While so far I’ve mostly shared recipes on the Granola Files, but I want it to be a column and a discussion, beyond just recipes.  So for this week, I thought I’d give a bit of an update since it’s been about 8 weeks since I opened up about health and started my cleanse. And there have been some changes. The original goal was and is the same: to cleanse and repair my body after years of prescriptions and antibiotics and to have renewed energy and clearer skin as a result. It’s about embracing a holistic approach to good health simply by eating a fresh, whole foods diet. It started as a simple cleanse and has turned into a lifestyle. The Ludovice home has turned into a fresh factory, and we can’t complain. I went from rarely cooking to getting comfortable in the kitchen and spending a couple hours in the kitchen daily (it’s fun and worth it!). I now crave my green smoothies in the morning and Nick loves taking one to work in the morning! (which makes me oh-so-happy)

When I started the cleanse, I first eliminated gluten, dairy, all added sugars, and most processed foods. The beginning was tough. I was tired and my body was clearly going through a “purging” period. My sugar cravings were intense and it made me realize just how much of my diet consisted of sugar and (mainly processed) gluten! I resisted and persevered, also adding organic chicken (I had been a vegetarian for 3+ years). I even had some salmon, and while I tolerated meat I can’t say that I enjoyed any of it very much. Eating meat helped me get through the tough initial period of transition, but I’m no longer eating animal protein and I feel great. I’m also on my way to being completely done with prescription medications!

A few of you had told me about Kimberly Snyder’s book, which was such a great suggestion! Then, Nick and I watched the documentary Forks Over Knives,  which was so fascinating! The results of The China Study are unbelievable and really speak to the long-term benefits of plant-based diets. Since reading about both of these perspectives, we adopted a plant-based diet and have felt better than ever.

Full disclosure: I had my first major moments of weakness the past couple of days. Two days ago I went to a bridal shower and they had cake pops. Yes, cake pops. Lemon and white chocolate. GOODNESS. I caved and it was heavenly. But I definitely did not feel well afterwards. Then, Nick slipped some parmesan in the Brussels sprouts. And my stomach turned into a mini roaring dinosaur. It was a definite reminder on the importance of filling my body with only good plant-based foods!  It also made me realize that before I dramatically changed my diet, I was so accustomed to those feelings (of bloating and stomach/intestinal discomfort) that I didn’t even realize I was experiencing them! And even more, that I didn’t have to! So no more slip-ups, back to the diet where I feel great. : )

I’ve been learning so much and in the future I’ll be talking more about these findings related to health and diet that have really changed my thinking and made such a difference! I hope you’re inspired.

Got to go whip up green smoothies for the morning! xo

P.S. As this series develops, please know that I fully believe everyone’s body is different and what works for me may not work for you. I don’t ever want to give the impression that I am in any way an expert or believe “my way” is the only way. I simply want to share my experiences in order to inspire natural and holistic health through a whole foods diet, however that may look for you. : ) Thanks for reading! xoxo 

(photo by Chris Courts)