Whole 30 Update

Nine days ago, Ryan, Colson and I began the Whole 30 to try to reduce Colson’s sneezies: The Whole 30 Begins Today.

How are we doing on the most restrictive diet we have ever followed? Great. Easy, actually, with some new recipes from Robb Wolf's Paleo Solution book. All three of us have stayed true to the diet.

One glitch Ryan and I experienced is related to eating nuts – too many nuts when on this diet. They seriously messed with our digestion until we figured it out. Nuts are supposed to be treated as a condiment, not a munchy treat. They became a treat for us and we paid…so beware of the nuts.

Colson is still sneezing during the day, but he is sleeping peacefully at night. What surprises me about Colson is his willingness to eat eggs. He eats them for breakfast four or five times a week with no complaint. I am baffled as to why he is so accepting of them, but I will take it.

I considered removing eggs from the diet to see if they are causing Colson any allergy-related problems, but I really don’t think eggs are the issue. I think gluten, and wheat in particular, is the problem - wheat causes Colson’s and Ryan’s faces to swell ridiculously. We are going to try GlutenFlam, a product recommended by our doc of Oriental medicine, to see if that helps cool Colson’s inflamed nose and other body inflammation caused by gluten. The effects of gluten exposure can be long lasting, and I am all for helping Colson and Ryan recover more quickly if possible.

I explained to Colson that he and Ryan needed to stop eating wheat and other gluten products because they really hurt their bodies. I told him that wheat/gluten can affect the heart, the brain, the gut and so much more, and it can cause the body to attack itself (autoimmunity). I also explained that his Grammy and great-Grammy seemed to have these problems too – that Ryan’s family seems to have a genetic problem with wheat. I want him and his Papa to always feel good and be the first to not suffer because of eating wheat. Colson said he gets it and is ok with no longer eating wheat/gluten. He sometimes wants a gluten-free pizza once we are done with the Whole 30. I think we can all live with that.

It amazes me what kids can understand and accept.

P.S. We are following the Whole 30 longer than 30 days because Ryan is experiencing significant inflammation. Colson is fine with going longer and very supportive of helping his Papa. Because he wants to celebrate the first 30 days, Colson will make a quick trip to the organic chocolate store on Day 31 for a treat. I don’t like it, but I have to let him dictate some of the terms. I wonder what feedback his body will give him?

Comments

[Ryan Combs]

I don't remember commiting to more than 30 days! Let's go 30 days then re-assess...I have to feel like I have some control!

[Laura Combs]

As soon as you catch up on your reading, you may have a different idea. Besides...I do the cooking! But yes, we will reassess in 30 days.