Today marks my fourth day alcohol-free.
As per Omar's decision to cut out all processed sugars, this is also day four of no processed sugars.
So what have I noticed?
Inflammation is going down.
I've always struggled with body swelling due to suffering from coeliac disease, and I know that consuming two to three alcoholic beverages a day were of no help. I'm sure the physical changes I'm seeing are a collaboration of both my dietary efforts and my avoidance of sugars and alcohol, but seeing them in the mirror is encouraging.
When I've been gluten-free in the past (without having any contamination accidents), I've seen my collarbones in the mirror. I could see every muscle, every ligament, and the voice box in my throat. I was able to see the muscle I've worked so hard to grow bumping up the skin. My hair was long. My skin was clear.
Lately, with the recent bout of gluten contamination and the abuse of alcohol, I've looked like a swollen version of myself. My skin has erupted in eczema, and my hair has been falling out at an alarming rate. It was so much so that I recently took a pair of children's scissors to it and slowly hacked away until it was short.
But I can see the light at the end of this tunnel.
I took this selfie today, to show the emergence of some collar bones, and also to serve as a solid "before" photo. I tried to avoid sucking in my belly, since I carry a lot of swelling there from intestinal reactions to gluten. I'm excited to share these changes with you as I go along. I'll be including selfies anytime I notice new physical changes along the way.
Thank you for sharing this experience with me, and please feel free to leave your comments below. Any advice or encouragement is always welcome and greatly appreciated.
Congratulations... Way to go!
Thank you!
It's incredible how quickly you started feeling better after the change. One thing that has really helped me is a "fast mimicking" diet. Anyhow, you have my support!
Thank you! I'm interested in this "fast mimicking" diet you referenced. I am unable to fast for even so much as a 12 hour period, given that my digestive issues also cause me to experience extreme hunger, and fatigue or even loss of consciousness if I don't eat every few hours.
Well, it's not super easy, but here is more about the fast mimicking diet
Thank you! I'll take a look.
I am curious Michael, is the "fast mimicking" diet similar to intermittent fasting and Ketosis?
could be, I'm not an expert. I just tried it for a few months and I always feel better and I lost weight! just google fast mimicking diet and you will find a lot of discussion.
So like ketosis? Or just less sugar?
I've been doing ketosis for a few months after getting fed up with gut problems, been feeling great!
Best of luck achieving your health goals!
It's not necessarily ketosis, although I'm sure we are increasing our state of ketosis in the process. We are cutting out all processed sugars. The only sugars we are consuming are the natural sugars present in fruit, with the idea that the fiber in the fruit will make it slower to digest. The dangers of sugars are when you have a burst of sugar that gets metabolized right away, but when your gut takes a longer time to break down the fibers in a piece of fruit, for example, you are getting a slower stream of sugar as opposed to a bullet of it.
I'm glad to hear that you are doing so much better!
Looking good!
Thank you!
Great work, keep it up. Someone very close to me is struggling with this problem. I will show her your progress as little bit inspiration may help.
Thanks for sharing
Thank you, it's wonderful to hear that this very difficult decision to share and publicly document my fight against alcoholism has served to inspire others. It gives me a bit more purpose.
There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Its just some addictions are socially acceptable and some not. Whats the difference between alcohol addiction and being addicted to food? Addiction is an addiction. Keep up the good work and stay open minded, you are definitely on a right path...can't wait to see your progress!
Thank you so much! Your kind words mean a lot to me.
Glad you're going on the path of improving yourself ! Keep this up and you'll achieve all your goals :)
Thank you! I certainly intend to.
Right on! it's amazing what changing small habits can do. ^_^ All the best 🙏
Thank you!
I will be 10 years sober July 15th, 2017 You look young, wish I stopped when I was your age.
Congratulations! And thank you, I am actually 29.
Positive changes in life are amazing. Keep it up and I know you will feel even more rewarded!
Thank you! I certainly will!
Beautiful :)
Thank you
That is amazing that you are sharing your story. I think this will help me as well.
Thank you! And I'm happy to have been of help to you.
Awesome! I have always thought processed sugars were worse than many drugs. Man is it tough to grocery shop when you are first ditching them! I quit years ago because I noticed I was less moody and felt like I had a clearer head. I'm not going to lie though, that Friday beer is still on my menu, so you are a stronger person than I am.
Hey, no, absolutely not! I think you have it a little backwards! Truly, if you are able to abstain all week and control your portions on Friday, then YOU are the one in better control! I hope to build up the kind of strength that you have in order to enjoy the occasional drink.
Thankfully, I didn't have much trouble cutting out the processed sugars, though. My mom was never a fan, and I took after her. Both of my parents are vegan and I grew an affinity toward natural sugars from fruits and veggies from the time I was very young. I've been this way all my life, so I actually DETEST the flavor of candies- too sweet. Not gonna lie, I do love cookies, though. ;)
Once I got off of the Mt. Dew, I stopped liking most sugary things (except cheesecake and cookies on rarely). I like insanely spicy things, that's my vice.
Thanks for the reply! I hope you find great success in your endeavors!
Of course! And thank you. I'm the same way: I LOVE spicy things!
So brave to share. Congrats, it is awesome to hear you are already feeling so much better! :)
Yes, thank you! Very kind of you to say.
wow...quite inspirational @ellemarieisme i am totally 100% in support of you and wish you success
also as a health lover read up my latest post on "How to Treat Ear Problems with Natural Remedies"!
support and comment also
thanks
Oh, thank you for your support! I would LOVE to read up on your posts, so I'll give you a follow, as well. Thank you for sharing!
good choice. always welcome and be aware, health is wealth... Thanks
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Keep it up! My sister just started a steemit account and she will be focused on covering ketogenic diet information. Maybe it'll be useful to you.
Hey, yeah, I would love to check it out! Let me know.
Congrats!!! Way to go, keep up the good work ;)
And whatever you do don't take another sip :D
No, not for awhile! Thanks. I'll be sipping on my iced tea.
Be interested to see how your energy levels shift over the next few weeks...keep going!
Thanks! I'll continue posting as things improve, so I'll certainly let you know. So far, in only five days, I feel much more energy. I feel capable of picking up some of my old workout routines and I've been completing those for the last two days. I'm excited to continue increasing the routine as time goes on. I will post about that in detail very soon.
Great pic. Keep postin
Thank you, I will do.
Well done guys!!
Thank you!
Congratulations! Keep doing it!
Thank you!
good 4 you ! we're with ya !
Thank you for your support! It's great to see.
awesome, i'm gonna try to give up alcohol as well, atleast for a little while to just get a grip
Yeah, exactly. We just have to make sure we have a strong hold on it, instead of letting it get a hold of us.