GF Week 1

Week 1 in the books!
 
What is gluten anyway and why is there such a negative stigma attached to it? Gluten is the collective term for a group of proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. It is what gives bread its doughy, elastic structure. Gluten can also be used in food as a thickening agent or for flavor. Just the little bug in my ear…if this is what it does to food, what does it do to our bodies?...

The first week went smoothly, I didn't find it too difficult to avoid gluten since I mostly eat a GF diet to begin with. I have this fear that I'm going to eat something and totally forget to check if it's GF- I even had a dream I was eating Cheez-its and forgot I was avoiding gluten (#thestruggleisreal). I don't think I would have been able to stick with this pre-pregnancy. Becoming a Mother gives you serious inner strength and motivation you didn't know you had.

​There are 2 major changes I noticed with my body this week. My skin has cleared up (warning: it did get worse before it got better) and I'm less bloated. Both of these are examples of my body detoxing and reducing inflammation (likely caused by gluten since this is the only thing I've changed throughout the week). 

Some things I'm doing to help stay on track:

1. Food prep: I've been a cooking/baking machine this past week (I just hope I can keep this up!). I've made maple/cinnamon oatmeal squares, cauliflower chowder, large batches of brown rice & quinoa, peppermint patties, peanut butter fudge, and zucchini lasagna. 
2. Drink lots of water: This could also be contributing to my smoother skin and decreased bloating. It also helps me stay full so I'm not looking to snack on whatever is available.
3. Snack stash: I have food ready wherever I am. Some of these snacks include lara bars, rice cakes with coconut oil and peanut butter, nuts, fruit, beef jerky, and hard candies.

I'd say week 1 was a success, but am I still in the "honeymoon phase". Let's see what week 2 has in store...

#GForbust

Meg