One of my objectives in retirement is to feel refreshed. I am noticing my energy level is really low making it hard to feel refreshed. I swear every joint in my body is inflamed and aching. I know I need to ramp up my physical activity level but here is the rub, When I don’t feel good when I don’t have any energy I cannot muster up the motivation to get moving even though I know I will feel better if I just get moving. “Motion is Lotion”.
I have always been a believer that eating healthy food is important to feeling good. But let’s face it when I was working full time I was physically exhausted and mentally drained. I eventually succumbed to making quick less than healthy meals or just giving up the task altogether and opting to go out to dinner. I would say it all caught up with me when I turned 60. My body was screaming at me to eat better. I was achy all over, my skin was dry and itchy, I was gaining weight, and I was tired all the time which meant I was in a crappy mood most of the time.
A couple of years ago I went to my doctor about my itchy skin. The diagnosis was eczema. He asked me about the kinds of food I was eating so we had a discussion in which I was embarrassed to tell him about my unhealthy food choices. He recommended I try an elimination diet to determine if in fact there was a particular food or foods that my body was not tolerating. Wouldn’t you know it, a couple of days later I ran across a 21-day elimination diet program offered by Sarah Grace Powers. I had heard her speak at a bookstore several years back and have been following her articles. I knew and trusted her. So I signed up! The program included a list of foods to avoid and safe foods, recipes, a daily log, and a group meeting once a week. All the tools I needed.
I noticed a remarkable improvement in how I felt in just the first week. I also shed some inches and pounds which was a very appreciated side effect!!! The first week was the hardest for me but since I knew I had a group to hold me accountable I was motivated to stay on track. I discovered diary and gluten were not my food friends. I was very disappointed to learn about my gluten sensitivity since I love me my bread. But the benefits were worth the sacrifice. I noticed I had a boost in energy, I felt less bloated, my immune system was better, my skin improved, my skin was clearer, my hair was healthier, I felt lighter and I had a better sense of wellbeing and I was much easier to get along with since my mood had improved.
It is time for me to do another elimination diet to get me back on track. In June I was diagnosed with Diabetes and part of the plan to stay as healthy as possible is to eat right and exercise.
If you would like to join me click on SAFE FOODS and click on the daily journal. food-journal DETOXfood-journal.
Here are the recipes I used from Sarah’s program. The Garbanzo Bean Salad was one of my favorites! Click on RECIPES
You can check out Sarah Click here
Please leave me a comment if you have tried an elimination diet or if you have questions about doing one. Feel free to share this with your friends.
Cheers to feeling refreshed in retirement