Allergy Elimination Diet Week 1

I decided to start the allergy elimination diet on Jan. 2, 2012 for a couple of reasons. First, I was just going to be studying for the bar. No work, no school (except for a week long j-term class) no where to be. This meant that the eating restrictions would be easier because I wouldn't be out and about. Second, Chris would be in Texas. He wouldn't have to live with all of my crazy restrictions, and i wouldn't have to be tempted by his yummy food.

So on Jan. 2 I headed to target and whole foods and stocked my pantry with phase 1 eliminating foods.

look at all that fruit, yum!

The first week is supposed to be pretty rough. your body is detoxing chemicals and caffeine and that isn't always pleasant. Safe to say my body had a lot of detoxing to do. The caffeine withdrawal was awful! i had an almost constant headache for about 4 days. The withdrawal peaked on day 3 ( mid-point of my j-term class, fun!) with really bad nausea and a headache. but by day 5 I was back to normal headache and nausea wise. The symptoms i was attempting to figure out through the diet, however, were still present throughout the week. i am hoping they will get better next week.

what i learned: legumes and my stomach do not mix. i had to switch to nuts and lamb as my primary proteins because the mass amounts of legumes were tearing up my stomach. I definitely noticed the difference once i switched. Also, living without bread isn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I also learned what a caffeine headache feels like. As some one with chronic headaches, this was very helpful. i would guess that 1/4 of my headaches could be cured with a coke, good to know.

what i craved: Pizza! on the horrible day of caffeine withdrawal Jill heated up some pizza for lunch and my first craving hit me hard. My rice pasta and salad just didn't compare! Then i was at target later in the week and smelled the pizza at the cafe and had to get out of there quick!

best food: cashew pancakes: ground cashews, rice flour, water, and oil. the texture is just like pancakes and they taste super yummy.