The Slimming Pool Weight Loss Blog: Hey, I was Eating That!
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Food Allergies May be Keeping you Fat
Do you sometimes feel bloated or gassy after eating? It could be you are sensitive to some of the foods you are eating. The best way to find out is by doing an elimination diet for a few weeks.
What is an Elimination Diet?
An elimination diet is often recommended if you suspect or have been told you have food allergies. Basically it is following from two to four weeks on a very strict, very limited diet, and then slowly reintroducing specific foods. This way you can track your symptoms and determine which foods cause you trouble.
Allergy Tests
If you can beg, borrow or steal, get the money together for a comprehensive allergy test and save yourself a month of trouble. You can order these yourself (they do not have to be ordered through a doctor). You'll receive a kit with complete instructions. Return the kit and you'll get a comprehensive report on any foods you either are allergic to or have a sensitivity to. Then the fun begins, but it's not as hard as it seems.
Living Without magazine is your first resource. This magazine is amazing, with articles written by people just like you who've tackled the difficulties of avoiding common allergins.
Against the Grain is one book I highly recommend. Read it and weap. Wheat is the surprise ingredient in just about every condiment and pre-mixed packet you can find (except of course those made specifically without wheat). It's added as an inexpensive thickener. Once you learn what foods cause you trouble the money you'll save in doctor's visits will more than pay for any special foods you'll now be eating. You'll feel so great too, you'll almost forget you ever had a sensitivity.
Check my list of resources for allergy free foods, books and more including mixes for cakes and other goodies. In many cases you'll find it much easier to lose weight too, if you eliminate foods that cause you gas and cramping.
