I was what I'd consider healthy. My family followed the 80/20 rule on eating healthy and exercising, with that 20% of having fun, treats, etc. So when suddenly I started reacting to what felt like every single food I put in my body, I freaked out. I cried. Actually, I sobbed. I asked why A LOT. I work hard at feeding us in balance. Why is this happening? Why can't I fix it? Why can't I stand up or get out of bed? How can I advise people what to eat or drink if I can't eat or drink anything?! I blog food, for crying out loud.
A little over six months ago I realized I had a histamine intolerance. Modern medicine failed me more than once, and I actually "diagnosed" myself and began my journey of looking for a solution. You see, it seemed like overnight that I went from working out every day, playing with my kids, and feeling fantastic to some pretty intense symptoms. Uncontrollable sneezing. Full body hives. Wheezing and asthma symptoms. Brain fog so bad I was seriously worried I had a major issue building up. Tinnitus, vertigo, severe muscle aches and pains. I'd get so cold to the bone that layers and layers of clothes and blankets wouldn't warm me up. I wanted to stand in a hot shower for hours, but I didn't have the energy to stand. I'd fall into bed exhausted, then toss and turn all night long, sometimes the ringing in my ears as loud as an alarm.
I had to stop exercising entirely because it releases histamine in the body, not to mention I was losing weight from my restricted diet so quickly that I couldn't risk burning any calories. Not as if I had the energy...
I sought out holistic friends and friends of friends, asking for help. I got diet help, paid for food plans, and lived on a severe elimination diet for months. I started to feel better, then can you guess what happened? I had limited my diet so much that I started reacting to my safe list of foods. I felt like I was starting over. It was heartbreaking and discouraging. I've heard the word willpower my whole life and I had to live so far beyond willpower, I can't even describe.
So what's happening with me now? Are you ready to hear? I found a doctor who believes wholeheartedly in healthy living and healing the body... you won't guess what with. FOOD! Isn't that amazing?! I couldn't have asked to find a better person to help. And I'm BETTER. I'm still a work in progress; still healing. Though today I can tell you, I see the end and it sure is beautiful!
I've learned so much more about food than I ever imagined. It's changed the way I think, the way I feel. For the first time ever I'm truly living a healthy lifestyle and I feel great. I'm exercising again, I gained a little weight back and put on some much needed muscle since I had lost it all. I'm working my way back to introducing food I couldn't tolerate at all, and it's going well!
Today I tell you, I'm even more committed to helping you get and stay healthy, and the same for your family if you have one. I've got simple, delicious food with so many recipes coming soon! You'll see a rainbow of vegetables that my kids actually beg me to eat. I'm saving time, my fridge and pantry are organized and clean. Our food has become simple and delicious. And I'm about to help you simplify too!
Stay tuned for what's coming. We're going to have a lot of delicious fun.
*If you're reading this and you think any of this sounds like something you're going through, please know you're not alone. Reach out and I'll do my best to help you find what's best for you. At the very least, I'll support you, friend.