Oh, how things change

So funny story… A few months ago, I read this article about a type 1 guy who’s an athlete. He started on a paleo-like diet and then shared his story in a blog post. I remember reading it and thinking he was crazy. I mean, who voluntarily gives up bread, right? I remember reading the entire article with my eyes rolling. (Sidenote: My right arm named Sarah said I was mad when I read it, but I don’t remember that. I just remember being irritated. I was probably mad though, ’cause she is usually right.) 😉

So that very same article is now one I reference and have read several times. Today, I started a new diet. It’s a combination of paleo and gluten-free. After (so. much.) reading, I decided to follow a two-week diet from Doug Kaufmann. Depending on the results after those two weeks, I’ll make adjustments. If the results I hope for happen, I’ll continue. If nothing happens, I don’t know what I’ll do. (But I truly expect some major changes.)

Either way, I’m giving up bread (and so many other things that I personally think are a gift from God. I mean, hello beer and cheesecake, right?) Of course, I’ll blog about the entire experience so no worries there. (And I’ll probably tweet the entire thing, too, so be ready for that followers.) 🙂

Here’s what I want and expect to happen:

I want to see the pain in my joints go away. I want to see the swelling in my knuckles go away along with the stiffness throughout my hands. I want to feel well-rested when I wake up every morning, and I want to have energy throughout the day — without the help of coffee. (Oh Jesus, I’m going to need You here for sure.) I want some minor digestive issues to go away, and I want to feel satisfied after I eat a meal. I want to feel healthier and better overall. And I want energy to ride and train while getting leaner in the process.

I know it won’t happen overnight, and I know I may need to do this trial beyond 14 days. I also know adding cycling into the mix will definitely give it a new twist. I also know that in my research, I found few things helpful for this diet and type 1 diabetes. There were lots of things on type 2 diabetes, but not a lot of resources on type 1 and paleo-ish plans.

If what I hope happens, happens, then I will share my results so maybe another type 1 diabetic will be encouraged or have better resources. From someone who loves blueberry muffins, pancakes, cheese dip, chicken fingers, etc., this is a HUGE step for me. Oh how things change, right? Turns out an arthritis diagnosis at 29 makes you do the unthinkable. I guess people who aren’t crazy do give up bread voluntarily. I just never ever in a million years thought I’d be one of them.

I am not a medical doctor, and I don’t pretend to be. I don’t think there is a single diet or single answer to solve overall or general health problems. I don’t think going prehistoric in my food choices will mean I am “cured” and no longer need insulin. I also DO NOT believe this diet is necessary for everyone, nor should everyone be doing it. Even if this works for me and I become a Paleo-cheerleader, I will never say everyone should do this. It will always be a personal choice. I made this decision after many considerations. I have researched, educated myself, consulted doctors and friends and prayed heavily over this decision and process. So please, take what I write and what I say as my personal experience only, not as a means of what you should be doing.

So, deep breath, count to 10, here we go…