Anti-inflammatory Lifestyle

I am now over 10 weeks into an anti-inflammatory diet to manage my axial spondyloarthritis, and it truly is a lifestyle. On a diet, people tend to have cheat days, but a cheat day for me is non-existent. I am at a point where any processed food, gluten, dairy products, artificial byproduct, etc. absolutely destroy my stomach. So, there are no cheat days for me.

I have lost over 15 pounds and still counting. People tell me that I must feel better having lost that weight, but I honestly don't. On a physical level, I do feel better, but on an emotional and mental level, not so much.

I miss how I used to eat

I miss the convenience of food. There is no going out to eat. Even going to family gatherings is disappointing. I used to enjoy cooking, but with so many limitations, I never truly feel satisfied with the end product. I am grateful for my appreciation of fruits and vegetables, otherwise this experience would be even more miserable.

I am tried of chicken and turkey. I've eaten almost every part of the birds in many different ways, but I am over the texture. I've included seafood which has helped. I've broadened my horizon to tinned fish and there are some tasty ones out there. I limit beef to once a week, and it is always lean, grass-fed cuts. I wasn't a big meat eater before, and I will be honest, I still am not. I haven't had pork this whole time because it's kind of hard to find lean, grass-fed pork.

I have to read every label

The hardest part is finding condiments and seasonings that are diet-friendly. I never realized how much junk we put into these things. I read every label and almost always put it back. The things that claim to be healthy are just as bad as the junk.

This lifestyle change is challenging, but also rewarding. My pro-tip is to branch out for recipes. There are so many cultures that have delicious and healthy recipes. Being open-minded and willing to try new things is the only way to find balance and satisfaction for dietary limitations. Be kind to yourself.