The Allergy & the Solution, part 4

Christmas, 2007

Webster’s defines “allergy” as an “altered bodily reactivity (as hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to afirst exposure.” My body most definitely has an altered response. When I eat flour or sugar, my body starts to crave more and more. In fact, no amount of flour and sugar was ever enough. This is why I failed at every diet I’ve ever tried. I couldn’t eat flour or sugar without having the cravings and the cravings always resulted in too much food. So the only option was to let go of the flour and sugar and find another way to eat.

With some help, I gained awareness about my food patterns, realizing that I ate all day long. I learned how to plan my food and started eating 3 meals and 2 snacks a day with nothing in between. At first I thought I might starve to death between breakfast and lunch. It hasn’t happened yet.

I also learned how to order food in restaurants, how to ask questions about how food is prepared, and how to participate in celebrations and get-togethers and taking care of myself.

I didn’t eliminate sugar and gluten from my diet to lose weight. I did it to try and get some peace in my life. But one day, I was getting ready for work and my clothes were loose. I smiled, grateful that I was fully aware of what had caused the change.

It took a lot of prayer, patience, and determination to live a better life. Some days it still does. People always ask how I “live like this” as if it’s a step down. The honest truth is that it’s a step up. For me, there is no bigger prison than living in a body I hated and not being able to get out.

Our Honeymoon, Nov. 2008

My weight has been constant for almost 6 years, about 110 pounds give or take a 5 pounds or so. Food no longer rules my life. I have a freedom that brings joy and peace. I am healthy and happy with who I am and how I show up in the world today.

In the spring of 2009, I was diagnosed with a mild form of early-onset osteoarthritis. It affects mostly my right hand and my knees. Occasionally I have trouble with my feet and ankles. My doctor recommended some supplements which have, thankfully, eliminated nearly all the pain & stiffness. My hand gets a little achy when I do a lot of typing, but I’m not dropping things anymore. Aside from taking supplements, the other ways to manage this are keeping my weight as is to mimimize joint stress and regular, low-impact exercise. Thank goodness I can do that today.

I know that there are other people like me out there. I want them to know that there’s a better way to live.

It’s completely possible and within your grasp. Anyone can do it if I did.

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4

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Comments

74 Responses to “The Allergy & the Solution, part 4”

Sue
July 31st, 2009 @ 1:47 pm

I just discovered your website and related to all that you wrote. Our lives parallel each others, almost exactly. My nurse practitioner recently requested that I try a gluten free diet because of my diabetes and high cholestrol. No one else in my family has it. I tried a few products but was not very satisfied. I’m hoping I can learn to cook gluten-free with nutritious ingrediants and eventually succeed as you have! I’ll continue to follow your posts.

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
July 31st, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Sue – You brought tears to my eyes. I had to stop what I was doing and reply immediately. It will be hard work (I won’t lie to you!) BUT you can do it, I know you can. And, most importantly, you deserve to live a healthy, full life. Let me know if I can help.

Sending a HUGE hug!!

[Reply]
Jen
August 4th, 2009 @ 12:37 am

Amy, I just read this. You have been through so much. I have trouble with sugar cravings and terrible joint pain too. Giving up sugar has been so difficult for me. As you know from my blog, it’s still a big part of my life. Thank you for your story. I just think you have so much to offer your readers. Keep up the good work!

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
August 4th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
I didn’t you you had joint pain too. It seems to vary with the weather and it’s been so inconsisitent lately. Maybe we’ll both find a solution for it sometime soon. I deeply appreciate your support and encouragement. Thanks for your comments.

[Reply]
Mandy
August 19th, 2009 @ 2:46 pm

I read your story and we have a lot in common – school, the weight, constant dieting, friends ditching you in 7th grade, etc.

I am a diabetic and know what it’s like to crave or be allergic to sugar. I mostly no longer eat high sugar or carb items because, when I do eat them, I want more and more. Until reading your site, I never would have diagnosed it as an allergy though. I like that.

I’m going to keep up with your blog and try some recipes. Great job in all you’ve done and most of all – thanks.

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
August 19th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Hi Mandy & Welcome!! It’s always wonderful to meet someone just like me, though my heart always aches because I know how painful it’s been. I am deeply grateful for my experiences because they’ve made me who I am today but I wouldn’t wish them on anyone.

Thank you – it’s comments like yours that keep me writing. Sometimes I wonder why I publicly spill my guts. Then, I read a comment like your and know exactly why I do it.

[Reply]
Cindy
August 20th, 2009 @ 2:13 pm

Hi Amy,
I was looking up gluten free recipes and came across your blog, the sugar free/gluten free headline grab my attention. I went to a nutritionist almost 6 weeks ago and have given up sugar, artificial sweeteners and white flour and then a few weeks ago I was tested for gluten sensitivity and it came back positive, so I have been eating gluten free for about 2 weeks. It is really amazing how after the 1st week of no sugar you just don’t crave it, I too have been in this back and forth dance between weight and foods that have a zero value, since I have not been consuming these food, (sugar and gluten) I feel so light and clear headed it is amazing. I did start this new way of eating to lose weight, I am about 50 pounds over weight, but I am trying to look at this new way of eating for my health not as a diet. I was wondering, I have been using agave sweetener, and Stevia, do you use these products? I have not found them to create a craving. Thank you for sharing your story, it makes a lot of us be able to connect with what we have been battling with all of our lives.

[Reply]
Rachel
August 29th, 2009 @ 5:27 pm

Amy- reading your testimony was really eye-opening. It has been about a year now that I have been living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and I have struggled immensely with my weight. I used to be very active, running cross-country and playing tennis, but due to my illness I have gained 15-20 lbs. I turned to food to help deal with the stress of my illness, especially sweets, only to feel even worse. I’m hoping eliminating sugar and gluten will help!
Thanks!

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
August 29th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
I’m sorry that you’ve been struggling. I know that many people experience weight gain as the result of illness. Coping with a huge life change is difficult, too. I’m really active – sitting just doesn’t do it for me. I’m glad that my experience helped you.

[Reply]
Carey
September 2nd, 2009 @ 2:45 pm

Hi Amy,

Your site is wonderful. We had similar childhoods and I really identified with a lot of what you wrote. In the last year I have found that I am gluten, dairy, nightshade, and peanut allergic. I also have an extreme sensitivity to sugar that causes the same response in my body as yours. Before I found all this out, I had debilitating joint problems and all the other lovely things associated with food allergies. I am finally healing and moving forward and the weight is coming off. Recently, my allergist told me to remove all sugars but was not sure if that included agave nectar but probably will for awhile. I think I’m going to to have to remove fruit for awhile as well. It’s hard but I’m trying. I have two little kids to run after and I don’t want to be unable to keep up with them. So thank you for the site and recipes. It is very inspiring.

[Reply]
alice
September 9th, 2009 @ 8:19 pm

Hi Amy,

First, I want to say thank you for being so honest. I have major food issues, either I diet and am good or I binge constantly. I tend to be an emotional eater because I seem to think it will make me feel better and somehow “complete’. It will be 3 years in November that I was diagnosed with Celiac so I have successfully avoided gluten but still find enough bad carbs to fill up with. I know sugar makes me feel bad too, lethargic, unmotivated, but always craving more. I am sorry to write a novel here, but I just really relate to your story. I keep thinking that something will happen to get me motivated to change. I am good for about 2 days and then I go back to choosing bad foods or even eating too much of the good ones. Thanks for the inspiration!

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
September 10th, 2009 at 8:34 am
Alice – thank you for your honesty. I did that for years. Once I gave up the sugar & gluten I quit eating too much of the good foods. I remember being able to eat too many carrots. Ugh. I doesn’t happen anymore. Instead of giving up the foods that harm you forever, just give them up one meal at a time. That’s how I did it. If I can ever help you, please let me know. Big hugs.

[Reply]
Regina
November 12th, 2009 @ 8:20 pm

Hi Amy, first let me say that you are beautiful and seeing your picture made me miss my daughter that lives 1000 miles away. I just turned 51 and have struggled with my weight since 4th or 5th grade. Actually, my mom told me that I would not take a bottle at 6 weeks so she started putting chocolate milk in my bottles at every feeding. That must be why I crave chocolate constantly! And yes, I tease my mom about causing me to be fat! I have tried every diet I could afford and have a large library of diet books. In July, my daughter called to tell me about a contest that her company was having to help employees become more healthy. I decided to try one more time. I started one week late because I had to get “ready”. So on Aug. 7th I began again…
Here’s where the story changes. A friend asked me to listen to a book she had on CD about weight loss. For two weeks I had to give up all wheat, sugar, most fruit, potatoes, rice and all processed food. After that I could add things back. The first two weeks were the best for me. ALL cravings disappeared. Then I started adding some things back. I have managed to lose 28 pounds but still have about 20 to go. The bad thing is that I’m back on sugar and wheat. After reading your story I know that I need to remove these from my diet, life, everything! I now think how silly it was to put them back when I felt so good without them. You have encouraged me to get FREE.
I’m sorry this is so long but I felt a need to share and say thanks. Tomorrow is a new day and the best time I can think of to becoming SS&GF.

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
November 12th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
@Regina, I’m so glad that you shared your experience. I went off the sugar & gluten once and the cravings went away. Like you, once I started to eat them again the cravings came back. I am so thrilled that you’ve found the strength to try again. I can’t wait to hear all about your success going SS&GF!

[Reply]
Amy
November 14th, 2009 @ 3:04 pm

Amy,

So much of what you described in your feelings of/about food fits with how I feel. I don’t think I’ve always felt this way, it seems to have gotten worse over the last few years. I too did WW and lost about 35lbs but didn’t like that it seemed to lead me to eat more fake food to feel satisfied. I’ve tried low carb, etc. but always go back to eating 3/4 of a pan of whatever sweets I make because I just can’t stay away from them! Not a fun feeling.

I’d like to explore the possibility that I might have a sensitivity to sugar and/or gluten but I’m not clear if there are actual tests for it (sounds like there are) or if one just finds out by cutting them from their diet and seeing how they feel? Can you provide any insight on that (I know you’re not a DR – just looking for a general direction to go ). I’m 8 months pregnant and while I don’t think its wise to make any drastic changes right now (I’d probably become the most hormonal pregnant woman ever if I cut sugar right now), would like to start gathering information now so that I might make decisions/changes in a couple of months. Thanks so much for your blog – I can’t wait to explore further!

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
November 15th, 2009 at 9:39 am
@Amy, I found out about my sugar and gluten sensitivities by cutting gluten and sugar out of my diet. It only took two weeks for the cravings to go away. A rough couple of weeks, but totally worth it.

There’s one doctor that told me to cut out the sugar and wheat when I was 21. But no real tests or anything like that. Unfortunately, my experience has been that most main-stream doctors don’t generally know enough about how food impacts the body to ever think diet can cause the problem.

[Reply]
Shirley
December 14th, 2009 @ 10:53 am

Great testimony! You are beautiful. Stay blessed!

[Reply]
Jae
December 19th, 2009 @ 1:02 am

Hi,
I was on foodbuzz.net when I came across your chocolate mousse recipie (it sounds so good! I cant wait to try it!;)) and after being on your site a bit I came to this section.

I, like you did, cannot stop from eating throughout the entire day, as a result, I do not eat properly and have people kindasorta worried about my eating habits. And I, as you did, LOVE sugar. I can eat it straight out of the box… it’s become somewhat of a major problem as I cant seem to keep my weight stable.

I know that there is the whole spiel about “oh you’re just a 16 year old teenager…its only a phase” thing, but I feel that since I am almost an adult, it might get seriously out of hand if I dont control it.

By these symptoms, would you recommend that I get tested for food allergies or that thing you mentioned up there? Because, I dont know how to get my life back on track with the food thing…

Thank you,
Jae

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
December 19th, 2009 at 9:10 am
@Jae, I do remember the days of eating spoonful after spoonful of sugar and it’s not a good place to be. I actually started doing that around 3rd or 4th grade.

I’m not qualified to recommend any medical course of action. There are lots of books about the effects of sugar on our bodies that might be helpful, though I haven’t read any of them. Once I quit eating sugar and wheat, the cravings stopped. It took a couple of weeks, but it happened. Then, I had to learn what normal portions were. I’ve never had an actual doctor’s test that confirmed that I had an allergy to sugar – my own experience was enough to tell me that I can’t eat it.

[Reply]
Natalie
December 20th, 2009 @ 10:25 pm

Your blog is wonderful and so readable. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I have a chronic illness and have put on pound after pound after having a baby 13 years ago. Never had a weight problem before that. I am eating very low carb/grain-free right now and I still have stalled in weight loss. I have a question for you if you don’t mind. Do you get any cravings at all when you eat things that are somewhat sweet? Like fruit, or things sweetened with agave nectar? Does that affect your weight loss, or did it in the past? Thank you so much.

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
December 21st, 2009 at 8:41 am
@Natalie, No, ,I don’t get cravings from those things. I do sometimes get an “I want to eat feeling” when I’m not hungry if I’m upset about something, but that is different. I see it as a blessing today because I know I have something that I need to deal with.

[Reply]
Miranda
December 31st, 2009 @ 7:06 am

Where in OH? I am from Richmond (Outside of Steubenville) and then I went to Kent State and met my husband. We moved to Avon Lake outside of Cleveland.
My brother just graduated from Ohio State.

Great story and blog!

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
December 31st, 2009 at 7:45 am
@Miranda, Columbus. I’m a 3rd generation Buckeye. Congrats to your brother. It’s always nice to meet another Ohio native. Thanks so much for stopping by.

[Reply]
Melissa
January 24th, 2010 @ 8:04 pm

I’m still new to your blog and am working my way threw past posts and such. I’m so happy for you with all you have overcome.
It is sad how uneducated Dr’s are about diet and ho much impact it really has on people. I’ve changed my eating habits over the last couple years and more recently I’ve done a lot more changes by adding/trying new foods and omitting more of the bad stuff. I’m not seeing it as dieting. I’m still eating, and yummy food to boot! Just healthier foods. And doing so I’ve lost a few pounds.
I also want my family to eat well and be healthy. My children eat such good food and that makes me SO happy. I’ve never fed them a happy meal or any other fast food. They’ve only been to a restaurant once too. Its also partially do to food allergies that we don’t take them out to eat.
I’m also trying to pay attention to foods they eat and how they act.

I also have early on-set of osteoarthritis. What supplements are you taking if you don’t me asking?

I just noticed that you live in Dallas. I’m moving to Austin in March from Illinois. I’ve never been to Texas but I’ve heard its awesome! I’m so looking forward to all the outdoor stuff I can do with my children.

Thank you so much for sharing your story, great recipes and tips with us!

~Melissa

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
April 3rd, 2010 at 10:33 am
@Melissa, I’m not taking any supplements right now…I was taking gluclosamine & chondroitin. Regular exercise really helps, too. I hope you love Austin. Texas is a great place to live.

[Reply]
Akilah
January 27th, 2010 @ 9:35 am

Amy, your story is absolutely moving! I came across your site through a bloggy friend of mine and I love it!! Kudos to you for turning your journey into a resource and motivational tool for others! I am a bona fide sugarholic and I’m working diligently to change that. My family history of diabetes is a source of motivation, but my brownie binges are more powerful than ever! My main site (www.execumama.com) is for women in general, and moms in particular, who tend to lose sight of their own needs (nutritional and otherwise) due to motherhood. I’d love to feature some of your recipes on a once-a-month basis, with a link back to your blog!! Keep it up, YOU ROCK!

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
January 27th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
@Akilah, You are so sweet. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me. I totally understand what you’re going through.

I’d love for you to share my recipes – let me know when you do and I’ll send my readers your way. Let me know if I can do anything to help. Big hugs to you!

[Reply]
Juliane
February 6th, 2010 @ 7:41 pm

I have to agree with everyone else here, you really are inspiring ! I’ve been struggling alone for the past few years with IBS and i always felt like i was the only one. However, getting into reading blogs I feel like a new person. For the first time, my stress level is down and i’m actually living a “happy tummy life” ! reading your story above is just another wonderful, amazing inspiration that can only come from someone who experiences an eating issue! I recently cut out sugar and sugar substitutes and my world has changed. it’s really sites like this — not doctors telling you “eat more veggies” that give you hope and a sense of comfort in terms of taking care of your body.

thank you for posting your story !

[Reply]
Carrie Vaughn Gresham
February 11th, 2010 @ 3:44 pm

Amy -
You are SUCH an inspiration. I haven’t had time to really look at your blog – but as much as my 3 kids have allowed in the past hour, I’ve skimmed through.

It breaks my heart that I consider myself one of your childhood friends and I was so naive that I never knew of your struggles.

I look forward to reading more and incorporating some of your recipes and teachings into cooking for my family (I wish I had your passion for cooking – or your talent, I’m HORRIBLE!)

I hope to catch up with you soon!
- Carrie

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
April 3rd, 2010 at 10:41 am
@Carrie Vaughn Gresham, Hi Carrie!

I must admit that I was slightly embarrassed when I realized that my old neighborhood friends could actually read my story. Then again, I guess I’ve put it out there for the whole world. Naive maybe, but I didn’t think anyone would bother reading it.

Sounds like you’re doing really well. Three kids!! Wow. We have 4 dogs, which are our children.

Yes, we’ll have to catch up. I’m so glad we’ve crossed paths!

Hugs,
Amy

[Reply]
Jennifer
March 13th, 2010 @ 1:04 am

Amy,
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I just found your blog tonight and have alot to catch up on! I also have problems with food! I am a couple of years older than you and about the same height! I quit weighing myself at 187lbs! I have had psoriasis for 20 years but have been battling severe flare ups(of over 95% of my body) for the past two years! I have spent alot of time in treatment for this! I have been told by many holistic nutritionist that I should go gluten and sugar free! I have tried a few times and always given up! Like you said, the cravings can be terrible and I always give in! I have to admit that I also am a junk food junkie and food just doesn’t taste the same! But after finding your site and reading your story, I have the encouragement I needed to try again! Thank you for sharing your story and your site! It’s nice to have a place to go for information!:)

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
March 15th, 2010 at 6:28 am
@Jennifer, You’re welcome – and likewise, thank you.

[Reply]
Maggie
March 14th, 2010 @ 8:59 pm

There are one or two pics of me as a skinny kid. By 1st grade I wasn’t skinny anymore. I spent most of my childhood, like you, struggling with weight. Starved it all off at age 16 getting down to a size 6. Yoyo’d a bit over the years (within about a 50 pound range). Fast forward to my thirties where I began to feel like I was going on 65 not to mention my loss of memory, inability to read and follow a plot (I too was a very avid reader all my life) of a book or a movie, my emotions would be all over the place sometimes and then my doctor finally said after all the testing he just didn’t know what was wrong with me and asked if I wanted an rx for an antidepressant. I declined and went home a cried.

Then I found an MD who practices more holistically and after millions of tests (blood, urine, saliva…) discovered that I had candidiasis, leaky gut and food sensitivities. All things related to and probably caused by sugars and glutens.

So now what am I supposed to eat?! No sugar and no gluten is one thing but no sugar to the point of no fruit and no vegetables that have a lot of natural sugar–are you kidding me? I cried for two weeks straight, lived on sugar free protein shakes and finally picked myself up and began to figure our how to modify my old recipes and favorite foods but take out the parts that conflicted with my new dietary “issues”.

I’ve lost 25 pounds without trying (the muscle fatigue is finally subsiding so I can actually exercise without feeling like I’m going to drop), the cystic acne (that 2 rounds of accutane didn’t touch) finally went away, the emotions settled down so I can have a sensitive conversation without welling up and I haven’t had a single anxiety attack nor a day that I was unable to get out of bed (that was beginning right before I made these changes), the memory is slowly coming back as is my long lost vocabulary and I’m feeling so much better. Yet all I changed was my diet and added some suppliments.

Amy, Thank you for sharing what you do here–I’m excited to learn some new tricks from you.

And to all of you out there please know that food, especially processed, sugary, gluten laden food is more powerful and potentialy more harmful to our bodies that most prescription drugs. It’s hard but as Amy says, once you get past the initial hump the cravings stop and you feel so much better. So much so that you couldn’t pay me to eat a slice of cake because the way I will feel for a day or two afterward just isn’t worth it.

Good luck to everyone out there who is on a similar journey and hopefully recovery and health!

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
March 15th, 2010 at 6:27 am
@Maggie, My gratitude for courageously sharing your story. It sounds like you’ve found a solution that works for you. I’m looking forward to hearing more about your experiences as we life sugar free and gluten free. Big hugs.

[Reply]
Claire at Saving Money Plan
March 30th, 2010 @ 7:13 pm

An awesome and inspiring journey, Amy.

Thanks for sharing;)

Claire

[Reply]
Micki
March 31st, 2010 @ 3:05 pm

OMGosh!!! This is soooo me! The only way I can lose weight is to starve myself – I’ve been doing Weight Watchers for many years now and if I go off I binge like CRAZY. I eat so much I’m literally ill and can’t stop eating! Plus, I just realized that I’m gluten intolerant – I can have a little but I have to be careful how much I eat. I’ve always had stomach issues but I just figured I had a bad digestive system like my dad & his dad. I don’t even know much about gluten or what it’s in. I’m just so overwhelmed right now knowing that the sugar & flour & gluten are causing such health problems and causing me to be soooo obsessed about food. I don’t even know where to begin! I’ve bought a few different food items like cereal & granola bars at the gluten free store but how do I begin cutting out the sugars & flour? Yikes!!!!!!!

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
April 3rd, 2010 at 10:38 am
@Micki, I started by eating whole foods – fruits, veggies, grains, and beans. I also love cottage cheese, yogurt, and good meats. I still stay away from processed foods as much as possible. I bake a lot but I eat that in moderation.

I kept a food journal for a long time to help me determine what foods were helping me and which ones were causing problems. You can read more about that in the series I wrote – Finding Balance with Food – links to the entire series are on my articles page. Sending big hugs.

[Reply]
Erica
April 3rd, 2010 @ 10:41 am

Amy,

Thank you for sharing your story with all of your readers. It is fascinating how so many people have issues with gluten and sugar and feel there is no way to live free of those foods. I have been diagnosed with IBS, but I feel that is what they tell people they don’t have answers for. I tried gluten and dairy free for two weeks and felt tremendous, but was so hungry! I wasn’t able to find that balance and gave up. Now three years later – I have gained 20 lbs on my 5′4 frame. I stopped taking care of myself and ate whatever I wanted and have paid for it in a number of ways. I will tell you though that the gluten allery is definitely related to joint pain. I have been tested even for rheumatoid and it came back negative. It really is a cause of the gluten you feed your body. Thanks so much for showing everyone that it is possible to live gluten and sugar free and still be Happy!

[Reply]
Diane
April 9th, 2010 @ 4:40 pm

Dear Amy,
I read your four page story and I am so proud that, through your life, you can share with others the positivity, plans, and good food! to a healthy life.

For a few years, I have eliminated gluten and sugar -even meat – because I LITERALLY became so tired of eating them. I felt bloated, unhappy about myself, and couldn’t even come near to what food tasted like.

Since then, I feel amazing, beautiful, and energized!
Plus, with your recipes, and how you post other websites, I create splendid meals!

Thank you so very much,
God Bless,
a Seattle-ite.

[Reply]
Jen
May 7th, 2010 @ 9:29 pm

Hey Amy —

I just came across your website and it caught my eye. I’ve been gluten free for 1 week now. I’ve struggled with *food* my whole life. Some of those times overweight, some not. But, even when I am at a healthy weight (which I am now) it’s a constant mind battle with food. I’ve know sugar was a big issue for some time. I have been looking for a nutritionist that will recommend “no sugar” for me. But, they all advise against it — saying cutting something out entirely will just lead to bingeing later. But, I figure, hey – I binge now…what could it hurt, right? Then last week my acupuncturist recommended that I eliminate gluten from my diet for certain reasons. I’m like ‘okay, i’ll give it a try’. It’s been amazing how much my cravings have decreased in just one week! They are not gone, but they are much, much better. I haven’t gone sugar-free yet, but am seriously considering it. I think it may give me the freedom I’m looking for. Your story confirms that thought for me.

I look forward to reading through the rest of your website and trying some of the recipes. Thanks for the inspiration.

Jen

[Reply]
Tracy
May 11th, 2010 @ 4:55 pm

Wow! Amy, it was just as if I was reading a biography, except that for the past 10 years I have kept my weight down with excessive excercizing, laxatives or fiber, and starving! When I binge–I binge–once I begin I go for it! Food is my idol & your story has really inspired me! God always puts people in our paths for a reason! Thank You!
Tracy

[Reply]
Jazmine
May 21st, 2010 @ 6:06 pm

I’m almost in tears right now and I just wanted to say thank you so much for sharing your story!!
Everything you said is so similar to what has happend to me. I’m fourteen years old and last summer I lost a ton of weight. Like you, I was a very tiny skinny little kid, but in sixth grade I blew up like a balloon! I have always had a sweet tooth, and been a very active dancer, but my mom and I are very health conscience. Last summer I had basically eliminated carbs, thinking that I’d lose weight. I did, and realized that anytime I tried to eat a slice of bread, etc. I’d get very sick, so I stopped. Everybody thought I had an eating disorder but I would eat almost 20 hot wings during football games! In an effort to gain about 5 pounds, my mom started making me take sandwhiches to school and eat pasta for dinner. In about a week, I gained 30 lbs! None of my clothes fit me and now it’s even worse going to school. I’m currently eating gluten and sugar free and even though I’m still bloated, I feel better everyday! Your site has helped my mom and me soo much!
Thank you:)
Jazmine

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
May 22nd, 2010 at 10:18 am
@Jazmine, Thank you for sharing your story with me. I wish I would have understood my body as well as you do when I was your age. It’s such a great freedom to be comfortable in my own body today. I’m grateful that you’re learning this early on. Sending hugs.

[Reply]
brandi
May 24th, 2010 @ 3:19 pm

Amy,
I found your blog while looking for recipes for my wee ones. I have four children, 5, 3, 2, 8 months. They all eat like crazy. My little girl who is 5 has a fungus in her toenail. In my quest for truth about foods and especially the impact of sugar in our diet, I have amazingly come across your story. I am looking for sugar free and wheat free snacks. Since eliminating sugar from my our diets, we have all lost weight…even the kids, but I don’t want them to lose weight. They eat more and better than ever before. I am trying to get more good fats into them. They drink raw milk, eat lots of yogurt and coconut oil…yet they are not satisfied. So I am looking for breads they can have. I think they need more carbs. I love your recipes. Please keep sharing. And if you come across some more kid friendly recipes, please let all of us mommies know. Thanks. You are inspiring.

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Regina Reply:
May 24th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
@brandi,
Hi Brandi, I’m so impressed with all that you are doing for your kiddos. I wish I had known more when my kids were small. I went to a “family cow” workshop this weekend and am hoping to have a milk cow soon. That will give us a good source of dairy products plus plenty for any of our kids and grandkids that want it.
Keep up the GREAT work!
Regina

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Amy Reply:
May 24th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
@brandi, Have you tried granola bars? I have a recipe, which is here, and my friend makes them for her kids adding almond butter and she switches out the nuts and dried fruits to whatever she has on hand. Her kids love them.

Also, today I tried some healthier crackers – from Crunchmaster. They’re called Multi-Seed Crackers and have whole grains, not white rice flour. I love them.

I will put the healthy snacks on my to-do list. Thanks for the request. It helps to know what people want. Hugs to you.

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Anna
May 30th, 2010 @ 5:07 pm

Hello Amy!

Thank you so much for sharing your journey; it is inspiring, to say the least. Since having my 4th child this last December I have had some crazy medical issues which have given me more questions than answers. I was told a few weeks ago that this could take years to diagnose–awesome! A few months ago I had a strong feeling that I needed to use my food as medicine to heal this body and appreciate what it CAN do. I first started with NO meat and NO dairy and NO sugar. The meat and dairy are surprisingly easy to abstain, but the sugar finds its way back on occasion.

After a bout of symptoms a few weeks ago, I decided to add GLUTEN to my list of No-Nos. But, then I felt like I should at least add fish back. So, voila. No meat nor eggs (except fish), no sugar, no dairy, no gluten. And with 50 lbs of my own to lose, it is nice that the weight is not the focus–my HEALTH is! I want to use my hands to pick up my children, braid my daughter’s hair, and legs to run with them at the park. That is more important than the weight, but I know that will work its way off, as well.

Thanks for sharing so much of your life and your recipes. So many benefit–isn’t the internet incredible?

AnnaM

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Liz Amason
June 5th, 2010 @ 1:14 am

Greetings Amy!

Wow, what a journey. Thank you so much for sharing it.

I am anxious to learn more about gluten free to help me with some weight and also my husband who suffers from IBS.

Thank you for being someone that I can reach out to.

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Amy Reply:
June 5th, 2010 at 9:04 am
@Liz Amason, I’m so glad you stopped by and took a minute to share. I know many people who suffer from IBS that drastically improve after going gluten-free. My friend, Ricki, at Diet, Dessert, and Dogs is one of them. You might swing by her place, too. Hugs.

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cdecocina
July 1st, 2010 @ 9:44 am

Amy, I write a blog about the Seignalet diet: it´s about eliminating gluten, dairy and refined food (as sugar). It has been created by a french doctor, an expert in inmunology.
I have found a lot of testimonies similar to yours, and tried to put them together in my page (with your consent, I would include yours). It´s in spanish, but you might find it useful. I would recommend you eliminating dairy, it would probably improve your osteoartritis.
Dr. Seignalet treated around 400 patients with reumatologic diseases with this diet, and around 80% improved a lot.
Hope this helps

Beti

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Alex
July 5th, 2010 @ 8:21 am

I know this is awkward, but recently I was diagnosed with an intestinal disease of some sort (the name of which escapes me) that makes it difficult for my body to process fructose and gluten. It causes my body to break out in terrible rashes and have extreme crippling stomach pains. I just turned 17 and am now facing a complete life style change. While researching foods that I could make myself I came across your blog and read your story. As a child who ballooned up to 210 at the age of 14, I find that your story gives me hope for my own future. I myself lost 80 pounds and knowing that there are people out there that have issues similar to mine and have over come them makes me realise that I can too. Thank you so much for posting your story and creating your blog.

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Batia Levy
July 7th, 2010 @ 3:12 am

Hello,
I am writing to you from Israel where I moved back in the 70’s. As I got older, I too noticed that I was packing on the weight, especially after having ovaries removed and being taken off HRT. My daughter, age 33 developed breast cancer and in her wisdom, combined anticancer diet with chemo, operation and radiation and holistic healing like meditation, yoga and exercise. I joined her and cut out glutten and sugar and have dropped steadily my weight in the past month. I have no cravings and much more energy and look forward to a healthier future. Your story and the food advice and recipes will encourage me to continue and convince my girlfriends that it is possible- even at our age (56-60) . All the best, Batia

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Susan
July 7th, 2010 @ 9:22 pm

I cannot believe I just read my life story in these last few pages your wrote. I have been gluten free for a while now, and my chiropractor just tested me for certain allergies and I found out I have a problem with sugar. So, I am pretty sure that if I cut out sugar too, it might help a lot of things I have going on right now.

Thank you for posting this. I only just found your site, and I am really glad that I did. Thank you for your honesty and for this blog! I am so happy to have it now!

I was wondering, when you lost all the weight, were you eating like you are now? With desserts and everything? Did you count calories at all? What kind of exercise did you do? I am having trouble with exercise right now due to joint pain… I know if I lose weight it would help that tremendously, so that means I need to change my diet drastically. If you could help me out that would be amazing!

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
July 9th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
@Susan, I didn’t do desserts for a while. My body needed a chance to recalibrate, which I think was very important. I can eat desserts now with no problem but, again, I went for a at least three, if not six months without desserts.

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cynthia
July 10th, 2010 @ 4:13 pm

Hello Amy,
I just returned from a 5k run (um…i watched while my husband ran) and i came home inspired and ready to make a lifestyle change. Searching for green shakes i came across your blog which i love, today is a good day!
My weight gain started during my 3 pregnancies. During the last one, i was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and was put on a diet of no more than 5 servings of complex carbs a day and no sweets. I was amazed that the last month of pregnancy i did not gain a pound. I was, however, miserable and hungry. One of my meltdown’s was sitting in our van in the karl’s junior parking lot. I opened my wrapper to see this sad little meat patty sliding around with ketchup and mayo held togethor by two pieces of iceburg lettuce. I started weeping as i chewed and mourned my bread. After my baby was born, i was rechecked and my sugars resumed normal levels. I was able to stick to the reduction of breads for a while, but slowly i went back to eating the way i used to.
So, here i am, inspired by you and vowing to make a change for myself and my family. I am excited to try your recipes. Do you think you will ever make a cookbook?
…cynthia from falfurrias tx

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Amy Reply:
July 11th, 2010 at 10:50 am
@cynthia, Thanks for sharing your story. I get it. It’s not easy – but it’s worth it. I started eating whole foods, no baked goods, and gave my body time to adjust before adding dessert back in.

Yes, I am currently writing a cookbook that should be out in January 2011. Make sure to subscribe to my feed to find out when you can preorder.

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Noreen
July 12th, 2010 @ 3:14 pm

Hi there, Just cruising through your posts and saw this-I have found out that my liver problems are probably due to gluten intollerance and also leaky gut syndrome but I wanted to mention that gluten will increase inflamation of joints. I too have osteo arthritis and have found that since I’ve stopped gluten my hands are better. So far I’ve only lost about 10 lbs from dropping sugar and gluten as well as dairy, egg, soy. It is a hard adjustment but if it helps my liver get healthy it is worth it. So many good products that are gluten free just not as many that are totally free of all irritants.
Thanks again for sharing.
Noreen

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Susan
July 26th, 2010 @ 5:23 pm

Amy, You are so great! Thank you for commenting back. When you say whole foods and no baked goods, are you referring to more of a raw diet? Or, just no flours at all? Even gluten free?

Also, at what point did you start exercising, and what kinds did you do? I’m starting a pilates and yoga regimen in the fall when school starts again.

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
July 30th, 2010 at 11:42 am
@Susan, No, not raw. I don’t even know what that is. LOL. But I don’t eat a lot of baked goods – maybe one a day. And I don’t eat any of the processed GF foods, either. Lots of fresh fruits and veggies, salads, and some lean meats. Of course, I eat beans and grains too.

I like to walk…it’s something I can do anywhere. It’s simple and easy to keep up with when I travel and it only takes a few minutes to get ready and step out the front door. It keeps my dogs healthy, too. I have to do some form of cardio on a regular basis or I’ll go crazy. It helps with my mental clarity and focus. I do pilates on occasion but always at home. I don’t have time to drive somewhere for a class right now.

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Victoria
July 29th, 2010 @ 12:15 pm

You know Amy, I found your story very inspiring and helped me find a new way to help me maintain my weight.
I was 160 pounds and around 10 years old when I was diagnosed with Celiacs Disease. Like you, I suffered from severe depression and social anxiety because I was so overweight. After 6 years of what I like to call put-down-the-fork-itus and eliminating all sources of gluten, I eventually reached 120lbs.
But like you, it would go up and down in a series of eating right and then one small treat lead into a full out binge. My weight would go up or down 3 pounds in only one day. Then I discovered your website and found my inspiration to leading a healthier life.
After 3 months of living sugar and gluten free, I am where I am today. A healthy, bright 16 year old at a healthy 110 for 5′4″.
This is honestly the first time I have ever felt somewhat in control of my weight, and the healthiest I have ever felt in my entire life!
Thank you so much for starting this website, you really do not know how many people are affected by your story!!!
Stay healthy my friends!!!

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
July 30th, 2010 at 11:23 am
@Victoria, Congratulations on your success! I am so very grateful that you shared your story with me. May you have a lifetime of health and happiness! Sending hugs!

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Misty
July 31st, 2010 @ 10:20 am

Amy,
I am so glad to have found your site. I just Googled, gluten free and sugar free foods. Your site came up.
I want to try eat more gluten free and sugar free foods. I have been reading on what I need to change in my life for me to feel better and look better. See, I found out three years ago that I have MS. I am doing fine, but I hate the shots I have to take. Someone told me that they knew someone that went gluten free and had no signs of MS. They were off of any meds or shots for MS. I pray that one day I will be able to say that.
I am 5′2 and weigh 150. This is the most I have ever weighed. I know I must take action.
Thanks so much for sharing your great story!!
God Bless, Misty

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Teresa
August 2nd, 2010 @ 8:46 pm

Amy,

Thank you so much for sharing your story! I am only 45 but am suffering from severe arthritis that has caused me to have my feet and hands operated on as well as my jaw. I too have always battled with weight and sugar. Recently I went on an all protein diet and wow, I lost the weight, but it started taking a toll on my kidneys, so I went back to “normal” eating and the cravings (and weight) returned. I noticed however, that the joint inflammation went away as did most of the auto immune issues when I was “carb free” My kidney Dr. suggested last week that I try removing gluten and sugar as well as refined foods from my diet to see if I got the same results as I did with the all protein diet but without the kidney issues. By chance I stumbled upon a link to your site from another blog I read, and it all clicked! I can’t wait to read and research your blog and start learning. Thank you sooooo much for taking the time to help others! You are an angel!

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
August 5th, 2010 at 9:30 am
@Teresa, Best wishes on your new journey! Sending hugs.

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Jazmine
August 9th, 2010 @ 5:56 pm

Hi! I was wondering if you’ve ever took cooking classes? If so, were you able to adapt recipes? Or did you taste them? I would love to learn more but my mom is worried about me having to taste my food.
Thanks!
Jazmine

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Rebecca
August 21st, 2010 @ 10:02 am

I am so happy to have found your blog, and what a lovely blog it is. Your recipes are great and I seem to be printing them off left and right. I was diagnosed with breast cancer recently at the young age of 34, and have changed my diet completely. After reading truckloads of books on cancer, my husband and I decided to eliminate most glutens and all processed sugars from our diet. As a former pastry chef, this has been very difficult to do! I’m having to learn how to bake all over again and your website is helping me immensely. Thank you.

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
August 23rd, 2010 at 10:45 pm
@Rebecca, I’d love to be a pastry chef…I finished my first semester in culinary school in May. It was fabulous. Best of luck to you on your new journey and thanks so much for stopping by AND for the lovely comment.

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Kylie
August 25th, 2010 @ 1:51 am

Amy I’m so glad I found your web site! I can’t believe how many of the things you said are exactly the same as me! My boyfriend used to call me the sugar monster because sometimes he would find me literally eating sugar out of the jar to satisfy my cravings. I have suffered with IBS for a while now and I have come to realise it is gluten and sugar that bring it on. I am trying to stick to a gluten free/sugar free/dairy free eating plan but it’s so hard with so little support in my everyday life! This website has been a life saver and I plan to log on regularly for inspiration. Thank you so much

Kylie x

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Amy Reply:
August 25th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
@Kylie, Best wishes to you on your new journey, Kylie! Sending hugs.

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rebekah (clarity in creation.)
August 29th, 2010 @ 1:07 pm

hey beautiful – thank you so much for sharing your story!

sadly, i don’t think that what you’re describing is rare at all… i think it’s a consequence of the manufacturering processes we have today. i think they are problems for EVERYONE, which certainly makes a dent in the obesity epidemic. i think ALL people feel better off these “foods.” only the last 2 or 3 generations have eaten these highly-processed foods, and we seem to have fallen to pot since then!

congrats on your amazing life transformation! keep preaching what you’re preachin’!
-rebekah

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Amy Reply:
August 31st, 2010 at 10:44 am
@rebekah (clarity in creation.), Processed foods….I totally agree. In moderation, I’m sure they’re not detrimental. I don’t eat them – not even the gluten-free foods – but in excess it’s a real problem. And when I look at the grocery carts around me at the store, I’m one of the few loaded with fruits, veggies, dairy, meats, and nothing processed.

[Reply]
Debbie
September 7th, 2010 @ 4:14 pm

I am on the hunt for a really good Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll recipe…

Can you help me!!

God Bless and Wish You Enough..

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Amy Reply:
September 8th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
@Debbie, Try Gluten-Free Homemaker or Gluten-Free Easily. I think they have gluten-free cinnamon rolls on their site.

[Reply]
Liz
September 9th, 2010 @ 8:14 am

Amy, I have been praying for God to help walk out a healthy lifestyle. I have been having health problems from appendicitis to perioral dermititis, acne, hair loss, bladder infections, fatique, extremely painful menstraul cramps/nausea, brain fog etc. and I’m only 27. After doing a lot of research and talking to a naturopathic I went on a candida diet a couple of weeks ago, cutting out sugar, glutens and processed foods. It has not been easy but for the first time I am not having intense cravings for dairy products and sweets.

Because I am petite and have not fluctuated more than within 10 llbs. of my weight I didn’t take my intense food cravings too seriously…until this past year. It was not possible for me to bake something without eating the whole thing and when pms hit I would binge eat. I felt like I was suddenly being controlled by the food instead of vice versa.

When I decided I need to take charge of my health I prayed for direction and the Lord and He revealed the candida diet. Although I have been feeling much better I have had some fears about reintroducing those foods because of those uncontrolable urges.

Well, this website is such an answer to prayer! I am sorry for the long response-but I just had to share. I believe that this is now going to be a lifestyle change for me and not just a temporary diet. It will not be easy but it is a must for me! Thank you for sharing your testimony~I will definitly be checking out your recipes! God bless=)

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