Elimination Diet Day 3 and Running

It is pretty disappointing to be following the letter of the law with this diet and still have a reaction. I realize it may be part of the detox process, but it is hard to remain focused on the end goal. Last night after dinner, my stomach was gurgling like there was no tomorrow. This morning, the reaction was hard and swift. Additionally, my stomach was upset and I was not sure I had the energy to run to work.

I ran anyways.

Minor victory: I went to 7-Eleven for "free coffee Wednesday" and got a small black coffee. I put my own coconut milk and cinnamon in. I wasn't really tempted by the latte machine. Overall, the coffee was so-so. I drank it for the caffeine.

For dinner: shrimp, coconut oil, turkey burger, avocado, and celery. For dessert, coconut manna--not too much, in case this is the culprit.

Although I dragged, it was nice to be outside. The picture is of the Key Bridge on my morning route. The afternoon run was much better and the 60-degree weather totally helped.

Elimination Diet Day 2 and Running

Day two is in the books. Unfortunately, I had a reaction after day 1 dinner last night and this morning. I am hoping this is carry over from the previous day or perhaps I just ate way too much food?! When I took a picture of the food yesterday I was a bit taken aback--WOW, that is a lot of food. Slight headache, but I also didn't drink that much water today. [NOTE: Drink more plain water!] According to the MRT test book, detoxing your body from the various antigens is a process that can make you feel much worse the first week or so before starting to feel better.

For dinner, I had turkey burgers, an avocado, and a mixture of coconut/cinnamon (coconut oil, coconut manna, coconut flour, cinnamon). I didn't really enjoy the coconut/cinnamon mixture, but I felt like I needed more calories with little bulk. I also took selenium and zinc supplements. Avocado is my new favorite--great spread replacement and so healthy with fat and nutrients.

My morning run was crisp and clear. Standing in the same spot with opposing directions, I took a photo of the Lincoln Memorial and then the Washington Monument. So far, my running performance is not suffering from this adventure.

Elimination Diet Day 1 and Running

Wet and windy run into work this morning. I much prefer the colder temperatures over the rain. The bright side: women's locker room was empty.

I am no stranger to the elimination diet. I have tried several times to start and stay on the wagon. This series of blog posts are meant to keep me on track and honest. If I can just get through the first two weeks, I believe committing to the rest of the process (3 months? 6 months?) won't be so difficult. So what is different THIS time?

I am working closely with a nutritionist (Axis Nutrition).

This has so many benefits on so many levels. While I am typically self-motivated and love to follow a set of rules, somewhere along the way...I start to distrust the process. And then, I have a severe reaction and can't figure out why. This sends me into the deep end of eating things I know will not sit well. It is a completely different situation when I knowingly eat something that I shouldn't; I am mentally prepared for the consequence and this is easier. 

Back to the nutritionist. He is providing accountability with regular appointments and tracking. And, he is available by text for any and all crisis situations. His great idea: If you are about to eat something you shouldn't, take a picture of it and send it to me first. 

The foods I can eat in the first week are based on IgE testing (mold allergy) and Mediator Release Test and include turkey, shrimp, codfish, string beans, lettuce, celery, olives, avocado, tea, coffee, coconut (all forms), cinnamon, oregano, cayenne pepper. I made a grocery run to Trader Joe's at lunch today. I munched on way too many coconut chips (unsweetened). Despite several cups of coffee with coconut milk, I have a dull headache. 

Could It Get Any Colder

I prefer to run when the temperature is at least in the 30s. Steven generously loaned me his balaclava, which saved the day for sure. This picture was taken on January 1, 2017, in front of the Organization of the American States, at the corner of 17th and Constitution Avenue NW.

Nothing Beats Running in the Fall

The weather in DC has not disappointed this fall. Generally, the mornings have been hovering around 50, with the afternoons elevating to mid-60s. I could run all day!


Kudos to the National Park Services; the expiration on the liquid soap in the bathroom cracks me up. The bathroom near the Washington Monument is kept extremely clean; I really do appreciate that (and the fresh soap). Thank you!

Falling in Love with Central Park NYC

If I could run every day in Central Park, I would. I LOVE it. The first time, I was a bit afraid that I would get lost. The second time, I stayed to a pretty small loop and ran around it three times. On the third day, I was feeling a bit tired and was debating about going for a run. However, I dragged myself just a few blocks to the park entrance and seeing all of the other runners and bikers--it was so inspiring--I had to run! It is like the feeling you get when you're in a race; everyone in the pack is running, so you up your pace and pass as many as you can. Normally, I prefer to run alone; however, I can see why people may prefer to run with a group. Today, I ran a six-mile route and I didn't want to leave.

Watching Redskins Run Buffalo Out of Town 21 to 16

This was a once in a lifetime event for us and it was so much fun. Thanks to shows like "Hard Knocks" (HBO) and "Last Chance U" (Netflix), I have come to appreciate, understand, and even enjoy watching the game. Steven's company received tickets from ESPN, which included pregame food, time on the ESPN broadcast stage, walking on the field, and watching the game from the ESPN suite. It was awesome. The game was exciting right up until the end; we won!