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It seems that I am a melting pot of Autoimmune Diseases

As it's been about 10 weeks since I started my Autoimmune Paleo Diet I thought I'd reflect a little on how I'm doing and what I've learnt so far:
  • It's very hard to have any sort of social life on this diet. I have been to several parties where I have just drunk water which I can just about cope with although I do miss a nice glass of red. I also had a funeral to go to this week which involved 5 hours of driving and a lot of food/drink planning which proved quite complicated but I got there in the end
  • I actually really like the food and have never eaten so well. This book by Mickey Trescott is really well written and also useful with some great recipes

  • Having two teenagers, a husband and a dog adds more complexity to mealtimes although I'm not really sure that the dog makes a difference.
  • I do still need to have something sweet occasionally - fortunately not eating sugar makes honey taste ridiculously sweet.
  • I seem to have been able to put peanuts and cacao powder back into my diet without a problem but I am monitoring the situation closely to be sure

     If I mix all these ingredients together it makes my version of Nutella and tastes yum!


  • It is more expensive eating like this 
  • My local butcher is a Legend for cutting me bone joints that fit in my slow cooker (I hope you're reading this Rob! http://www.mayobrothers.co.uk/)
  • I am actually feeding myself properly and eating regularly for the first time in ages. I definitely put priority on eating my food as I have to be careful not to lose any more weight
  • The running really helps to keep me sane. I have finished the NHS Couch to 5km run App but still run 30mins 3 times a week, usually with my hound 
  • I have felt considerably better both pain and energy wise since starting the diet.
  • Unfortunately my Rheumatologist told me today that the bad circulation in my right hand is not my Rheumatoid Arthritis but Raynauds Disease (new one on me) and my fizzy right thumb is still the MS so I do have symptoms but they are minimal compared to previous episodes.
  • How can I have RA, MS and now secondary Raynaud's syndrome too, what is going on?!
  • I am discovering lots of new facts about my body and digestion - Science was never my strong subject at school but needs must and all that. I am currently trying to fix my leaky gut which may well be the cause of all my poor health.
  • I am making some water kefir (new to me too) which is a natural probiotic apparently and it is currently fermenting in my kitchen - I will keep you posted as to how I get on although it doesn't look too inviting at the moment! 
                                                     

  • I have discovered that I actually like tinned salmon which is fortunate because it is very good for you (and more importantly, very convenient).
  • Who knew that beetroot and fennel make such a brilliant combination for a soup?
  • I get through about 3 coconuts a week and don't know where I'd be without them - I make my own coconut milk and freeze it in ice cube trays and use it in everything.

  • I prioritise my sleep and try and make sure that I get at least 8 hours a night - not always easy, I am the first to bed as my teenagers stay up SO late these days.
  • I've often read that the key to this recovery business is a combination of diet, sleep, exercise and stress management so not just diet alone.
  • Art Therapy has saved me! Getting lost in creativity has really helped me to keep some balance and perspective in my life,  I would definitely recommend it to everyone.
I think that about sums things up for now. I'll let you know how I get on with the water kefir!




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