In 1990 I didn't feel good, every day I have an overwhelming tiredness. Then I started having chest congestion and wheezing. At that time I had a 3 year old, and it was not convenient to lay down and take a nap whenever this came over me, which was really the only remedy I had found. This went on for about a year. I went to the doctor, got medicine, got better, finished medicine-problem returned.
I started to pay closer attention to when I had the symptoms. It did not take me too long to realize I was having a problem with wheat. Eat a saltine cracker and wheeze within 5 mins. I went to an allergist for the tests and sure enough- allergic to wheat(and corn, oats, peanuts, chocolate and various others like dust, mold etc.) There are no shots for food allergies, you must avoid the foods.
Well, wheat is a BIG challenge. It took me a few months to give it up entirely, but when you feel that bad every time you have it, you give it up.
I spent almost 20 years avoiding wheat. At first there were not many wheat free things that tasted good. Now, I did not have celiac, which is different than a wheat allergy. I could have the gluten, just not the wheat itself. So I found spelt as a substitute. My mom and mother-in-law made delicious bread for me from it, and it tasted pretty close to wheat. I learned to be SO disciplined in my eating. I DID not cheat! I didn't miss chocolate, I missed shredded wheat and a bowl of oatmeal-lifetime breakfast staples for me!
Five years ago I developed a problem with my ear being stuffed up. After seeing several doctors and having surgery on my nose, there is still no definitive answer as to why I have this problem. I decided to go to an allergist again. I was retested and NO MORE wheat allergy. Still allergic to oats, but none of the others. (several new airborne ones though). This was almost two years ago now. I did not test positive for dairy, but I do believe the dairy is the cause of the ear problem. In starting to eat wheat, I thought I wasn't missing anything, but the more I have eaten it, the more I don't want to give it up again. The awesome self control I once had-GONE!! No consequences now when I eat it, feel fine. But, I don't think it it that good for me and what is to say I won't become allergic again?
I give all of this background to talk about my weight. I was very thin up until 10 years ago, when I developed a thyroid problem. I had gained over 10 pounds without changing any eating habits. In
December of 06 my daughter wanted to lose weight, so I ordered a weight watchers at home kit. Being a disciplined person with my eating, it was no problem for me to keep track of points. In 4 months I lost 16 lbs. My daughter wanted to go to meetings to help her, so I went and lost more weight. At one point I had lost 27 lbs, and was at a weight I had not been since my 20's. But really for my height and my age, I knew it was not realistic to try and weigh that little. So I gradually added back about 7-9 lbs- perfect. Then came wheat back into my life! Previously there were no cakes, cookies or pies consumed. So now I have added another 5 lbs. Since they have changed weight watchers around so much, I don't have the correct tools any longer(always a good excuse). My daughter told me about myfitnesspal.com and I have decided to give it a try. It seems to work a lot like weight watchers online. I don't have internet on my phone, but you can track that way, too.
Since my Dad passed away, I have not been taking care of myself the way I should and have decided it is time to start eating healthier and exercising! I want to try and regain some of the self-discipline I once had! My goal is 5 lbs before October 4, when I go to Michigan to visit my Mom!
Wish me luck!!
Marietta
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