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August 11, 2008
The Sinking Ship with Nothing to Throw Overboard Diet
Not so bad, huh? Fancy flank steak from the PCC (best flank steak ever), blanched green beans with olive oil and garlic. Green leaf lettuce with spicy pumpkin seeds and apples with an apple cider vinegar dressing. Notice the lone glass of wine though.
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As I type this blog post my stomach is wrapped in castor oil, a sheet, towel, plastic bag and heating pad -- as I sip diluted apple cider vinegar and chase down some supplements. I just finished my skin brushing to stimulate the lymph nodes. Doctor's orders!
If you've been reading my blog for a while you probably know this hasn't been the healthiest year for me. Around June I took action and made an appointment with a naturopath to see about getting myself a new immune system. And to get rid of the migraines and skin issues.
The naturopath has me on a 30 day diet to kick my liver back in action (which she thinks probably isn't working as well as it should be.) The diet is called the anti-inflammatory diet. I should have been concerned when she said, "just how far are you willing to go to get healthy?" The diet is mainly this:
no alcohol (notice how I list this first. Bearing bookclub without wine was a true test.)
no wheat or gluten
no dairy
no corn, potatoes, tomatoes or citrus fruit
no sugar
no dried fruit
no shellfish
no caffeine
eat 2 T of ground flax seed every day
eat pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds
drink diluted organic apple cider vinegar before meals
eat one green meal a day (like a salad or steamed vegetables)
get 20 minutes of sunshine a day
stretch every day
no limit on how much I eat
everything must be organic. Any meat must be grass fed.
Lots of weird supplements multiple times a day, some with food, some without.
7-8 hours of sleep every night
laugh every day
don't eat the same thing more than 4x a week
No ice water, only room temperature or warmer. Water should be fancy water but I can't remember what. I'm cheating on the fancy water part.
No liquids with meals. I am supposed to only drink water or green tea for the next 6 weeks.
Yep, pretty much everything I eat is on the list to exclude. As Andy said, "there is nothing worth living for with that diet." I was reminded of a Mark Twain anecdote of a woman who tells her doctor, "I don't drink, smoke, or swear but I feel terrible." The doctor replies, "Lady, you're like a sinking ship with nothing to throw overboard." (I am paraphrasing because I can't remember the quote exactly.
That's me, the sinking ship with nothing to throw overboard. Salt is my new vice for the next 21 days.
Let me know if you can see my bones sticking out. I'm trying to eat enough so I don't look gaunt. As a side effect of my weird diet even Andy is looking too thin. Hopefully some coconut milk I bought today will fatten us up. I tried dieting years ago but just ended up getting fatter. With this diet that will not be a concern.
Wish the whole family luck! Everyone gets to suffer along with me on this one.
Posted by jana at August 11, 2008 10:16 PM
Comments
I actually like that diet a lot. It's like what we did during health month but better. I like that you can drink green tea (so not all caffeine is out), and that organic meats are allowed. I also like that it's not all about what you can't do but also what you must do.
Good thing you're doing this now cause 20 minutes of sunshine in January would be more difficult.
And what's up with the ice water?
Posted by: Buster McLeod at August 12, 2008 12:07 AM
Wow! I'm so impressed that you are sticking with this, that's great! I'm sure you will feel better after cutting out all of that processed food. Avocado is another good source of fat, if you need a little extra something in your meal.
I've been going dairy free for over a month now (since I'm lactose intolerant) and it's getting easier, but I remember for the first 2-3 weeks I'd stare with envy at some many foods. But then I started feeling better physically and emotionally, so it ended up being worth it.
Posted by: Dave Lifson at August 12, 2008 5:31 AM
Buster- I am not sure what is up with the ice water, but I do think Americans are the only ones who drink ice water. I think maybe it is better for digestion?
I'm going to ask the naturopath about it.
Dave- the first week was hard because I was going through sugar, wheat, dairy and caffeine withdrawls! This week I am just worried about getting enough food and calories to maintain my weight. The social situations have been terrible too because I am passing up on all my favorite goodies. I am thinking by next week it should be better.
Posted by: Jana at August 12, 2008 7:53 AM
I have some nice organic free range bacon, want some?
Posted by: Laurel Fan at August 12, 2008 8:09 AM
While you know I think this is great and everything, I'm still concerned about your calorie intake too. Did you talk to the naturopath about how not to lose weight? More almond butter, tofu shakes, avocado? That "don't eat the same thing more than 4x a week" rule makes it even harder.
But I seriously applaud your efforts! In the end I'm sure it will pay off.
Posted by: becca at August 12, 2008 8:22 AM
Let me know if you'd like to make a run to the Gluten Free Bakery, I have to pickup a few things soon. I don't drink water with ice and if you go to the TinRoom, Dan & Kelly will accommodate your need for a room temp. San Pellegrino ~ no extra charge :- )
Posted by: Ursula at August 14, 2008 11:37 AM