Finding Balance: Gluten-Free Mediterranean Eating
I never thought I would start the Mediterranean diet, especially after being gluten-free for ten years. This dietary journey has shaped my eating habits; avoiding gluten has sometimes made me feel limited in my food choices. However, the Mediterranean diet's focus on fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats is a great opportunity for me. It meets my gluten-free needs and introduces me to a variety of tasty and healthy meals that fit my lifestyle.
Why have I been gluten-free intermittently? In 2000, I was diagnosed with IBS following the removal of my gallbladder, which caused significant disruption to my intestines. Being gluten-free made traveling and dining at restaurants challenging, a reality that tested my patience and adaptability. It demanded careful navigation to find safe places to eat and to discover possible substitutions for gluten-filled foods, often leading to frustrating experiences and limited options.
This lifestyle required meticulous planning; I became quite knowledgeable about it, immersing myself in research about gluten alternatives and safe cooking practices, which ultimately inspired me to write several blogs on the topic to help others facing similar challenges. I shared personal anecdotes, recipes, and tips to ease the burden of a gluten-free existence. However, as time went on, I eventually grew weary of the ongoing struggle and began searching for ways to reintroduce gluten into my diet, hoping to reclaim some of the culinary joys I had been missing and to see if my body could handle it without adverse effects.
After much research, I found a supplement that I could take that would again allow me to eat all of the foods I loved without the usual repercussions I had experienced before. Let's face it, I don't care how good they tell you it is, there is no gluten-free substitute for pizza that can truly satisfy that craving. Believe me, I tried countless alternatives and failed miserably each time, leaving me longing for the real deal. Chinese food is another love of mine, filled with rich flavors and textures, that simply cannot be made gluten-free and taste authentic; those crispy noodles and savory sauces just lose their magic without the gluten.
So, for a time, I resigned myself to eating gluten for about five years, hoping that my body would somehow adjust. Even with the supplements, my stomach issues returned, proving to be a persistent reminder of my dietary challenges. I refused to give it up, though, as dining out became a pleasure again, filled with laughter and enjoyment. Road trips, which had once been a nightmare of planning and limited options, transformed into spontaneous adventures fueled by the joy of food. But eating all of my favorite foods again came with a price—I inevitably packed on the pounds. Enter Keto, a way to embrace my culinary desires while seeking a healthier balance in my life.
Weight Loss and High Cholesterol on Keto
I started the Keto diet to lose weight for my son's wedding. The limited dress choices in my size motivated me to slim down. I wanted to look elegant and feel confident on his special day. While I didn't lose as much weight as I hoped by the wedding, I did lose enough to find a dress I was proud to wear. This experience taught me about weight loss and the importance of self-acceptance on my journey to a healthier lifestyle.
Although I lost 30 pounds on keto, my cholesterol went higher, which was frustrating. I had struggled with my levels in the upper 200's for eight years, trying to improve my health. I ate many sugar-free foods, thinking they were healthier than sugary snacks. I believed I was making progress, but as time passed, I saw how wrong I was. My cholesterol showed that not all low-carb or sugar-free foods are actually good for you. This experience taught me that losing weight doesn’t always mean better health, and I needed to change my approach to nutrition to truly care for myself.
After a year, I couldn't keep up with the diet, so I quit and returned to my old habits. I began to feel unhealthy again and realized I needed to change. That's when I tried the Mediterranean diet. Instead of buying sugar-free products, I focused on whole grains, like sprouted grain bread, thinking it was good for me. However, I started experiencing some strange symptoms.
Could I Have A Gluten Allergy?
After starting the diet, I noticed my allergies got worse. I struggled with a runny nose, itchy throat, and constant sneezing. In Tennessee during the summer, allergies are tough due to high pollen counts, and since I’m allergic to our cat, I wondered if something was making my symptoms worse. We've had her for over 2 years without issues, so I thought my allergies were just more severe this year. However, I couldn't shake the feeling that my diet might be affecting my immune system, as my symptoms were notably stronger. I tried to attribute them to food and seasonal changes, but the increased discomfort was distracting and concerning.
I wondered if my increased grain intake caused my discomfort. Research suggested I might have a gluten allergy, and the symptoms seemed to match. I remembered times when I had a runny nose and sneezing after meals and thought I had attributed it to seasonal allergies. After years of denying its effects on my body, I accepted the truth and realized it was time to change my eating habits for a healthier lifestyle.
In Summary: A Gluten Free Mediterranean Lifestyle
I have adopted a gluten-free lifestyle by replacing my gluten-filled breads with whole grain gluten-free alternatives. I focus on choosing minimally processed foods, along with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Since starting the Mediterranean diet, I've noticed health improvements, even though I still deal with gluten allergy symptoms. I appreciate the flexibility of this diet and am confident that I can make it work for my lifestyle.
Source: Finding Balance: Gluten-Free Mediterranean Eating
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