I couldn’t keep beating my body up. So far, four days in, and I’m doing just fine. I absolutely have cravings but with the right amount of pressure on myself, I’m able to say no to gluten filled foods. It feels good to take control!

Next, I started my stretching regimen. Three to four times a day, I stop what I am doing and find a place to stretch out my back, which has been doing wonders. Even if my back completely heals, I will be continuing this stretches. A healthy back needs to be stretched and strengthened, as much as an injured one. I will be sharing my stretch “routine” in a future post.

I also began walking more. There have been days when hours would pass and I wouldn’t get up from my desk. If I don’t have to use the bathroom, and I’m focused on what I am doing, then I wouldn’t get up. I have changed that now, I try to get up at least once an hour to stretch my spine, and get a few extra steps in a day. The standing position is much less painful than sitting anyway.

I stopped lifting items that are too heavy for me. I have pretty much always been a strong person, able to lift things far heavier than I probably should have. In addition to my weight, this is probably one of the biggest qualifying reasons that my back is so temperamental. Even with our move, I am not lifting a thing. I bring the empty box to the room I’m in, fill it and then have Seamus move it. I’m not taking any risks. I haven’t even picked up Emmett in almost a week. If Seamus picks him up for me, I am okay to hug him and kiss him, but picking him up from the floor is bad bad BAD (just another reason I need to heal myself).

And finally, I’ve started doing some yoga. Yoga has always seemed so interesting to me, an intense workout for your muscles, but also so peaceful and centering. I have done yoga workouts off and on for years, but never really took it seriously. However, I did some serious reading about healing herniated discs, and one of the most common suggestions was practicing yoga regularly. I’m taking their advice and starting my practice. I’d love to have one of those strong, svelte bodies of all the yoga fanatics on Instagram.

This will likely be a lengthy journey, but I will heal and feel healthier because of it. I will have changed my life for the better in so many ways, versus jumping to surgery and not changing my life. I can do this! I believe in myself!

Your turn!

Have you ever suffered from a herniated disc? Do you have any advice for me? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

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Sunday Meal Plan Link-Up

It’s Sunday and it’s Meal Plan Link-Up time!

Hi everyone! I’ve been absent, and I’m so sorry. Life has been so busy with packing and regular responsibilities and then Thursday evening I could barely move because I completely herniated a disc. I woke up at 3 am and had to have Seamus help me get out bed to use the bathroom because I couldn’t move without severe pain. Because of the back problems, we didn’t get as much packing done as I would have liked.

On a side note, If you’ve never herniated a disc, then let me explain that it is a pain so intense that I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. When a disc in the lumbar region herniates and presses on the sciatic nerve, it is called sciatica, which is what I am suffering with. Sciatica is when you have severe pain or numbness running down through your butt and down your leg. About 5 years ago, I had a herniated disc on my left side. I went through surgery, and while it did help take the pain away, I still have numbness. This time it is on my right side, and instead of having surgery, I would like to heal my back naturally. I’ve been doing some serious research, and will share my finds in a future posts.

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But for now, it’s time to share my weekly menu…

Breakfast for the Week: Udi’s bagel, egg & cheese

Snack: Blueberries, Strawberries & unsweetened coconut

Lunch: Chicken Sausage, Saurkraut, hard boiled egg, spinach and tomato salad with balsamic vinegar and oil

Snack: apple & laughing cow cheese

Dinners for the Week

Sunday: Corned Beef, Cabbage & Potato (to celebrate my Irish husband and child)

Monday: Scrounge around house

Tuesday: Honey Teriyaki Chicken

Wednesday: Steak, Chick Peas and Tomatoes (a new recipe, that I’m really excited about)

Thursday: Marinated Chicken & Brussel Sprouts

Friday: Tilapia and Cauliflower

Saturday: Chili

If you noticed, my menu for the week is free of gluten. In my research for naturally healing my back, I found that many doctors recommend eating gluten-free when a disc is herniated to help with any inflammation that wheat gluten can cause. So, in an effort to never be in this much pain again, I’m going gluten-free.

Your turn!

What’s on your menu for the week? Share in the comments below!

Join me in linking up with Laura from Mommy Run Fast and Jill from Fitness, Health & Happiness. Check out their blogs and be sure to link-up!

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