New Year, New Beginnings and A New Lifestyle Change

A belated Happy New Year to everyone! The holidays have passed, a new year has begun and I see a lot of changes in my future. The last month and a half was busy, very busy. At first I didn't think I would have time for myself but then I realized that I needed to make time. I think it was well worth my time.

After having both girls I noticed some changes, some big ones. Despite losing weight during pregnancy and being at least 40 pounds lighter then I was when I first discovered I was pregnant after giving birth, I would gain it all back. Fast. I had trouble nursing the girls as well. After my first was born, I started having attacks involving my stomach that caused excruciating pain through my stomach and back. On one occasion it was so bad it landed me in the emergency room and had me leaving on pain medication and only one answer, its not your gallbladder but we don't know whats wrong. It may just be bad gas pains. These attacks have occurred off and on since, occurring several times during my pregnancy with my second child with a new symptom, vomiting.

A few months after my second child was born I started having major issues with my skin. Acne, bumps that would not go away, redness and more. I tried everything that I could to get rid of it but it just persisted and became worse. I went from beautiful clear skin that allowed me to leave the house without makeup on and not feel insecure to needing to cover up all of the time. Between my weight gain and my horrible skin, my self confidence was almost nonexistent.

Finally in December I decided to take control of things. I went to the dermatologist to figure out what was wrong with my skin. My dermatologist is amazing and I learned a lot at my appointment. She looked at my skin but then asked me about my digestive health. I told her about all of my issues and how they have gotten worse over the years. From there she explained a few things and what I should consider doing.

To start, I was diagnosed with Rosacea, which is what I thought it was. My dermatologist is very much in line with taking natural solutions and trying them before using major medications as treatment. Based on my information regarding my digestive health she told me that I should cut Gluten and Dairy out of my diet. My issues with Rosacea could stem from Gluten and Dairy sensitivities that effect my stomach which in turn effects other aspects of my health, like my skin.

Armed with information and the thought that this could help more then just my skin, I begin a Gluten and Dairy Free diet tomorrow. I had hoped to start the day she told me but I knew it would be difficult to begin something this intensive on a road trip. I feel lucky that there is a lot more availble today for those people who need a Gluten Free diet then there was five years ago. I have found several blogs (which I have attached to mine) that give a lot of information and some great recipes as well. Its going to be a hard road but one that hopefully has a lot to feel good about at the end of it. So here is to Gluten Free and the hope that I do not harm anyone in the first few weeks of this change! And once again, thank you to all of those who have been there to support me. You mean the world to me.