Now that's it's August, this month marks a full year of being Gluten Free. People ask me all the time if I'm Celiac or why I chose to be GF and live the GF lifestyle. Well, let me tell ya...
When I was a senior in high school, I was beginning to notice that my body wasn't functioning the way it had always functioned. I wasn't feeling like myself, I wasn't eating the right foods, and I was tired all the time even when I wasn't busy. As senior year continued, I felt worse and worse. My face was puffier than ever, my hair wasn't growing, I couldn't pay attention for the life of me, and so much more. Finally, I went to see my doctor and they diagnosed me with a vitamin D deficiency and a minor case of depression with the possibility of future thyroid issues.
With my grandfather in the hospital and my whole world collapsing around me for numerous other reasons, I assumed that was it. The doctor put me on a few things and I was better. But just a bit. I went onto Berry, happy as a clam, but still not 100% myself. Finally, after my freshmen year and putting on a few dress sizes, I went back to my doctor in Lexington. She tested me again and raised my vitamin D in-take once again. She then checked my thyroid levels, and noticed that they were extremely abnormal.
My doctor then requested that I go see a thyroid specialist down in Georgia for further testing. So after a few weeks of waiting, I finally got in to see one. Dr. Ward was amazing. She looked at me straight on and told me I had a goiter growing in my neck, it was obvious. I was utterly confused, not knowing what in the world that was. She explained that my goiter was at about 40% from what she could tell, and it was probably growing the last few years. She went on to do a few more tests and told me I had what was called Hashimoto's disease as well as an under active thyroid gland, aka hypothyroidism.
According to Mayoclinic.org, "Hashimoto's disease is a condition in which your immune system attacks your thyroid, a small gland at the base of your neck below your Adam's apple. The thyroid gland is part of your endocrine system, which produces hormones that coordinate many of your body's functions. Inflammation from Hashimoto's disease, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, often leads to an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Hashimoto's disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. It primarily affects middle-aged women but also can occur in men and women of any age and in children."
I wasn't shocked. A few of my cousins, as well as my grandmother had the same thing, so I knew it was a probable possibility. The specialist let me know of all these different drugs I was going to need to take and ect. etc. etc. My parents and I were ready and on board. Then she did a few more tests and called me the next day and basically said, "JK, no drugs for you." We were all extremely confused. Dr. Ward explained to me that my levels were too jumpy to go on a synthetic drug because I would be running a risk of over-activating my gland. We talked on the phone for a good 30 minutes of different possibilities I could try instead.
I did my research, called my parents, and called my cousin Laura. We all came to the same conclusion. What if I went Gluten Free? So I called Dr. Ward back and asked her, and she said "Try it out for 3 - 6 months, then come back to see me" so that's what I did. In August 2016, I went completely gluten free. I cut it cold turkey. I began to limit my dairy consumption, cut gluten, and take some more vitamins to make up for the loss of substance. Now, let me tell ya... The first month was TERRIBLE. I did not think I would make it to December. I was miserable. I didn't know what to eat besides grilled chicken and potato chips, and let me tell ya... that's not a healthy diet.
I began to research what was in gluten, things to eat, and things not to eat. And it got easier. It got easier to say no to donuts, to the cravings that came along with sweets, and so much more. I also stopped drinking soda in August. Especially coke. And let me tell ya, I was ADDICTED. Now, I occasionally have a glass of Sprite here and there, but that is it. No more, large mikkie d's coke a day for this girl.
It got easier! I learned. I learned how to cook things better, what to cook, when to buy something as a substitute and when to say no. My other favorite annoying thing, just because it's gluten free, doesn't mean it's healthier. All things in moderation is the way to a healthier life style.
When I saw Dr. Ward in December, she congratulated me on my efforts. She checked my levels and told me that they were pretty normal, at least for now. They weren't spiked like they were before when I saw her 6 months prior. She asked how my GF life was going and I told her how much better I felt. And it was true! I was finally starting to feel like my old self again. She encouraged me to stick with it event though I am not technically celiac. To stick to being gluten free, because it was helping push off the synthetic drugs. And I agreed with her. I hadn't felt so good in my own skin in a long time.
In the Spring, I got back to being more active. One of the major reason's I wasn't as active was because I was having major issues with my bad left knee and hip. I was putting on weight which was putting unnecessary pressure onto my knee and causing it to swell. I began to take a ballet class twice a week and work out in the gym at least 2 other times a week. I started out slow and added more as I could take it. Just trying to do SOMETHING again. I had never felt so good. I was looking thinner, feeling better, and smiling more. My family noticed the difference this summer when I hadn't seen them in 6 months. Laura looked at me and said, "dang girl. You look good. Have you lost weight?" Let me tell you - it is ALL ABOUT DIET. Yes, the gym helps tone and yes go to the gym a couple days a week. But it is all about what you put in your body. I haven't felt this good about my body in a long time.
As of this summer, I go to the gym about 4 times a week (always wearing my knee brace of course), and I'm active almost every single day. I eat all the time, but it's good foods. Gluten free, mostly dairy free, whole, organic things. Yes, I still have ice cream here and there of course. Everything is in moderation and I haven't felt better. It's been a year and I'm down a few dress sizes, my face is thinner, and I have more energy than ever. Being gluten free works for me. It keeps me in check. I'm not here to pressure you to not eat gluten at all or push dairy out of your life or soda's like me. But I'll say it again, moderation is key.
We have to love our body's. It's what we have and I want to take care of mine. I will never be the size 0-4 girl. I have curves, boobs, and muscle. But I work for that. I push my body just enough to see some results but not enough to injure myself because lord knows I don't need that again.
So that's my story! My GF life story. Let me know what works for you will ya?
-- Lex --