Two Roads to Wholeness

I have been following the Specific Carbohydrate Diet for approximately 8 months at the start of this blog. This very strict diet is designed to heal the gut and restore the digestive tract. It is used mostly to aid in the healing of the intestines due to damage from Celiac, Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis. It has to be followed with "fanatical adherence" in order to reap the full benefits. This diet has almost completely restored my digestive health and my overall quality of life. I have been relentless in eating only whole restorative foods. SCD is really a diet of elimination. Some of the foods that I have eliminated from my diet are...

Grains of any kind (rice,oats,wheat, and quinoa)
Sugar
Soy
Corn
Preservatives
Dairy

I have had many people approach me about my lifestyle change because of the drastic amount of weight that I have lost. The truth is that I was overweight when I started this journey but my desire to lose weight had no part in my decision to start the diet. When you begin to only give your body the food and nutrients it needs, your body weight will regulate itself. Some people that are really sick may gain weight on SCD. I believe that it is not a good idea to follow this diet as a weight loss program. Saying that, I would like to address two situations where someone might choose to follow my journey and meal plans. I hope the steps below will be helpful.

The person who is in need of the healing and restorative benefits of the SCD Diet.

STEP 1: Purchase the book called, Breaking the Vicious Cycle by Elaine Gloria Gottschall.  You will need to read this book cover to cover for it is the primary source for understanding the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. Click here to buy it on amazon.

STEP 2: Make the very hard decision to take back your health. Pray for the strength to follow this plan with "fanatical adherence." Tell yourself that you are worth it!!

Step 3: Cry about making the decision in STEP 2. No, really. . . grieve that your life will radically be changed.

Step 4: Get to it!! Today is the first day to heath and wholeness. Visit websites that will give you encouragement  and support. Please let me know if you are embarking on this particular journey. I would love to personally help you and give you any encouragement that I have to offer. Here are a few examples:

Pecan Bread

Comfy Belly

Against All Grain

The person seeking weight loss or a healthier diet.

Step 1: My suggestion is to consider starting with a plan like Whole 30. I think this plan helps you to get all of the bad foods out of your diet and nutrient rich foods in. In helps you set up new healthy habits and food choices. Most of the foods that I cook are Whole 30 approved. Here is the link to the Whole 30 website where the plan is explained in its entirety.

Whole30.com

Step 2: After you have completed the 30 days, I think switching to a version of Paleo is the most beneficial. You would eat Paleo about 80% of the time and 20% healthy grains, sugars and dairy. Most of my recipes and food plans will be Paleo safe.

Step 3: Follow my meal plans closely and don't let yourself be an "event eater." I know the reason I failed at most diets and eating healthy was because I let myself eat whatever I wanted when we had an "event." The problem is that most of my life is an event! I found myself having a little bit here and there and not counting the cost on my weight or my health. Decide to follow a strict plan in the first 30 days no matter what the event. I promise you will see major changes in you health.

** As with any diet or lifestyle change, seek medical advice from your doctor**