I've always been a poor eater. That's probably why I'm a cow. I've always gone for the quick instead of the healthy. If it takes more than 10 minutes, I'm not cooking it. Dinner for me would be a can of corn or peas and a glass of milk, followed up with a 1/2 pound of chips and salsa. Then I'd have a family sized chocolate bar for desert. That pretty much covered the basic food groups.
Then I discovered the wonders of prepared meals from the grocery store. You could get salads and main dishes, side dishes, everything. What a concept! So, I started eating healthier foods, but lots of it. About a year ago, I bought small dishes to replace my regular dishes. Smaller portions, less food, loose weight. The concept actually works and I've dropped about 25 lbs. without trying.
However, about 3 months ago, I switched to organic foods, whole grains, and unprocessed foods as much as possible. I'm feeling way better than I have in years. I'm drinking organic soy milk, Kefir, eating things like amaranth and quinoa instead of rice. I've been eating veggie burgers (portabella garlic burgers actually) and veggie sausages (jalapeno cheddar) and they're really good, too. I've almost completely quit drinking soda. I'll have one every now and again, but since I'm realizing the damage to the teeth it causes, I'm trying really hard to stay away.
So, is anyone out there an organic foodie? Am I imagining this wonderful healthful feeling or am I really seeing a result? Friends stopped by last night that I haven't seen in a while and they told me I looked better now than I did when they first met me 10 years ago. They said I seemed happier and healthier. I was thinking it was because I found this forum. I finally have someone to talk to about what I'm going through that actually understands.
I know mental well being can play a huge part in your physical well being and the worst stage of my depression is finally over, never to return (at least I hope that's true). My fatigue is not as bad as it was before, either. I've actually been able to stay awake most nights until at lest 10 PM. For me that's a miracle. I was usually in bed and sound asleep by 7:00. If I was awake at 8:00 it was because I was partying hard with the dogs and guinea pigs. ;D
So, let me know what you think. Is it wishfull thinking and happy thoughts that are making me feel so good or has the elimination of processed foods and meat really made that much of a difference? I haven't completely given up meat or all processed foods. I just eat very little of either of them. I can't imaging life without a Hardee burger or turkey pastrami and swiss. In fact I'm having dinner with a friend at a Thai restaurant tonight. I'm sure there's gonna be a whole lotta MSG goin' on.
Teresa
I'm not organic, but I've been a vegetarian for almost 17 years now.
I originally started after I first for ill -- 1991, what was dx'd as chronic fatigue syndrome but which could very well have just been the start of SjS.
I stopped eating pork & red meat first, and just coincidentally had not eaten chicken or fish in 2-3 weeks, then had a chicken sandwich. It started a whole cascade of the headache-plus-crushing fatigue and pain deal I had going on. So after that I quit all flesh.
Did it help? Well, I still felt crappy, but I was functional & I was able to work full-time and still go out with my friends on weekends (hey, I was in my 20s.. I was resilient back then!).
I was a vegan for about a year and a half... can't say I noticed much difference when I started eating dairy and eggs again (unless you count how happy I was to be able to eat and egg-and-cheese on a roll... I restrict that to one or two a week, but still one of my favorites...).
Anyway, on the rare occasions when I"ve accidentally eaten a meat product (there was an incident with distraction and having ordered vegetable soup for the first time at a restaurant, and so not knowing they'd given me chicken soup til I was halfway through it), it's been most unpleasant -- month-long headache that's a hybrid of migraine and cluster, plus horrid brain fog and aches.
So while I desperately miss buffalo wings, shrimp cocktail and barbecued ribs, they are a no-go. I substitute the fine offerings of Morningstar and their brethren, and I've learned to make passable lentil and vegetable soups.
Whole grains are definitely a good thing, and I try to eat those too. Can't say I liked quinoa, but maybe I just did it wrong...
Good on you Teresa, nice to come on site and read of something good happening.. Who knows if your good feeling is due to the right diet, or to the right frame of mind, possibly a bit of both. It certainly can do no wrong to try different foods and potions, if you enjoy them that is what counts. Feel good factor, that is what good eating gives one... so carry on! Best Wishes Dolly
I totally believe that ndiet/nutrition makes an impact on my SJS. I cut out dairy (found out I am allergic to milk and eggs), eat very little meat, and as organic as possible. Also take a mess of vitamins that my functional medicine doc prescribed after completing blood tests to find out what I was needing. Vitamin D (mass dose - trying to get it to normal) B-2 was low, B-12 (need shots monthly for Pernicious Anemia), antioxidants, and some others. I took the treatment approach that I wanted to get my body functioning the best it could by figuring out what it was deficient in before trying medications again (was on Plaquinal and some others). I feel better now than I have in 15 years, lost 18 pounds without trying and am back into those size 4's. I still have pain some days, but it much lighter and is now just annoying. Doesn't hold me back. That is what is working for me. Tami K
If being vegetarian was something to prevent Sjogrens, I should be the poster child. I'm a bit like Teresa in that I think if you have to cook it, or bake it why bother when you can buy it. On the vegetarian thing......I lived on a farm as a kid and saw my Dad butcher cows, pigs etc for out meat. Well, when I was about 8 or so I decided I wasn't going to eat meat. This was waaaaaaaaay long before anyone was a vegetarian, except maybe a movie star. (I'm telling you I'm old.) I don't eat poultry, pork and 98% of my diet is veggie. Not vegan. I do eat eggs and eat yogurt. I eat a lot of processed foods and have through the years, but i eat nothing fried except for occasional french fries. I do make room for an occasional cheeseburger like someone else here wrote. My eating pattern is NOT of a political statement and I do not bring it up in company unless someone is in my face trying to stuff a pork chop into me, or a leg of chicken, or a salmon. I hate it when people talk about it like it's the political statement of the century.
I'm a believer in Weight Watchers frozen dinners or the others, you have portion control, quick and lots of MSG too. I always am careful to not eat thiings that I'm not fully aware of the stuff in them! I always ask about soups etc and if they "don't know" if there is meat in it, I don't eat it. I am always on guard in case a friend or family member try to trick me with something too. (Am I paranoid or what?)
If one feels good as a vegetarian, or a vegan, then that's what they should be. If eating organic is for you, then you should do it. Or you can be like me and mix it up a little every now and then. A bit of MSG and something organic from my garden. ;D Lucy
I think I must be a bit weird. I love fruit and veg, and could happily munch on them at every meal. However, my gut has other ideas, which means I'm severely restricted in which fruit and veg I can eat.
When you mention asking people what soup contains Lucy, I'm with you on that, except the devils I am interested in are lentils and beans and such like. They give me such bad belly ache for days, that I daren't even chance them.
We are a strane lot :D
Kathyx
If you are satisfied with yourself, you feel good, and you are happy. Why change? I think this is wonderful for those who find comfort in any way of living that makes them feel good. (as long as it's legal :D)
About a year ago I cut out all products with sugar and flour. I've lost 60 lbs so far and my pain is a little less. (I think) ::)
I applaud those that are doing something in their lives that makes them feel better with better nutrition and life style. It's great to hear good news today. Go for it girls, and be happy. ;D (and guys ;D)
Also please keep your doctor's informed of any life style changes so they are aware of changes to any of your meds.
Hugs, Pooh
I am not organic, but I do not eat any thing premade or that comes in a box, can, or foil /plastic container. If I have the money to buy organic I usually do, but living on S.S. does not give me a lot of extra money. However, eatting healthy has made a huge difference in how I feel. One thing I refuse to eat is MSG, and that is found in almost everything premade.
Collie