I knew something wasn’t right. I had the God-awful feeling again, a blanket of brain fog and fatigue wash over me. I told myself, it must be stress. After all, both of my parents were in the hospital at the same time for weeks. Maybe I’m just hungover, I did have too much wine last night, didn’t I? It can’t be the lectins. I’ve already eliminated Lupus from my life. Many of my symptoms seemed to surface and I wanted to pretend like it didn’t exist. Stress is a killer, right? It has to be the stress.

I told my friend about my diagnosis and she said, “I never see you cheat! You are so good!” Well, apparently I haven’t been good enough. Deep down if I am really honest with myself, I do know I have been eating too much meat and having more than one glass of wine. It was a band-aid for short-term comfort. Yes, I was going through tough times on a personal level, but it ultimately was just hurting me more.

Lesson #1: I’m not perfect, I’m human.

I can’t tell you how much less anxious I felt when Dr. Gundry told me we all fall on tough times and can make decisions that aren’t the best (having more wine than we should, eating too much, etc.). Knowing that we all make mistakes because we’re human brought a sigh of relief. It’s ok, it’s just sobering… literally. Time to acknowledge my mistakes and take ownership to make the necessary changes.

Lesson #2: It’s ok to test your limits, but understand them.

I saw other Plant Paradox-ers on Instagram “cheating” eating a slice of bread or hot sauce on eggs and thought it was ok here and there. Mind you, my cheating was eating non-compliant meat out because it was easy. I also was eating out much more for convenience during a stressful time in my life. More on that later. However, its good to know if you can cheat, but just how much is the actual question. If you can, have at it but I don’t recommend it nor will you ever catch me posting it. As someone who suffers from autoimmune diseases, I cannot cheat. See below.

Lesson #3: I’m more sensitive than most.

Yes, lectins affect everyone in some way shape or form. However, I am on the extreme sensitive side of the spectrum. The Plant Paradox protocol is not a game to me aka “Oh let’s try this for a month” type diet to “see how I feel”. It’s my lifestyle to ensure I don’t spend the rest of my life in pain and misery that autoimmune disease breeds. It’s good to know that I am sensitive and have to be diligent to stay in excellent health.

Lesson #4: Small cheats can add up to chaos. 

In my case it did. It sent me back to having both of my autoimmune diseases in full effect. With any diet, should you incrementally cheat, it will ultimately add up. We all know twinkies here and there will never lead you down the path to skinny. You just don’t eat twinkies! It holds true for me with Plant Paradox. In my case, it was having farm-raised salmon or questionable chicken when I was in a bind. It’s not worth my health, as it will eventually add up.

Lesson #5: Listen to my body.

I blamed my surfacing symptoms on stress. It was understandable (yes, I forgive myself), I was under a lot of stress with the family hospital stays, etc. going on in my life. Was my body telling me something was wrong? Yes. Extreme fatigue, depression, weight gain, digestive issues, nasal drip, nasal peeling, and the list goes on. When your body talks to you: LISTEN. It’s communicating night and day to you, especially digestion.

Lesson #6: Time to shape up.

I had done it once and could do it again. I can put autoimmune diseases in remission by minding my P’s and Q’s. For starters, it’s time for me to re-read Plant Paradox. There is only gain from doing a solid refresh on my bible of health. Knowing what to do, it was time for me to look in the mirror and get serious… now.

Lesson #7: Less eating out, more eating in.

When you’re eating out, you have no idea what they are putting in your food. Really. Sauces, oils, and marinades can all have offending lectins in them unknowingly. I wouldn’t be surprised if restaurants failed to mention all ingredients (even harmful or fattening) to sell more. The safest and cleanest way to eat is by making your own food. At the end of the day, you know what’s in it.

Lesson #8: Take better care of myself when the going gets tough vs. self-sabotage.

This is my most important lesson learned. As I have said before, although it’s easy to go for that second glass of wine I really should’ve been reaching for my yoga mat. When life feels like it’s crumbling, as incredibly hard as it is, it’s time to pony up. I know, I know, it’s easy to fall back on having pity parties, but this is the time where you have to focus on your health even more so. Why is that? You need to be healthy so you are strong for your family and friends who need you. You need to be so strong that family and friends are not worried about YOU as well as whatever else is going on in your life. You need to feel healthy, because if you’re hungover, binge eating, or what have you, you will just feel more depressed in the long run. Not good. So take care of yourself; you only have one body and one life.

This whole experience was quite sobering for me. My blood work can’t lie and was staring me in the face with one of the most brilliant doctors explaining each report. Not everyone can see Dr. Gundry as a patient, which is why I created this blog. I want everyone to thrive and there was so much I have learned in one sitting with him along with some serious self-reflection that I wanted to share with you all. I hope this helps you in some way, it truly is meant to. While I reflect, write, and create recipes, I am in my heart thinking of everyone who reads this blog. It’s also cathartic for me. I have so much love in my heart, believe whole-heartedly in being lectin-free and hope this message reaches someone who needs it most.

 

Want More Lectin-Free Inspiration On Your Health Journey?

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