The Wheat Free Experiment

I've been reading the book Wheat Belly over the past month. It was of particular interest to me as my mom was diagnosed with celiac disease about 4 years ago. For anyone who hasn't heard of celiac disease, it is an autoimmune disorder that is aggravated by digestion of gluten. This is different than a wheat allergy but both encourage sufferers to go wheat free and celiac sufferers go gluten free.

In the book, the theory is that we can feel better, sleep better and lower our blood sugar (among other things) simply by saying goodbye to wheat and other whole grains. One of the most interesting things that I learned from the book is that a snickers bar has a lower glycemic index than 2 pieces of wheat bread. Think about that one for just a minute, you would have a lower blood sugar by eating a candy bar?

What's to blame for this? According to the book, it's the mutation of modern wheat.

I'm not quite sure how to feel about this book but I do think there's some truth to it. I followed Weight Watchers successfully before my pregnancy and lost over 30 lbs. However, it's been really hard to get back on the bandwagon nursing my son, going to graduate school and never getting a full night's sleep.

So starting tomorrow, I'm going to try to go on a wheat free test. Hopefully, if I'm successful I'll be updating with good news in a week that I actually lost weight. I'll post before and after pics and hopefully have good information on what to expect and how a wheat free lifestyle feels.

Til then I'm going to enjoy my dinner, grass fed steak tacos! Happy eating!

On Turning 31

Well yesterday was my birthday, to be honest I was feeling a little weird about turning 31. I equate it much like reliving senior year again. This year pending unforeseen circumstances I will complete my master's degree and much of this week has been devoted to all that fun paperwork required to end a semester. So as I turn 31, I was filled with that feeling of new beginning but also that things will be changing come 2013.

I also finally realized its time to put on my big girl pants and start taking better care of myself health wise. I've been carrying about 15 lbs. of baby weight from Jack that I keep making excuses for. I need to get back on the weight watchers band wagon once and for all. I need to get a physical again and find a new doctor after mine retired. Ultimately, turning 31 has reminded me that I owe it to myself and Jack to be the best me I can be. I started back on Weight Watchers today and so far made it one meal! Yay!

In other news, pictures have been limited due to my old phone being a dud and having to get a new phone. Luckily, my mom took pity on me and got me a prepaid phone til I could figure out my next move. Monday, my aunt gifted me an iPhone for my birthday so I am so excited to start getting some cooler pics of Jack!

Jack's big news is that he started walking Saturday, April 28 aka Aren's birthday!! AND we were both there! It was so quick, just a few steps that we didn't get to snap any pics of the big moment but it was still super exciting! Jack got sick last week again, I'm beginning to learn his sick signs. He is back on the last antibiotic he took during the ear infection saga.

Yesterday for my birthday I started the day at Stevie's with Jack, Mom and my grandfather. Jack had fun wearing his napkin as a hat.

 

Ordering at restaurants has been a challenge this week. Since his throat had been hurting, he's been spitting his food out minus the swallowing. My mom did discover he likes omelets.

 

That night, my family and friends went to Carrabas for my birthday dinner. Jack hung out with everyone and I snagged this pick of him with Uncle Alex and Aunt Kay.

 

Jack and Paw Paw

 

It was a really fun night! I was so blessed to have Aren, Jack, Mom, Dad, Alex, Aunt Kay, Paw Paw, Leslye, Edie, Trinidad and little Niko all there! The fabulous Emily Owens is finally back from Paris and she got to join in the fun plus get reacquainted with Jack.