Can I just say again how thankful I am for the work of Dr. D'Adamo... I tried lots of other diets and none of them worked for me. I tried low-calorie, low-fat, vegetarian (yikes!), I ate what I heard from everyone was supposed to be good for me. Atkin's may have helped me lose weight, I found this before Atkin's, but it wouldn't have helped my health like BTD has in so many ways. With the cheese though, I'm not sure it would have even helped me that much with weight, as dairy seems to make it harder for me to lose weight. And I couldn't have gone off wheat just to lose weight, it was the promise of other benefits that I'd read about in Dr. D'Adamo's book, and Dr. Bland's Genetic Nutritioneering...those two books were what convinced me to eliminate wheat. I had a lot of back pain and joint pain back then, without any real explanation for it, along with a bunch of other weird symptoms and syndromes, and that is what motivated me. I was taking at least five prescriptions in my early twenties, and felt lousy. I felt immediate improvment once I finally cut wheat completely out of my diet.

The promise of less pain got me on the program. The emotional benefits kept me with the program. The digestive consequences scared me away from cheating on the program. The weight loss was a happy side-effect.

But wheat-free is not quite enough for me to lose weight, corn-free and dairy free are the other two important factors. The whole diet which on the surface looks like a complicated list of do's and don'ts ultimately combines into one big picture...it all just resonates with my cells and turns what was once an unfortunate combination of genetics and environment into who I should be. "I believe fate smiled on destiny" - Natalie Merchant

Who needs new genes when you can buy new jeans?

I'm happy to be shopping for clothes a little more lately. I still have some high school clothes, and I've been able to start wearing some of them, but it was time to update things a bit. I've always liked more classic styles, so my clothes never really go out of style, but seriously it was time for an update.

I love wearing my new jeans, and just got another outfit and a dress that I ordered online. I ordered them small, but they fit well already and will continue to fit as I lose more weight (heaven knows I have plenty of big clothes, though they are all getting worn out). It does a lot for a girl to get some new clothes, even a girl like me who has never enjoyed shopping. I now do most of my shopping online, as shopping with a toddler is nearly impossible for me. It takes a few tries to figure out the sizing and what brands work for my shape, but it's worth it for all the sales and clearance items I can find without having to scour a mall.

I had a terrible dream about a dear friend who's sick, I don't want to go into the details, it was very Orwellian. Needless to say, at the end of the dream, I was pleading with everyone and the powers that were in control of the fictional society, to let me try to make this person better.

I've been building on that theme, with a gathering storm inside me. I'm formulating ideas for a BTD Boot Camp. I'm thinking of starting small, taking one person in at a time and teaching them, preparing food, shopping together, cooking together, exercise and meditation, the whole plan. Just to get someone started on it when they don't have the energy to tackle it alone. How long it will take to actually implement is a total unknown at this point. I'm overwhelmed right now just keeping myself and my family on track. I just hate to see loved ones who are miserable, when I know the BTD would help.

More on the storm though, I'm getting angry with the powers that are in control of THIS society. How long before they realize that the foods they promote and that most people eat daily are making us sick. Who will lead the coming revolution, should we call it the Spelt Revolution? Or something more broad, the Nutrigenomics Revolution? I'm waiting for that wave to break, I'm waiting to walk through Costco and see Spelt Thins replacing Wheat Thins, Rice Bran Oil replacing Corn oil... my futuristic wish list will go on and on. Is it just that wheat and corn are cheap, or is it because they're what most consumers want? What's driving this train?

I do see rice crackers at Costco, they have cheese so may be ok only for Bs, but they are wheat free. I see organic blueberries, soymilk, many good things. I see many spelt products at the health food store and spelt flour at the grocery store. I have seen progress, but when I think of those who are sick, the progress isn't fast enough.

I was in line there today, waiting to return some jeans that were too big... I love Costco, they've got some good stuff, but the lack of bags makes it easy to tell what everyone walking out just bought. I waited in line a good long time, watching lots of bread, cakes, twinkies, potato chips, sodas, and bacon leave the store. It was mostly foods that are avoids for most or all of us.

Once I returned my pants and went in to find a smaller size, I saw lots of larger sizes, only a couple smaller. I did find a smaller pair that fits me really well. My husband about did a jig when he saw me in fitted blue jeans...I guess I haven't worn them for a while. Most of my clothes are too baggy, I'm realizing. Not complaining about that though! I now weigh 8 pounds less than I did right before my pregnancy, yipee!! Another 10 or 20 pounds to go, I'll see where I level off. Then I'll still have plenty of other goals to work on!

I was just welcoming some newbies to the diet on the yahoo group as well as a family member who is trying out the BTD way of life...the question of hunger upon giving up wheat has come up.

Yes, the hunger does go away, it takes a week or two from what I remember. Fill in with vegetables, cooked greens are surprisingly satisfying with meat. Be sure to add beneficial fats as well. Fruit hits the sweet tooth well if you miss desserts...berries, bananas and figs are great. You'll find that beneficial foods all end up being very satisfying once your body learns to recognize it's friends. At that point, you may find it takes a little effort to eat enough, as you won't be as hungry overall.

I've heard somewhere that since grains don't digest properly, they cause an expansion in your stomach that gives you a false sense of fullness, or over-fullness. I haven't felt that old and somewhat uncomfortable "too full to stuff another bite in my mouth" feeling for a long time, no matter how much I eat. I think this is what's called a "pasta punch" and I don't miss it, as I've traded it for a comfortable, yet still mentally alert and physically mobile sense of satisfaction.

Putting myself in the shoes of the hunter-gatherers who have gone before, I can see a definite advantage to the sense of satisfaction I get when eating right. I would think that old "pasta punch" could be deadly if suddenly attacked by any number of dangerous beasts who used to roam freely among us. Eating Right 4 Your Type can be a tool for short term survival, not just longevity and health... (Is that a new meme, or did I absorb it from someone else?)

Shortly after getting my diagnosis of Celiac disease last month, my son started getting diarrhea every other day or so. I was afraid he had inherited my celiac disease, but tweaking the gluten in his diet didn't seem to affect it. So I used the BTD to zero in on other avoids that may be causing the problem. He had started drinking a lot more soymilk, so I became suspicious of the carageenan in the brand I was buying. Sure enough, once I switched to a brand without the carageenan, his diapers have gone back to normal. I'm sure glad for him that it's not gluten, although I did learn there are a lot of new foods he likes, when I cut out the gluten. He likes lemon soy yogurt, for one.

Also, found an answer to a question I'd often bounced around in my head. The nitrates and preservatives in most smoked meats are bad guys, but what if it's naturally smoked, as with mesquite. My answer came in the Food Reference eZine I subscribe to:

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DID YOU KNOW?

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Mesquite is the common name for several small spine hardwood trees or shrubs of the genus Prosopis in the pea family. They are native to the southwestern U.S., Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean Islands. The seed pods are edible, and the wood is used for fence posts, railroad ties, and furniture. The wood is also used in barbecuing and smoking foods. Mesquite gives an slightly sweet smoky flavor to foods. CAUTION: Smoked foods contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which are known carcinogens. Smoked foods are known to be carcinogenic when eaten as a regular part of a person's diet. Most people do not eat enough smoked foods for this to be a major concern. HOWEVER, the hotter the wood or charcoal burns, the more polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that are produced. And mesquite burns hotter than hardwood charcoal, and produces much more of these dangerous hydrocarbons. One study found 8 times the cancer causing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in meat cooked with mesquite than hardwood charcoal, and 40 times the benzopyrene, the most dangerous hydrocarbon. I like the flavor of mesquite, but this information gives some serious food for thought.

-Food Reference ezine, foodreference.com, June 28, 2004

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Looks like mesquite is worse than some other hardwoods, but they're all bad news, it seems. Ah well.

Today's Natural Medicine Update about chemicals found in our bodies reminded me of a theme/goal I've had for some time...that goal is the absence of fragrance. It's partly out of necessity, I don't tolerate perfumes well. I've discovered that most homes and people are a collection of artificial fragrances, one layer on top of another. It is a challenge to keep my home and myself unscented.

1. The first challenge is to have no unpleasant smells to cover up, you know, doing dishes often, cleaning, taking out the garbage/diapers, putting wet laundry in the dryer soon enough, venting cooking smells, etc. etc. Aside from general hygeine, the diet helps me with Body odor, and I've heard similar experiences from other types as well.

2. The next step is finding unscented products. This is getting easier than it used to be: laundry detergent, dryer sheets (or better, unscented liquid fabric softener, and I don't even tolerate that so I skip it entirely), body soaps, facial soaps, shampoos (that's still a challenge), hair styling products (do unscented versions exist? I just let my hair flop like it was born to), deodorant (there are some naturally fragranced types that are nice, usually the only 'scent' I wear), then there is the fragrance in cleaning chemicals, where the options are Health Food Store products or homemade, but I'm no expert on that one yet. I do recommend DHC skincare products, almost all of their products are unscented, other than the natural fragrances of the ingredients, and they work better than most natural brands I have tried. www.dhccare.com I'm not an expert on the chemicals in skincare products, I just know what works for me, and my body speaks to me very assertively in most cases! Their shampoos and conditioners are a godsend for my sensitive scalp, and the only type I have tried that consistently gives good results, like a salon brand, but without the irritation. And believe me, I've tried a boat-load of shampoos. Their Acerola Lotion (toner) is also a favorite of mine, my skin just drinks it up like I drink my pineapple juice.

3. The third step, once you've learned to appreciate a freedom from fragrances, is to learn to tolerate other's bondage to them I'm still learning this one, and as I become healthier, it doesn't bother me so much to be around layers of fragrance...as long as there's good ventilation! My family has been good to avoid using scented candles when I visit, as those really get to me. I used to use them myself, then I learned that I breathe much better without them lit. I also recently heard a warning about fire safety with little plug in air fresheners, so keep that in mind if you use those.

There are a number of natural fragrances to choose from, as well. Essential oils are a healthy way to enjoy your need for aromatherapy. I'm not an expert in their use, but do enjoy them from time to time, as they relax and clear my mind, whereas the artificial stuff does the opposite.

My question is, will wearing make-up ever go out of fashion? I probably wear it 2 or 3 times a year, and just a little at that. I never paint my nails, as it seemed to make them soft and wimpy. I don't suppose that will ever catch on, but I can always hope!

Reasons to avoid sugar, particularly applicable to non-secretors:

1. Avoiding sugar strengthens the immune system, particularly important for children as it is the safest way to boost their immune systems. Also particulary important for non-secretors who are more susceptible to many infections due to the lack of decoys (blood type antigens that germs will bind onto instead).

2. Sugar feeds candida/yeast problems. All anti-candida diets remove sugar.

3. Sugar promotes tooth decay, and non-secretors are more prone to tooth decay.

4. Sugar is concentrated carbohydrate, and carbohydrates are the enemy, especially for an O's metabolism.

Reasons to avoid artificial sweeteners:

1. Most artificial sweeteners are designed to not be digestible. Since Olestra, I tend to avoid foods that are designed to be undigestible.

2. Most artificial sweeteners break down into chemical waste in the body, some (saccharine) are probably carcinogens.

3. They may not even help weight loss. Here's an article that came out recently about that...

http://my.webmd.com/content/article/89/100381.htm

So where does that leave us?

Vegetable Glycerine! Despite it's artificial-sounding name, and the fact that I can only find it in the soap section of my Health Food store, it is not artificial. (Not to be confused with petroleum glycerine, vegetable glycerine is derived from edible vegetable oils) It is naturally occuring in the body, and almost always listed in the ingredient lists of granola bars, and protein bars. It is digestible, does have some calories, but doesn't cause blood sugar problems. It's been debated whether it is a carbohydrate or a fat, and is currently classified as a carbohydrate on food labelling, though that is still under debate. It tastes great, is twice as sweet as sugar, and works well in everything I've used it for. In moderation, of course!

Here's a previous blog on the subject:


New To Glycerine

Things are going well! Despite a few avoids, I'm still losing weight. Despite a setback with my back, I'm still feeling good. I seem to be doing well with taking less thyroid hormone as well. I haven't weighed on a really accurate scale for a few weeks, but from what I can figure, I've lost at least 30 pounds since January. (I won't add what I lost before January, and after baby, since that wasn't entirely BTD, it was mostly just what naturally falls away after having a baby.)

For breakfast today we were out of eggs, but I had some organic turkey sausage in the freezer, so I had that and some fresh blueberries to neutralize the polyamines, and some almonds for crunch. Good breakfast!

Thanks to all who have written in with their comments and encouragement.

As far as avoids go, I'm fortunate in my weight-loss efforts that those avoids that I react most to are the same avoids that hinder my weight loss the most. Makes them easier to avoid: wheat and corn are the biggies of course, with potatoes and dairy coming in close behind. This is the first effort I've made to totally avoid dairy, and when I mess up on that, I learn something every time. I'm starting to think I may even be lactose intolerant, which is something I never thought could be the case (I come from a family of Bs, and grew up on milk). I guess you don't know what a food does to you until you try to stop eating it. I remember coming home from school most every day, drinking a big glass of milk, and taking a nap. I thought the milk was soothing, but maybe it was just sedating...

I'm looking forward to a walk, once it cools down tonight. It's above 100 degrees F today! If it doesn't cool down, I'll go the the indoor track (and step on their scales while I'm there).

My back still feels pretty lousy, but I have to keep moving even though every muscle feels tired. If I rest too long, it tightens up again. I'm afraid jogging doesn't agree with my spine. I was careful to do my stretching and ab strengthening, and haven't been jogging more than once since I tweaked my back about a month ago, yet the jogging is still a prime suspect. About 5 years ago I really injured my back and was laid up for a couple weeks...also not long after starting a jogging regimen. At the time I got passed between many doctors and didn't feel like any of them really understood it, but the radiologist recommended that I don't jog. I was 20 pounds heavier then and thought that would make a difference this time, but I thought wrong.

There are other contributing factors, genetics is a big one. My grandma on my mom's side, who died years before I was born, had the same back problems I do. She said it was arthritis in her back, and it started in her 30s. She treated it with a remedy that included grapefruit juice and nobody remembers what else, and daily back exercises similar to the ones I'm supposed to do every day. I inherited a lot from her, I even look very much like her, other than I have lighter coloring. When it was bad, it would throw her back and hips noticeably out of alignment, same as with me.

Diet is also a factor, with a trail of avoids before each incident. Hormones are a factor as well, as it always starts in PMS time, and goes away completely when I'm pregnant and nursing. I, for one, wish gestation lasted 2 years instead of just 9 months; I feel better pregnant than not. That also makes me suspect an immunity link...but as an O, autoimmunity and inflammation are always a problem.

Anyway, the bad news is I'm giving up jogging, I'll miss it as it saved my sanity a few times. The good news is, today is the first day of my walking regimen (that radiologist and the surgeon he worked with also ordered me to walk 3 miles a day). And from this day forward I WILL do my back exercises every day.

Time to learn from history. It's much like being allergic to a beneficial, just an individual thing. I still highly recommend jogging for Os, just not for me.

So, first I had a vacation to dietary sin city, it was great, I ate foods I shouldn't have, but survived because I walked my tail off. Then went to the funeral, in the land of milk and honey. Ate foods I shouldn't have again. Then I promptly tweaked my back. I only do that when I'm eating wrong, and always regret it. So today I've been back on the regimen. Eggs for breakfast, very good fish and veggies for late lunch/dinner, bromelain, deflect, etc. often.

My back is already on the mend, but I have to keep moving and walking to keep it from tightening up. Should do my back exercises more often, that also helps prevent problems.

Last night I had some wonderful grilled salmon, grilled pineapple and grilled asparagus. My family is skipping some of the bread and potatoes along with me since we have so much else to eat!

I'll be getting back into the swing of things soon, and I'll finalize my nonnie brownies and a few other recipes for y'all. Later taters!