I recently started a Low Carb Diet, because my chiropractor believes it will help me heal faster from my still ongoing rib issues. Supposedly sugar is a villain, and a very bad one, the kind that worsens inflammation, troubles the pancreas (insulin resistance), and causes a myriad of other issues.
Since I am tired of being in pain, and not being able to fully function, I decided to follow his recommendation and stay away from all starches. That includes beans,lentil, squash, and sweet potatoes, it doesn’t matter if they have a low glycemic index, stay away from them! Only two portions of fruits a day (each portion is a hand full), and no grapes, raisins, bananas, or dried fruits with added sugars.
As a personal chef, I am used to cooking for clients on special diets such as Low Carb. But it is so different when you are the one being deprived of all that starchy goodness!
I am Brazilian. We eat rice and beans every day, and even though I don’t eat it every day, I could if I wanted to, since I always have beans in my fridge and freezer. I make a big pot of beans once a week. But even my pressure cooker was conspiring with this Low Carb Plan, since it exploded on me, as I was cooking my beans, and trying to resist the diet.
I didn’t even realize I was so addicted to sugar until I went trough withdrawal, and let me tell you : it was bad. I was cranky, bloated, constipated,feeling weak, and had no energy.
I am on my second week of the diet, and I can say that the worst part is over. I have a lot more energy now, and my body is getting used to the new diet, so I don’t have cravings so often. I think the hardest part was the honey. I already used Stevia as a sugar substitute, but also enjoyed my daily honey. Well,honey, agave, and maple syrup are prohibited now.
Only three weeks ago, I was allowed to start exercising again. I have been going for walks and training with a personal trainer. I am so happy and grateful that after six months, I am getting back to almost having my life back again. I can now drive, carry grocery bags and sleep trough the night with almost no pain.
I feel that I am getting really close to full recovery. And I forget that at not such a distance past , it seemed like I would never feel whole again. After struggling with so much pain, my Western Medicine doctor could only offer me the options of narcotic painkillers, surgery or injections. I felt hopeless, and could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. I didn’t only want for my pain to go away, I wanted to heal.
That was when I found a Traditional Medicine natural doctor, in Brazil, who treated me with homeopathy,herbs, SAME, MSN, external clay applications, and rock salt.
When I returned to the U.S, I continued going to my Chinese Acupuncturist doctor, and being treated with him.
Then, I found a chiropractor that specializes in sports medicine, and he has been helping me heal through adjustments, applied kinesiology, supplements, and diet.
Wow, this healing journey has been taken six months, and enormous amounts of money and patience. But it is almost over now,and I finally see that light at the end of the tunnel. I have learned so much from this experience…First and foremost that I wouldn’t be where I am without the love and support of my hubby, family and friends. And, of course,patience (again, and lots of it), resilience, faith, hope, trying really hard to think positive even when I was sad and down, asking for help, and letting people help me. I guess everything does happen for a reason.
*I am not a doctor, and is not my intention to give any medical advice here. These are supplements that were prescribed to me in the course of my treatment, by my doctors. Please consult your doctor before you take anything, since people have different reactions to supplements, and drug interactions.
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