Consumed... with Health, Healing and HOPE

I have no doubt that there are those out there who think that I've just let all this 'diet stuff' become somewhat of an obsession.

And you know... I think I would have to agree.

I think in order to have any measure of success in treating a disease in your body through diet alone... you have to go all in. In mind, body and spirit.

There is soooo much to learn. So many amazing resources out there to tap into. And in many cases, so much un-learning to be done. I have a list of roughly 130 foods that are 'legal' for me to consume at this point. And a counter-list of roughly 130 'illegals' (according to the SCD).  Sure, it all pretty well narrows down to a handful of 'good things' and a boatload of not-so-good. But, then you have varied degrees and different forms of many of them to consider. You've got grassfed this and pastured that; fermented something else and wild that.

Oh. And don't forget to drink all the water that you can.

It is a lot to take in. And retain. At least, for this feeble brain of mine.

Then, once you begin to get a grip on what you need to do... you have to truly 100% commit yourself to this thing. It's all or nothing. Either you do the SCD or you don't. It only works when you are totally committed. At least in the beginning stages. And in this day and age, when you are surrounded by foods of convenience (processed, fast food, frozen...) and friends and family who can still indulge in whatever foods they desire (be it at home or dining out)... it. is. hard. Your mind has to be made up. As good as all that other mainstream food out there still looks, smells and sounds, you have to resolve to eat differently than everyone else. And now, you must pay close attention to every-thing that goes into your mouth.

We won't even talk about the ads on tv or photos that show up in news feeds or conversations that come up... all about food in our society, on a daily basis. Or trips to the grocery store. (Why, oh why Lord, must we walk through the deli and all its delicatesseny goodness to get to the produce section?! I'm only human! Have I mentioned how badly I miss mac-n-cheese? And the bakery?? What're you trying to do to me here?!)

Anyway. I digress.

Then, there's the reactionary part once you do start. You are now no longer giving your body what it had gotten accustomed to. So even though you feel better overall, with the new healthy foods, you've got cravings and overall shock to your system to deal with.

And last, though certainly not least... if you do suffer from Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's, you know full-well how consumed you really become when in the midst of a flare. That you must know the exact locations of pretty well any restroom, at all times, wherever you may go. You're also wise to consider whether it's a one-stall or multi-stall (can't chance it being an already occupied one-seater) and the walking distance to each in advance. No time for second-guessing. Time is not on our side during a flare. And 'fair warnings'... well, they don't exist.

So, yeah... you could say that I'm consumed with this diet. With my health. With this whole lifestyle change.

I have to be.

I've determined to be.

In the hopes that it will all be worth it in the long run.

I owe myself that much.