Can You Feel Better On A Gluten-Free Diet? Take Notes Jennifer Lawrence

A few weeks ago I stopped following The Jenny Craig program. Since then I’ve been on a quest to find a “way of life” meal plan to follow. It was easy to follow their program. Five minutes before it was time to eat, I’d pop an entrée into the microwave, make a side dish and BAM! My delicious meal was ready to eat.

Now I have to carefully plan my meals, and since I don’t like to cook this is not an easy task. I want to lose a few more pounds, and I'd like to depend on the food I eat to help me feel better, stronger and more energized.

Doesn’t everyone?

So I turned to some trusted friends who are as health-conscious as they are smart. Their advice began a fascinating discussion that clearly begged to be written about.

For some time now I’ve been thinking about the role gluten plays in our diet, and whether I should eliminate it from mine. I heard many anecdotal stories about people feeling healthier without gluten, a protein composite found in wheat and related grains, rye and barley.

Despite what Jennifer Lawrence recently said about gluten-free diets being the "new, cool eating disorder" friends living with an autoimmune disease have told me remarkable stories about getting off medications, or regaining the ability to run or walk while living gluten-free. These are amazing stories that I can’t ignore.

Can you?

Most people think gluten-free diets are only for people with celiac disease, but that simply isn’t true. There is such as thing as “non-celiac gluten sensitivity”; people who don’t test positive for celiac disease yet share the same sensitivities to gluten.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, they have reactions that may include headaches, fogginess, joint pain, and numbness. (You can read more about non-celiac gluten sensitivity at The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness website.)

Ten years ago I tried eliminating gluten from my diet at the suggestion of my neurologist. I’ve always battled headaches and they were getting worse. But finding gluten-free products wasn’t easy

Today? They are available everywhere, from health food stores to supermarkets to big chain stores like Target.

I decided to reach out to fellow blogger Kim Austin whose blog, MS Diet for Women, focuses on helping women feel better by using a combination of eating right, exercising and practicing stress reduction. I asked her to guide me on my diet journey. My first assigned task?

“Cut out all gluten, dairy, sugar and meat. Eat a lot of vegetables, fruits, fish and nuts. Drink a large glass of water 15 minutes before each meal.”

Yikes!

I’m preparing myself for my first coaching and motivational session with Kim. I'm going to test these new waters to see if this “diet” (one followed by MANY people in the MS and autoimmune community) helps me feel better and lose more weight.

I’m a little anxious about this next step. I’ve had a lifelong battle with my weight, and as I age I find my MS kicking in a bit more. I'll give this a try and see how I do.

Wish me luck!

Have you ever been on a diet that helped you feel better?

Emotional Eating: I'll Have A Bowl Of Pasta With A Side Order Of Ice Cream, Please

Comfort food (noun): Food that provides consolation or a feeling of well-being, typically any with a high sugar or other carbohydrate content and associated with childhood or home cooking. (Source: Google)

Do you have a favorite comfort food that you lean on in times of stress?

Do you make a big bowl of pasta?

Or sit yourself down with a delicious bowl (or two) of ice cream?

Or do you want something salty like potato chips?

Most people have a favorite food they think will help them feel better for awhile. Food will ease our stress, and every bite will melt away our problems.

That is emotional eating.

Finally, I'm in a groove of eating healthier, learning new ways to deal with stress other than relying on comfort food. I don’t want to slide backward into the pounds I worked very - VERY - hard to take off. (And it is hard work. Every single ounce of it!)

There's so much in our lives that's not in our control. We all would love to have something that is.

So I’m working hard on fighting my urge to reach for comfort food during times of crisis. It's not always easy. I’m filling my plate with more vegetables, eating more fruit (I love summer fruit and will miss nectarines and peaches), eat at regular intervals (including healthy snacks to keep me from feeling hungry between meals) and drink more water.

According to an article in WebMD, Jane Jakubczak, a registered dietitian at The University of Maryland says that emotions trigger eating instead of the physical symptom of hunger initiating it.

Jakubczak goes on to say that 75% of overeating is caused by emotions.

Wow, that’s a lot of overeating.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t crave what my husband and son eat at dinner. The aromatic smell coming from their plates – heck, from the oven – are enough to set my palate in motion. I’ve had bites of their meals and they do taste delicious! And while those bites taste good, I’m also happy to go back to my own delicious meal.

My nightly dessert: Jenny Craig Triple Chocolate Cheesecake. Photo Credit: Jenny Craig

Being on Jenny Craig has allowed me to learn better eating habits, and there's a lot of comfort in that!

What is your favorite comfort food?

*I received a free month on the Jenny Craig program and a discount on food for this review. There was no compensation. All opinions are solely my own. NOTE: Clients following the Jenny Craig program lose, on average, 1 -2 lbs. per week.

Six Tips That Have Helped Me Stick To My Weight Loss Plan

There are some people who crave the sweetness of a carrot or the purity of a sweet potato They look longingly at a colorful plate of freshly roasted vegetables, then dig in and slowly chew each morsel as if it they had reached Nirvana.

As much as I ~~love~~ enjoy a good carrot or sweet potato, my Nirvana always lands somewhere between Pasta Paradise and the Kingdom of Chocolate.

During midlife, I need to take my eating habits more seriously. I can't give into every craving, promising to cut calories one day to make up for the extra ones I devoured the day before. I gain weight easily, and it doesn't always land where it used to.

Now that I'm on a quest to lose weight I need to have a set eating routine. I've learned that this works best for me when trying to lose weight.

Of course I tweak my routine so I won't get bored. I love food, and if you eat the same thing every day you'd feel food deprived.

If you're like me, you'd begin to "cheat" and justify how you just "want a little taste." The little taste grows into bigger tastes and so on and so forth until BINGO! You're off your diet plan.

Believe me, I know what I'm talking about...

Over the years, with all of the diets and wellness plans I've been on, I've learned a lot about what does and doesn't work for me. What I've learned is that planning my meals in advance works. Knowing what I'm going to have for breakfast, lunch and dinner allows me to have more control over what I'm going to put into my mouth.

Here are a few tips for you that I've found helpful:

Portions - Growing up the food on my plate covered the entire plate. Now if my plate is fuller it's because the portion of vegetables are larger than the protein and carbohydrates.
Snacks - I eat healthier, lower calorie and more nutritious snacks. I fill up on raw vegetables that I pre-cut and store in the refrigerator. I love organic Pink Lady apples and keep a supply on hand whenever I can find them (usually at Trader Joe's.)
Water - I try to drink 64 ounces of water a day. Water is not only good for your kidneys, but also increases energy, promotes weight loss, flushes out toxins, improves skin complexion, maintains regularity, boosts the immune system and hydrates your whole system.
Schedule - I try to eat my meals at the same time every day. I find this works best for me by eating breakfast, lunch and dinner at regular intervals.
Goals - I set short range goals of losing weight. Doing this gives me frequent successes which helps me stick to my ultimate goal.
Support - My husband and son have been extremely supportive and helpful. This is very important when you're trying to lose weight. Being surrounded by people who love and care about you goes a long way toward helping you reach your goals.

What have you found helpful in reaching your wellness goals?

How A Boy, His Grandfather And A Bottle Of Port Reminded Me Of My Blessings

There are moments in our lives that move us. Moments that quietly present us with a gift so magical that they weave themselves onto a permanent patch of our heart.

If we listen very carefully and quietly, we may notice that these unforgettable moments are shouting to us as if to say, “Hey, I’m about to do something grand, so live in the NOW because you won’t want to miss this.”

Last night I had such moments. And as they busily attached themselves onto my heart, I realized they would sum up best what my past year has been all about.

Blessings.

My son was born in 1992, and this month he turned 21. At the time of his birth my father, a wine aficionado, knew that the year 1992 was a great year for vintage port. He presented us, and our infant son, with a case of it, and affixed a handmade sign to the top of the crate that looked something like this:

Through the years we’ve talked of how this vintage port will taste after 21 years, how luscious it’s fruity flavors will feel on our tongues, and how we’d marvel at its rich and velvety texture.

Carefully decanting the port to remove any sediment

The anticipation was palpable.

The moment had finally arrived.

Last night we dined over Chinese food at my parent’s apartment. It was an intimate and informal gathering of the five of us.

To me, the stars of the show were not the food or the conversation. It was not the pleasantries exchanged, the sports scores watched or the discussion about The Kennedy Center honorees.

As we slowly sipped our first tastes of this extraordinary port, I drank in the moments that were presenting themselves to me as a perfect year-end gift.

I lovingly watched these two men talk and sip, being ever so mindful to realize what was happening right in front of me.

While everyone is busy publishing their year-end reviews, “best” of series, top 10 lists, what they did and who they spoke to in 2013, my post is a very simple one.

It’s about a boy and his grandfather, and the opening of a bottle of vintage port.

It’s about two of the blessings I have in my life. And their gift to me of a new patch on my heart.

What are your blessings?

How Jenny Craig Helped Me On Christmas Day

The Jenny Craig program has been good for me after my first two weeks. I’ve already lost a few pounds by eating their pre-planned meals, listening to the advice of my consultant and beginning a mindful approach toward eating.

But last week's question, “Am I crazy to start a diet before the holidays?” still looms large for me. In our family, December 25 is a double whammy – Herbmas (Dad’s 86^th birthday) and Christmas.

This day was going to be a challenge.

It all started out fine. I ate my Jenny breakfast along with a small apple, coffee and several glasses of water to fill me up. I worked out a healthy eating plan, in my mind, before we left for our party because I knew there would be lots of tempting food that might derail my diet.

Jenny Craig's Breakfast Scramble
Photo: jennycraig.com

My goals of weight loss and feeling healthy are important to me, and I wanted to be mindful of those goals.

We left for the party, and when we arrived at my brother’s house there was food as far as the eye could see. Not only were we going to be treated to delicacies such as smoked salmon, whitefish and fresh bagels, but also to his girlfriend’s luscious-looking ham.

The table was set for 18 guests, and every inch of it was covered with some holiday delicacy just begging to be eaten.

It was going to be a true test of my willpower. When it comes to food, willpower hasn’t always been my forte.

I was glad I arrived somewhat satisfied, and avoided doing what I usually do. Grabbing pieces of this food or that and sticking them into my mouth “for just a little taste.”

Those little tastes always add up to a higher daily caloric intake than I should have. I want to keep the pounds I’d taken off….off!

When it was time to sit down and eat, I followed what I planned out that morning. I put a pile of vegetables on my plate, along with half a plain bagel, a piece of lox and a smidgeon of whitefish. (They are fish - okay a bit saltier than I should have- but they are healthy Omega's right?)

Then it was time for dessert. Uh oh.

The fruit salad my husband prepared looked tiny (and lonely) compared to all of the other desserts being offered.

Being a chocoholic, this part of the meal was going to be my most difficult battle.

I tried to repeat to myself that later I’d have my delicious Jenny Craig Triple Chocolate Cheesecake to look forward to, making Friday’s weigh-in a happy time for me.

When the desserts were cleared, I felt proud of myself that I skipped dessert. But I still felt hungry.

When my nephew sat down next to me eating a plate of bagel chips, they looked yummy. So what did I do? I got my own small plate, thinking what harm could come from eating them?

After eating the last one, I wondered if I should have opted for more fruit salad instead.

Being on a weight loss plan is not only about losing weight, but it's also about being mindful of what you are eating. That includes knowing how to stay full by making smart food choices instead of filling up on empty calories.

When I go to my Jenny appointment tomorrow, I will thank my consultant for her sound advice, discuss the challenges I faced during the week, and plan the week ahead with her, including New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Losing weight and feeling healthy are two goals I’m serious about. So was I crazy to start a diet over the holidays? I'll keep you posted!

*I received a free month on the Jenny Craig program and food products. There was no compensation. All opinions are solely my own. NOTE: Members following the Jenny Craig program lose, on average, 1 -2 lbs. per week.

Am I Crazy To Begin A Weight Loss Program Over The Holidays?

The “W” word. The one word my husband is never allowed to mention to me. Not only because he’s been the same weight for his entire adult life, but also because he knows nothing about weight gain or the need to diet. I think if he ever tells me I’m overweight I might be forced to begin divorce proceedings.

I, on the other hand, have struggled with weight issues my whole adult life. I’ve gone up and down and all around the scale.

I clearly remember my first job in Manhattan when I competed daily in a fierce battle (think “The Devil Wears Prada”) with other young women vying to be noticed by executives. We all starved ourselves to stay as thin as we could.

Vacationing in Acapulco the year I began working in Manhattan, 1981.

Madison Avenue is a jungle.

After perimenopause, I lost control over pounds creeping up on me, and what gravity did with them after their invasion.

It’s such an ugly process.

But after reading my friend Lois Alter Mark’s blog, Midlife at the Oasis, and learning about her success story on the Jenny Craig program, I decided I’d try to take weight matters into my own hands by signing up with Jenny.

It was an Aha moment.

After all, Jenny Craig was the one weight loss program I haven’t tried, so I thought I’d give it a whirl.

I scheduled my first appointment, and before that day arrived I received not one but two phone calls from a Jenny employee. They wanted to offer me words of encouragement.

I was thankful but, admittedly, a little nervous.

My Jenny Craig Manager, Jennifer, greeted me with a big smile. She was encouraging and lovely.

When I first walked through their door they made me feel like a rock star. Four smiling faces greeted me, including Jennifer, the lovely Manager. She gave me a tour of the place and introduced me to my personal consultant.

After taking my (agh!) measurements and then (ugh!) stepping onto the scale, I sat down with my consultant to discuss the entire Jenny Craig program. I learned about their wide variety of health conscious food choices, the fruits, vegetables, heart healthy fats and reduced-fat dairy I would be adding to my meal plan, and the importance of scheduling in some daily exercise.

I talked about my love-hate relationship with food and weight, and she listened intently as I discussed my goals and anxieties about success with weight loss.

This is only a small portion of my weekly Jenny menu. Honestly, I haven't felt hungry yet!

When we finished our discussion, we decided on my meal plan for the week. They were more than happy to substitute meals when necessary (I don’t eat beef), and offered suggestions on how to stay on track while attending various holiday events.

Could I have picked a more difficult time to begin a new weight loss program? Probably not. But I had to start sometime, and I’d rather jump in now rather than gaining five more pounds by the time New Year’s Day rolls around.

So I’m off to a fresh start, with the help of Jenny Craig. I’ve already enjoyed my first days of delicious Jenny entrees, and feel good I’m taking some time to do something positive and healthy for myself.

I’ll keep you posted on how I’m doing. Wish me luck!

Healthy Living: How A Movie And A Juicer Started My Journey

"I'm up in the spotlight, oh does it feel right
The altitude seems to really get to me.
I'm up on the tightwire linked by life and the funeral pyre
Putting on a show for you to see." ~Leon Russell

The life of a blogger is a bit like walking a tightrope. You can choose to balance your steps toward safety, or you can take a leap of faith and blindly jump off the rope while praying you land safely.

I’ve decided to throw caution to the wind by jumping off the rope. I hope I land safely on my feet after writing about the one subject I never discuss: my weight.

I’ve never been thin or obese, yet I’ve never been comfortable with the way I look, whether I weighed 125 or 175 pounds. It's a matter of my perception; how I view myself and not necessarily how others view me.

I'm not looking to be on the cover of MORE magazine. I don't need to look like Christie Brinkley or Marisa Tomei. I'm enjoying the new career I've cultivated during the Second Chapter of my life. I simply want to be comfortable with how I look and feel.

I’ve always had a hate-hate relationship with dieting. I love all kinds of food; dieting has always meant the need to cut back on the love.

"The biggest seller is cookbooks and the second is diet books—how not to eat what you've just learned how to cook." ~Andy Rooney

Today I’m not looking for a diet. I’m looking for a new way of life.

My family’s genetics scares the hell out of me. That fear is the driving force behind waging an all-out war against gaining weight. It’s an uphill battle, and I’m determined to win the war.

Today I stand before you at 54 years old, going through menopause and living with Multiple Sclerosis. These two factors are enormous obstacles in my quest for better health.

"When we lose twenty pounds..we may be losing the twenty best pounds we have! We may be losing the pounds that contain our genius, our humanity, our love and honesty." ~Woody Allen

Recently, a Facebook friend told me to watch “”Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead”, a documentary chronicling the life of Joe Cross, a 310 pound man on a mission to get healthy. We follow his journey across America, with his juicer and camera in tow, drinking only fruits and vegetables for 60 days. His hope was to lose weight while allowing his body to heal itself from a diagnosed autoimmune disease.

I highly recommend this movie. It’s educational and uplifting.

Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead
Photo: www.drfuhrman.com

After watching the documentary I ordered the same Breville juicer Joe used. I then took a hard look at myself by asking, “Do I want to continue sailing through life not liking the way I look and feel?"

I decided to face my fear head-on by broaching my taboo subject during dinner. Out of nowhere I proclaimed, “I want to get healthier and lose weight.” I thought my husband and son would fall off of their chairs. I braced myself and waited for it. Nothing happened, except total silence.

Photo:www.comicbookmovie.com

What did happen was what I should have expected.

My husband quietly asked, “How can I help you?”

We spent time talking about healthy eating, exercises I enjoy doing and where could we buy organic fruits and vegetables in bulk. We already follow a healthy diet at home (much like Dr. Andrew Weil’s book “Eating Well for Optimal Health”), yet I need to create my own eating plan (a/k/a portion control) according to my personal goals.

Photo:www.xpter.infoI

I reached out to a Facebook friend, Amanda, who I knew possessed a wealth of knowledge on healthy living. She was so inspirational (and profound) that I’d like to share her wisdom with you:

“Find things you really love to do, and just do them. Don't feel you have to do "such and such" to be fit. If you love to take walks, take walks, but don't get stuck thinking just because you can't do other things, it's useless. I think the main thing is to feel good about whatever you can do.

Then there's food. That is something you can control. So eat healthy. Consider yourself like an expensive car that only takes the best gas. Remember to tell yourself how great you are. Imagine you are an Olympic superstar, and tell yourself you can do anything. You can do anything. You can do anything.

You have to say it, read it, actually see the words. "I can do this. I can do this."

Powerful words.

I’m ready to take the next step toward creating a healthier lifestyle, while facing my personal weight demons. Like all of you, I want to live a life of quality in my fifties, sixties and many years beyond that.

Today really IS the first day of the rest of my life. Wish me luck!

I will close by offering you the advice of Dr. Christiane Northrup from her book “Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom”:

“Nourishing yourself fully also involves understanding that your body’s metabolic processes are profoundly influenced by the following eight factors:

Emotional state
Genetic heritage
Cultural and family heritage
Macronutrient intake (proteins, fats, carbohydrates)
Micronutrient intake (vitamins and minerals)
Environment and relationships
Exercise habits
Food chi

Nourishing yourself optimally means paying attention to each of these areas.”

What healthy habits do you follow to feel and look good?

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DISCLAIMER: Comments from An Empowered Spirit are brought to your attention on topics that could benefit you and should be discussed with your doctor or other medical professional. I am not medically trained and my posts are of a journalistic nature and not in lieu of medical advice. An Empowered Spirit and its author will not be held liable for any damages incurred from the use of this blog or any data or links provided.

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