We Shall See......

Ghandi said to be the change we want to see in the world but many of us have a difficult time even being the change we want to see in ourselves.  This blog is going to chronicle the changes I have decided to make in my personal life.  I found out last fall that I am allergic to wheat...and peanuts...and almonds.  One would think that this information alone would prevent these items from being a part on ones daily diet....wrong!  I have had the hardest time eliminating the wheat from my diet...it is in everything!  I have an immediate reaction to consuming wheat. I will start sneezing, have changes in my breathing, get headaches and have abdominal pains.  I have also had multiple sinus surgeries due to allergy complications and have lost a gallbladder because of poor dietary choices.  These things are motivating me to make changes....but that's not the only thing.  I work in a drug treatment facility where I encourage people on a daily basis to stop using a substance that their bodies have become physically dependent upon.  They are told that total abstinence from the substance is the only way to treat their addiction.  They re-frame their entire lifestyle to accommodate these life saving changes.  Is it easy? Hell NO it isn't!  But it can be done.  So, I figure if I can ask this of them, I can take on some major changes of my own.  So, my goal for the next 30 days (may 2nd- June 1st) is to eliminate all allergic substances  as well as  processed sugar entirely.  Sugar effects the brain in a similar way as morphine and heroine- it is NOT good for me.  Ultimately, my goal is to create a vegan, wheat-free, sugar-free lifestyle.  If anyone is curious about my inspiration, check out "Sugar Blues" and "The China Study".  I must admit that this is not my first attempt to make these dietary changes.  My efforts have never been successful.  So, with renewed commitment, we shall see if I create this much needed change in my life. ( I must add that I have recently taken up running and will continue running and working out while working on these dietary issues.  Any weight loss will also be noted through this next month.)