Okay, this is totally on the opposite side of the blog-topic universe, however it is what is on my mind. So here goes. I have this completely stupid condition called IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Let me break it down for you --> My stomach is pissed, A LOT! I have been in denial about this issue, because I think it is totally ridiculous. Finally, I went to the doctor for a wellness screening (after I have been dealing with this for about 2 years). I told her I was relatively healthy (and she agreed) with the exception of my digestive issues. I told her what had been going on for so long, the phases I go through. She told me that I had a moderate-severe case of IBS. So after two years, I accepted the fact and asked what I could do to make it better. My answer was: food and fiber. I've got to keep up with the food I eat, what doesn't effect my stomach, and what throws it for a loop. I also take two different fiber supplements/laxatives. I feel like I'm a 75 year old lady, trust me.
So far, I have found some definitely DO NOT eat foods, which consist of eggs, milk, greasy foods, and McDonalds. I'm giving soy milk a try, hopefully my stomach <3's soy! Ha. Since my mind is constantly thinking about food- What can I eat? Is it bad for me? How much fiber? How much fat?- I have tossed around the idea of vegetarianism. Not a vegetarian who will not eat a piece of meat to save my life, just one that avoids meat as much as possible. I'm trying to research the lifestyle, to gain as much knowledge as possible about it before I make my decision. I've never been much of a meat eater anyway, so I don't think it would bother me to not eat meat, I just want to have proper nutrition while not eating meat. The USDA says that you can get the full amount of daily nutrients while not eating meat as long as you have a well rounded diet. There are also a ton of health benefits to being a vegetarian, besides helping my stomach! So who knows, I might give it a try. It definitely sounds like it could help me, and hey, what could it hurt?
The most difficulty I see with this plan is cooking for Alex. He is a carnivore through and through. He loves meat and would prefer it with every meal. He centers a meal around a meat, where as I constantly center my meals around my stomach. I guess it's just something I'll have to figure out. But I know one thing, I've got to get this stuff under control, or the next time you see me might be in the hospital!
Being a vegetarian is a wonderful thing with lots of protien alternatives!! Technically I am a pescatarian who eats fish on occasion. There are lots of vegetarian alternatives to meat in the freezer aisle, so if Alex wants a hamburger, you can have one too in a sense.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of the vegetarian resources that you asked me about, I have a couple of books that you can borrow and of course there are tons of resources and recipes on the internet that are a Google click away. My favorite website is http://eatdrinkbetter.com/ but it deals more with sustainablity than health issues, although it does address that too. Have you ever read the "Eat This, Not That" books? They aren't specifically vegetarian, but they're an awesome guide on the nutrition facts of the most common foods that you eat at restaurants and in the grocery store, and what else you could eat that is similar but better. I have the supermarket edition, you can borrow that as well.
Hope this helps! :)