Lactose-Free: Week One

As you may already know from my last post, Mr. G and I are abstaining from fast food throughout the entire month of November. I know it's not that long of a time to abstain from anything, but we needed to force quit this habit for a bit to give our bodies a break (and to make sure we could do it). We're 12 days in now and so far, so good: no McDonald's, no pizza, no takeout, not even Chipotle! We've been eating all whole foods, all the time. Ok fine, except Halloween candy. But overall, it's still been a success.

Ironically, I've also suddenly had to give up another (much larger) portion of my diet per doctor's orders -- dairy.

Here's the back story: I get these weird, sharp chest pains sometimes, but they happen so sparingly I never think much of them. However, in the last couple of months (and especially in the past few weeks), they've been happening MUCH more frequently. They used to happen once every few months; now, they happen several times a week and sometimes even twice a day. I finally gave in and decided to make an appointment, but naturally when I call the doctor to report "chest pains," I have to go in immediately. So, in the midst of an extremely busy work day last Friday, I went to the clinic to see pretty much the only doctor left on a Friday afternoon. She did a chest x-ray (normal) and took my blood (I didn't faint this time!), but since my pains are quick, inconsistent and all over the place, she couldn't really pinpoint a cause. I told her that I was always under the impression that these pains were caused by digestive troubles, and since I have a pretty sensitive stomach, I had been wondering if they were somehow related to my diet. She rattled off a laundry list of tests to try and then asked me questions about my lifestyle and diet:

Smoke? No. Drink? Very little. Fruits/veggies? Eat them. Water? Drink it, albeit not enough. Sleep? Yes, but not nearly enough. (who does, amiright?)

Then out of the blue, she made a suggestion: Try going 2 weeks lactose-free. Lactose intolerance is very common, and many people develop it as adults. If my pain is caused by digestive issues, this could potentially be the source. So, going 2 weeks cold turkey is the best way to test that theory.

My first thought was: Nope.

Here's why: I consume a LOT of dairy. If you are what you eat/drink, I would be a cow. Seriously. Cereal every morning, coffee with (homemade!) creamer at work, yogurt with every lunch, cheese at most lunches/dinners... And that's not even the good stuff: chocolate, Nutella, ice cream, baked goods (if you know me, you know I love cupcakes), and did I mention Nutella? Nor is it the little stuff: sour cream, ranch dressing, cheese sticks, pasta sauce, some breads, and the list goes on.

But, I knew she was right. So I sucked it up, bought a bunch of dairy substitutes, ate a (homemade!) pizza and Reese's cake on my last night of lactose, and I dove in last Sunday.

I also did some research of my own to learn what specific ingredients to watch out for and to find some common substitutes for these ingredients. In my research, I learned that lactose intolerance is actually supposed to be the norm among humans and all mammals; we stop producing lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose) at age TWO. Yet we have adapted a tolerance to lactose over time that allows most of us to keep processing it. Still, it is estimated that 75% of people worldwide are lactose intolerant, and I'm trying to find out if I'm one of them.

So far, I've been (almost) 100% faithful to my diet, and I'm impressed by some of the dairy alternatives I've tried (vanilla soy milk is amazing), but I don't feel that different. In fact, I've had more chest pains this past week than ever. I'm not sure what that means, but I'll see how this coming week goes. If nothing else, I've been forced to eat super healthy, which can't be a bad thing.

Wish me luck! And please feel free to recommend lactose-free dinner recipes or, more importantly, dessert ideas. I did try lactose-free ice cream, and it was pretty good. But I miss chocolate a LOT.

<3 Mrs. G

No McDonald's November (our fast food fast)

Found our Halloween costumes!

Over the past year or so, Mr. G and I have been taking gradual steps to improve our diet. Instead of focusing on weight or appearance, our goal has simply been to eat better so that we are working with our bodies instead of against them. Also, we figured that if we start these habits now, they will carry over when it really counts and our metabolisms take a dive.

We have steadily incorporated more fresh veggies/fruit, whole grains, protein, organics, etc. and decreased our intake of sugar, fat (trans fat especially), high fructose corn syrup (HCFS), refined grains and just processed food in general. This is not an easy process, and it is a steep learning curve, but taking it a step at a time helps. It also helps that I work in a health-conscious office and can solicit advice from my coworkers, who just happen to be nutrition specialists and personal trainers. :)
 
The good news is: our pantry and fridge are often stocked with fresh produce, lean meat and low-fat dairy, and we cook tasty, balanced meals almost every night.

The bad news is: eventually this food runs out -- usually when we are too busy/tired to shop or when we're trying to hold out until the next paycheck.

Thus, we have one major indulgence that continues to hold us back: fast food. Particularly McDonald's. Mr. G has a love affair with the place, and I have to admit that I really enjoy their angus snack wraps. And those fries! If he suggests it, I rarely have enough self-control to say no. Other culprits include: pizza, Chipotle, Taco Bell, and occasionally, Chinese takeout. Even though I know these things are terrible for me, I eat them because they are cheap and convenient, and it is usually caused by one of the following scenarios: I am too tired/busy to cook, we've been out running errands or at the gym until past 8 PM and are STARVING, we've been eating really well and think that we deserve a "break," or we are traveling to/from somewhere (like the cabin) and need a quick meal. At work, we call these moments "inflection points" because they cause your willpower to deflate so that you give in to bad habits, even when you know better. Mr. G and I typically have these moments a couple times a month, and that's when we end up at the drive-thru window or the takeout counter.

So, in an effort to start limiting our fast food consumption, Mr. G and I have decided to go an entire month without eating any fast food whatsoever. We're calling it No McDonald's November. Why shave hair when you can shave calories? (ha.) While I realize that there are healthier food options at McDonald's and most fast food restaurants, I know that I personally won't choose them, so it is better for me to avoid these places altogether. If you have the self-control to make healthy choices at a fast food joint, more power to you! Also, eating fast food once in a while isn't a crime; once it becomes a habit and a crutch, you have cause for concern. I think even eating it once a month is too much, but only you know your body.

The key to all this is taking it one step at a time. This is the last big step for us, and it's a tough one to overcome. But I am confident we can do it. We even shook hands on it -- after agreeing on a Chipotle compromise. :)

Wish us luck! (or join us!)

<3 Mrs. G

P.S. In case you were wondering, Halloween candy is NOT on the banned foods list! Except it probably should be, since we've already eaten an entire bag and had to buy a new one for the neighborhood kids... Whatever, it comes once a year!