Making better food choices

Food is my weakness. I associate foods with fond memories, and am an emotional eater. I've struggled with weight problems in the past, primarily because of poor food choices. As my health deteriorated, my food allergies and intolerances came to the forefront and forced me to make some really healthy changes in my diet. Eventually it led me to choosing a completely plant-based diet and a new way of life. I still struggle with my views on veganism and how much of a role it plays in my life. Spiritually, I am not vegan, but many of my ethics/opinions are still in line with veganism. I abhor how animals are treated in the "food industry" and clothing industry. My big blocks to completely embracing veganism have to do with my dogs and health. I can't find a vitamin D supplement that I'm not allergic to that is vegan. All of the vegan D supplements out there have corn, blueberries, or something else I am allergic to (if someone knows of brand without soy, corn, blueberries, strawberries, or gluten, please let me know).

I have a food blog and absolutely love coming up with new recipes. Experienced cooks say it's impossible to have vegan gluten free baked goods without questionable added ingredients, and I just refuse to believe I have to use ingredients like xantham, carageenan, and guar gum, let alone dairy or eggs. The drawback has been how far I've allowed myself to stray from a raw vegan diet. At first I was really good and would blind bake everything, letting my husband tell me how things turned out. Over time, that behavior evolved into eating my share of the baked goods. My skin is starting to show the signs of gastrointestinal abuse from the sugars and starches.

Mmm..gluten free vegan choclate banana tease bread

Yesterday I had some raw vegan snacks and breakfast, and this morning I started
off on the right foot with a green smoothie. Usually I dread them, but I was actually craving greens this morning and decided to listen to my body. I think the sweets in my system have just been too much, even though my energy levels are still good. My dogs actually really enjoy green smoothies. Yesterday they had kale with apple, and this morning we shared lettuce greens with banana. After the dogs have their share, I add in spirulina, maca, and probiotics for myself.

Champ and Annie, a rare quiet moment

I'm not sure what the pull towards cooked food has been for me lately. I think I just got tired of raw and needed a break. I don't seem to do well when my diet is restricted too much - it's hard to reintroduce foods and I also develop intolerances to foods I eat too much. I do like how much energy can come with a raw diet, so I'm trying to crawl back to a high raw diet. Moderation is something I struggle with on a regular basis, and it applies to all aspects of my life. I don't ease in to anything.

Despite flaring, I still feel that the LDN helps. The ketotifen has also been helping and I am up to 3 times a day. I hate taking medications at all, but if it helps me function, I'm willing to do it. I have enjoyed more energy the past couple of days and have been painting again. I'm looking forward to going back to work.