Everything is a Mess!

Ok, that was a little dramatic.  It's not that bad but the diet plan really has fallen apart.  My symptoms the past week or so have been right back at square one.  I can't say it's because of meat since there were other factors involved. 

I felt the best (in some ways) and had the least amount of symptoms (though I added others) during the first two "vege" weeks of the diet.  I had several regular BMs throughout the day and didn't have as much of a constant pressure in my lower abdomen and back, as I do now.  Of course, I had the killer protein cravings and was moody and irritable.

What I realized though is that as I added in things like eggs, meat, and oatmeal - I decreased my fruit and vegetable intake.  So it may not be one of those foods that is causing the symptoms, but the lack of whole, fresh foods from the earth.

It's so hard though, it takes time to plan and prepare fresh meals like that.  I think the stress of it all overwhelmed me (especially with work being crazy busy right now) which did not help the situation.  I want to get a more solid meal plan together than I can follow, with a few days of vege cooking, a few days of meat, and so on.

I also need to reduce stress, consume more water, and exercise more regularly - those are always going to be there and will always need improvement for sure.

Meal plan will be coming soon...

First Day of May

This week's been hard - work-wise, so I have not kept up with the blog very well.  I am still on meat, eggs, and some oatmeal.  So far things are good this week, much better than last week!

I did have some coffee first thing this morning and felt the old nausea, can't get any food down feeling that I used to have often.  Conclusion:  coffee is not easy on the stomach.  If I must have it, have it later in the morning after I have eaten something.

That's all I have been noticing recently.  BMs have been fairly regular, not like they were the first couple of weeks though.  And they've been harder and more pellet-like.  Conclusion:  eat more fruit and vegetables!

What Day Am I On?!

Yesterday was a whirlwind of a day.  I woke up to a crazy disasterous house and needed to dedicate the majority of my time to cleaning.  It was good - but I don't know if I can recall what I ate throughout the day. 

I will try though.

BREAKFAST

Oatmeal (oh yes, apparently I have added in oatmeal)

SNACK

Raspberry Mango Banana Smoothie

LUNCH

Walnut, Dill, and Honey Encrusted Mahi-Mahi

SNACK

Grapes
Lara Bar

DINNER

Chicken Breast
Asparagus
Summer Squash
Spinach Salad with Strawberries, Blueberries, and Pecans

SNACK

Oatmeal Cookies - it was so good to have a cookie, but not so great for my stomach


Overall, I feel good.  Much better than the past few days.  I will go another week with meat since the past few days were a bit unsettling.

Meat Day 5

Ok, today was better.  I didn't feel great but I felt fine.  The hard part is being on my period and not knowing if the symptoms are related to that or related to meat, because they started around the same time.  I bought a lot of meat so I will probably continue for a few more days and then cut it out to see if I feel better.  I'm hoping meat is not the problem, I don't know how I would live without meat.

I am very gassy after our dinner of salmon and sweet potato fries.  I think it must be the salmon because I never eat it, don't like salmon much.  I've had sweet potato a lot lately and have not experienced this so I'm thinking - salmon.

BREAKFAST

Hash Browns

LUNCH

Chicken Lettuce Wraps with spinach, tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, and cucumber

DINNER

Salmon (4 oz) with Raspberry Chipotle Sauce
Sweet Potato Fries
Oranges

Calories:  1000 (32% protein, 30% fat, 38% carb)
- good on nutrient content, not enough food though

Meat Day 4

I did not feel good today...

There was a constant burning in my bloated belly all day.  I blame the menstraul cycle - but even still, is it supposed to be this way?  I am extremely tired and so very irritable.  I feel very bad for my sweet husband.

BREAKFAST

Chai Tea
Strawberry Banana Kiwi Smoothie

SNACK

Raw Revolution Bar

LUNCH

Shepperd's Pie with Chicken

SNACK

Coffee (I almost crashed so I had to give in)

DINNER

Eggs, Hash Browns, Bacon

Calories: 1700 (protein 23%, fat 43%, carb 34%)

Phase 3 (Meat): Day 2

The start of the week has been weird.  I added in meat on Saturday, which is also the day I finally started my period and that did not help the situation.  Sunday I had very few BMs and those that came were small, hard balls.  This continued (along with cramping and bloating) through Monday morning.  The possibility crossed my mind that it could be the meat causing inflammation of my colon.  And it still could be...

Good news is we seem to be back on track.  After a morning of discomfort and straining, I have had a few good passes.

Sunday's meal plan:

BREAKFAST

Mixed Fruit (strawberries, blueberries, grapes, bananas... ahh summer!)
Scrambled Eggs (about 3 whole)

SNACK

Lara Bar

LUNCH

Chicken Salad (about 5 oz)
Sauteed Mushrooms

SNACK

Biscuit with butter and jam - not a good decision, my stomach was not happy

DINNER

Chips and Salsa
Chicken Enchilada (corn tortilla)
*probably added to the cramping and bloating

Beginning Phase 3

Today did get a little better, after the morning drama.  I was still quite tired but was able to take a nap this afternoon.  My decision overall was to start adding in meat early.  I had planned on starting with chicken tomorrow, but instead will be starting will all meat today!  If something goes wrong, I have at leaset narrowed it down to meat and can then get more specific from there. 

Tonight we had burgers, they were great!  I am quite gassy (precious, I know) but other than that feel fine.  Still tired and moody - need to go to bed.

BREAKFAST

Biscuit with butter and apricot jam
(I know, not so good - but remember... I just didn't care at this point)

SNACK

Lara Bar

LUNCH

1 Whole Fried Egg with 2 Egg Whites
Tomato and Avocado

SNACK/ LUNCH 2

Shepperd's Pie

DINNER

(2) 5.3 oz Hamburgers
Brown Rice Mixture
Asparagus

Calories:  1800 (protein 23%)

I also had a lot of dark chocolate peanut MnM's today - my stomach was not so happy about that.  Hopefully tomorrow will be better for everyone.