This book is the reason for this blog. I hope it's life changing. It will be if I can stick to my plan.My entire life, I have struggled with hypochondria. When I was in second grade, I first diagnosed myself with an allergy to cinnamon. I didn't like cinnamon rolls and my mom couldn't understand way. It was simple, I was allergic to cinnamon (nevermind that Big Red was my favorite gum). I refused to eat anything but maccaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets. Everything else made me "sick." I was not an easy child to raise.
The older I got, the more open to various foods, and food groups I became. But, I also became aware of tummy pain, stinky smells, and headaches. Little did I know, this could all be caused by the foods I was eating. I should have figured this out, I love claiming allergies!
It was until I was 27, when allergies became a real scare. My life was filled with constipation, terrible stomach pain, bloating and deadly gas. And then, one day, an light shined through my outlook account. My dear mother's email read like this:
Dear Lauren,
I was at the store today and accidently bought gluten free rice crackers (very expensive!!), which reminded me, back in 7th grade, you tested positive for a gluten allergy. Maybe a reason for your tummy issues?
Love,
Mom
This started me on a whole spiral of doctor visits. My blood tests came back with high IGAs, but not IGGs. This 'was not serious' but they GI doctor wanted to scope me anyway. My endoscopy came back normal...it's not gluten he told me. Instead, he sent me to a physical therapist...she could teach me how to 'bare down' if you will. It was there that I learned of food allergies, and that everything I put into my body affects my body...
And here I am today. Tonight. Dreading tomorrow and the 28 days ahead of me. Why do it, you ask? Here are my reasons (and reminders to myself):
1. Because I can and I will.
2. I want to get to the bottom of this. Maybe someday I can eat bread again
3. It's only 28 days of my life (28 days sober)
4. There isn't any better time
5. I am getting married in 6 months
6. I want to loose 10 pounds
