We have made it 1/3 of the way through Gluten-Free April so I felt that it was time to give everyone an update on how it is going. So far I have only had gluten 2 days this month! Both of which were minimal amounts: 1 English Muffin. For some reason, I gave in and had an English Muffin on 2 days. No binge gluten eating here!
I’ve found some really amazing recipes and gluten-free blogs which have been helpful in making Gluten-Free April successful. In particular, I found a great turkey meatloaf recipe and peppers and chicken recipe. I’ve also enjoyed chicken with gluten-free soy sauce and rice. During the day I still stick with my smoothies, but it is nice to have a delicious gluten-free dinner.
However, my body seems to be going into a hibernation period without gluten. I’m hoping that it is just a matter of my body adjusting and working all of the residual gluten out. Even though I can’t seem to ever have enough sleep, I think that once my body adjusts that i will feel a lot better. I have already noticed a reduction in the stomach cramping and bloating.
My additional goals for April have also been going well. I’ve only missed 1 night of my nightly prep work. It is so much more relaxing to go to bed knowing that my clothes are ironed and smoothies are made for the next day. I’ve also stuck to my 10 pm bedtime except for Wednesdays because I’m a sucker for the Wednesday night TV line-up.
As far as coffee is concerned, I am under 10 cups per week but need to work on reducing that further. Right now it appears that May is going to be “Caffeine-Free May”. (Consider yourselves warned!) All in all, I am really excited about continuing to reduce the unnecessary items going into my body. Prior to April, I had already eliminated almost all chemicals from my food and I stay far, far away from GMOs. I’m convinced to getting back to organic home-grown food is the best thing for the body.
It also feels great to exercise and sweat out additional toxins from my body. I’m hoping to start attending an aqua aerobics class on Saturday mornings with a friend. (Be prepared, because I’m sure that will turn into some interesting blog topics.) My mother recently has gone through several hip surgeries. (Yes, several. Due to complications but she is doing well now.) She was doing aqua aerobics as rehab and has inspired my friend and I to give it a try. (Hi Mom! I know you’re reading this!)
On a general whole for my April goals I would rate myself as a B+. I’m almost to an A level but still have a ways to go, but I’m pleased with the progress thus far in April.
Now if only the GP elves would stop sedating me into day long slumbers!
~Millie
Adventures with Gastroparesis 
Reblogged this on no such thing as normal and commented:
Thanks.
Hi Millie
I feel so fortunate to have stumbled upon your blog, it seems when I am in the middle of a flare I’m searching the web for answers. When I’m feeling well I am out in the world like a real person, with my fingers crossed and praying for no pain the morning. You are so intuitive as to what we GP ers are feeling. I got a severe stomach virus last May which left me with GP. My GI was surprised it wasn’t gone yet so she ordered another celiac test. The previous two were neg. This time a DNA blood test showed I have one gene which makes me 10x at risk for celiac. I have been gluten free for almost two months. So far I’m no better. I honestly was better for months just living on grilled cheese, etc. I was hoping for this to be the answer. I’ve been told my fibro would get better too. Not yet:(. I see my GI in 2 weeks. She will probably say keep at it.
I will be interested to see how you do. Honestly this is the first time I’ve seen someone suggest GF may help with GP. other than my Dr. I will be reading your blog daily now. Be proud of yourself. You are helping so many!
Jo-Anne
Thank you so much Jo-Anne!
My goal in creating the blog was to provide a resource describing our daily lives with Gastroparesis. I was hoping that it could be a resource to help educate friends and family about what we go through without having to constantly talk about it.
Thanks again for the lovely comments!
Millie