Shhhhh... can you hear it? You don't hear that?! Your body... it is talking to you RIGHT now!
What is your body trying to tell you? Let's see if we can catch some snippets of that conversation to get a fertile boost!
We live with a myriad of symptoms, day in and day out. That is what we consider normal. Let's debunk that belief right here, right now. Feeling yuck... NOT NORMAL!
If you experience:
BLOATING
PERIOD PAIN
CONSITPATION
LOOSE STOOLS
INCONSTINENCE
BREAK OUTS
LOW BACK PAIN
BREAST TENDERNESS
CRAVINGS
WEIGHT GAIN (ESPCIALLY EXCESS BELLY FAT)
HAIR LOSS
BRAIN FOG
FREQUENT COLDS
BODY ACHES
POOR SLEEP
ALWAYS TIRED
CAN'T FALL ASLEEP
LOW LIBIDO
ETC ETC ETC
None of these are 'normal'. These are all symptoms and ways that your body is trying to communicate with you. Your body is crying out for attention. It's time to tune in. You are an amazing creation and you deserve to feel like it.
So what's a lady to do? Gut health is a very important part of your overall health. Healing your gut and boosting the good 'bugs' there will be of tremendous support. More simply put: FRUITS AND VEGETABLES! You might be thinking, “Really, Lane? Is it really that simple?” My answer to you is YES it absolutely is! Don't believe me? I double dog dare ya to try it.
Let's be real here though. You didn't start feeling like shit overnight. And you are not going to feel incredible over night either. In fact, sometimes the change happens so gradual that you don't even really notice until you stop and take note.
STEP ONE: Get a food journal. Annoying, right?! However, you would be amazed at how many things we have a tendency to 'forget' that we put into our mouth. Also, a food journal is a great way to keep you accountable to you. Page one of your journal should be a list of ALL of the symptoms you experience or have experienced in the last month. Not sure if it's considered a symptom? Write it down, just in case. This is the fun part. It's a chance for you to take some time for you. How many symptoms have just become a part of your routine. You now have the attitude that you just have to deal with it. ERRR! Welcome back, my friend. Okay, once you have your journal and your list of symptoms, we are ready to move on.
STEP TWO: Eliminate what you KNOW isn't serving your health. Maybe you know you are going to feel like crap after you indulge on pizza. Maybe you get a nasty breakout every time you go home and chow down on your mom's chocolate chip cookies. Maybe you have a secret stash of junk food that is your go to whenever you're longing for connection. Chances are pretty good, YOU know what at least ONE thing is that you should really cut out of your daily diet. Now the hard part.... DO IT! That's about it. You just need to commit and do the best you can.
My top suggestions for an elimination diet are:
+dairy
+gluten
+sugar
+soy
+processed foods
This is the point that so many clients will stop, jaw dropped, “What CAN I eat then?!” My response, “EVERYTHING else! ALL the fruits! ALL the vegetables!” So that brings us to:
STEP THREE: Eat fruits and vegetables with EVERY meal. Fruits and/or vegetables also will become your snacks. This is most definitely NOT a 'go hungry' way to eat. In fact, if you are legitimately hungry, eat MORE! More fruits and more veges.
STEP FOUR: Prep for success! This step is super important. If you don't have nutritious things on hand and you are hungry, you will eat the crap. It's just how it is. Make a shopping list. Submit to the idea that you will need to go to the grocery store at least twice per week so that you always have plenty of fresh good food on hand. Prepare some easy and convenient snacks to keep with you.
Heads up: you WILL have cravings. Especially in the beginning. Your body has become accustomed to the way you are eating. So when you eliminate it, it is totally normal to crave it. Find the snacks that will work to curb that.
After a week or two I have a strong suspicion that you will start to FEEL the changes. Keep notes and keep it up! Symptoms that plagued you before start to diminish or even disappear all together. Enjoy! Don't quit. You are so worth it!