I screwed up my gut.
Again.
You see, the gut is a delicate little sucker that needs a lot of TLC.
It can be high maintenance.
Well, maybe not high-maintenance, but it certainly doesn’t like a lot of assaults thrown its way.
Mess with it a little too much, and it will effect your moods, memory, joints, metabolism, and more.
I’m a big believer in moderation, the 80/20 rule of living clean, etc.
But sometimes the belly just says no mas gracias and revolts.
As you know, I’m training for a fitness competition and yet despite eating real food, but my gut is p*ssed.
I am currently six months along with twin kale babies.
Admittedly, I’ve been under some stress, but I’ve also been doing what I can to mitigate the stress, like meditating for ten minutes a day, doing things I love (like reading and socializing), going to bed early, and exercising without over exercising.
All that said, my belly will not relax. So, for 20 days, I am cutting out the following possible inflammation suspects:
1. Wine (and any alcohol)
2. Coffee
3. Chocolate (even raw cacao)
4. Nuts (including nut butters and nut milk/except coconut)
5. Eggs
6. Dairy
7. Carageenan (found in nut milks)
8. Protein powders (even my organic plant-based loves)
9. Dried fruit
10. All grains, including corn, beans, and quinoa (the only grains I ever eat)
Do I think these foods are bad for you?
Absolutely not!
But as the old proverb says: One man’s meat is another man’s poison.
These are foods that on occasion, when I have eaten them, have caused bloating, triggered a craving, and made me wonder which one is the cause.
It’s hard to know.
So, I’m eliminating them all for 20 days in an effort to bring back my six pack abs from underneath the kale belly.
I’m excited about my belly project. It’s good to exercise your muscles of decision and will.
In 20 days I’ll slowly reintroduce some of these things and see how they make me feel.
Have you ever eliminated something you love, is good for you, but not making you feel right?
Like chocolate for lent? Dates?
Some people are really sensitive to garlic and onions.
Tell me about your experiences in the comments below! I’d love to hear from you.
xo,
Andrea
