I am more convinced than ever that an elimination diet with food reintroductions is the best way to go. Thirty-eight skin pricks came up with zero allergies. Blood was drawn and sent for various IgG tests. Both Dr. Nsouli and Dr. Polesi (gastroenterologist) think the MRT test is garbage. But before I add those 26 items the MRT identified as sensitivities, plus high-mold foods back, I'll wait to find out the latest blood test results. It is a journey...
Washington, DC, is such an amazing city to run through; interesting architecture, monuments, sculptures, and more. Check out some of my favorites from the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden.
Julia and I ran to the Ronald Reagan Building for her global entry interview. We paused for a quick minute to pose in front of the White House. She's a great running partner--good, even pace and street smart! Julia has been consistently running, adding in the Watergate Steps (to nowhere) behind the Lincoln Memorial and "The Exorcist" stairs. She's hard core. Kudos, Jules!
I had no issues with the food in Iceland--fantastic options! Some of my favorites were the lamb and dried cod. It is possible to travel with food allergies. I continue to monitor and add new items every few days. I have tried and not reacted to a ton of veggies and even some borderline ingredients (stevia, erythritol, dark chocolate). Some of these may be dose-dependent, not sure. On my "to do list," is to try cucumbers and parsley--two very high reactive foods.
YAY, no reaction to Moby Dick's lamb kabobs. I finally got my hair cut. I'm back to the good old bob.
What--you can make pizza crust with chicken? Yes, you can! I used 10oz canned chicken, one egg, one-half of an avocado, and spices (oregano, onion, salt, pepper, basil). I combined and baked at 475 degrees for 10 minutes or so, until the top was golden brown. I then cut pieces of it and put it with veggies in my lettuce wraps. It was salty and delicious. So good. I might try using chicken thigh meat or drumsticks, but the canned was so quick and easy. I think Steven would like it--especially if I topped it with sauce and cheese. In addition to the hives, I think my eyes have been puffier too. I have to figure this out.
The hives have not gone away; in fact, I woke up with more on my left thigh. I tried coconut oil. I tried Neosporin (yes, it works on everything else!). I tried not itching and full-blown itching. This morning I went to the health services at work and she said it looked like an allergic reaction--brilliant. She put Benadryl gel on it and told me to take one Claritin (antihistamine) until it went away.
If I look at my Excel spreadsheet, it looks like sardines may have caused the reaction initially. I had more sardines over the weekend. Ugh. Or, it could be the Insta-Ketones protein bar (I want to take these to Iceland!). Or, it could be a build-up of histamines from the avocados. Or, or, or... It is frustrating. I am not going to take the Claritin, but I may purchase the Benadryl cream. I made waffles out of eggs/coconut flour. No reaction. I need to switch up my vegetables--the pictures of my dinners are way too similar, day in and day out.
Check out the picture of Brenda! I had a great consult with her last week. She's such a good sport. And in the five minutes between my head hitting the pillow and my eyelids falling shut, I'm enjoying Gary Taubes' book, The Case Against Sugar. 
I have a couple of hives on my upper thigh. I am not sure what it is from, given I had chicken last night. Even so, I am forging ahead introducing radishes. I thinly sliced them, coated with avocado oil, and roasted them to perfection. Is it a delayed reaction to the sardines? Brussels sprouts? I will have to wait and see.
I mixed two cans of Trader Joe's sardines packed in water with half of an avocado, salt, pepper, oregano, onion powder, basil, and coconut aminos. I made lettuce wraps with the sardines, more avocado, and roasted Brussels sprouts. So good! If you don't like vegetables, try roasting them. It brings out such a wonderful flavor. And, if you don't like sardines--try again. The nutrient density of this wonderful fish is outrageous. It is a great source of protein, fat, B12, selenium, phosphorus, Omega-3s, vitamin D, calcium, and more!
Steven bought a bunch of chicken drumsticks--mega bulk! They were really good. I had class all day; it was nice to come home and relax. We watched, "Dr. Strange"; it is hard not to love anything with Mr. Benedict Cumberbatch. Although, it would have been slightly better had he just used his innate accent. :)
Steven bought a pork loin seasoned roast. I weighed out 8 ounces and rinsed it thoroughly, then added my own safe spices. Additionally, I had avocado, cabbage, onion, broccoli, and lots of coconut. Steven didn't finish all of the spiced meat, so I snacked on another ounce or so and within minutes, I had a headache. I'm sure it was from the "smoke flavoring" or some other "natural flavor." The last time I did the elimination diet, I was not able to tolerate smoked meat at all. The good news--pork is back on the plate.
I am still feeling the affects from the spinach. My stomach was so bloated all day. For dinner, I had a second round of beef meatballs, cabbage, lettuce, avocado, beans. I made coconut muffins--which I cannot eat--but they are gluten free and I added cranberries. Steven said the muffins were "okay, but the texture is terrible." Too funny. As soon as I clear eggs, I am going to make a coconut bread recipe I have--super dense and delicious. 
Today was "A Day without Immigrants"--businesses shut down as immigrants refused to either work or spend money in an effort to show the Trump administration how much immigrants contribute to the country's economy. DC felt the pain with various businesses and many restaurants closed. At work, we felt the pain with delays in receiving catering services for meetings and the cafeteria staff was very light. All Sweet Green restaurants were closed.
I tried spinach and had a reaction. Bummer. Dinner was meatballs, celery, Romaine, avocado, broccoli, cabbage, and spinach. I overate on the veggies, which also may have contributed.
