Trying a NEW lifestyle

A lifestyle change is always challenging; and especially when you're dealing with autoimmune conditions. So, I've been dealing with fibromyalgia for about eleven years now and I also was diagnosed with candida for which I've dealt with now for six years.

For those who don't know about candida, it's a fungal growth that's in the gut flora that fights off infections and helps build up immunity in our bodies. The problem with me is there is an imbalance in my system, (often caused by various reasons), which makes the candida ineffective and therefore attacks the body instead of helping it.

Having candida you have problems such as brain fog, digestive issues, oral thrush, food allergies/intolerance, fugal infections with skin and toes, joint pain, low mood, and weakened immune system just to name a few. 

I went to a specialist about six years ago and she believes I developed fibromyalgia from a weakened immune system, which is caused by the candida.
Now how I got the candida was probably because of the high metals in my body which didn't allow for the nutrients I ate in my food to absorb in my gut which didn't allow to build my immune system which caused the candida, which caused the fibromyalgia.

Someone as myself with fibro and candida, maintaining a diet which is beneficial, yet satisfying and affordable is a very hard balancing act. When I had a well-paying job back in Houston, Texas it wasn't hard. I would buy the supplements to cleanse my organs and rid me of my candida and I also could afford the right kinds of food that would contribute to that healing as well. I lost 30 pounds in three months, my energy was great, I wasn't cramping nor spasming from the fibro as I usually do, and was able to think more clearly.

Well, fast forward to August 8, 2017, four years removed from Houston, Texas and in and out of jobs for the last four years here in small-town Pennsylvania and my health has been a real struggle. Not having the money to buy the things I need to help with my conditions has been a real test. Thankfully I have a smart and beautiful wife that has helped me in my trying to attain some normalcy in my life and still enjoy some of the foods I eat. She was a personal trainer for years and studied nutrition which in turn is helping me.

Basically, I have to rid myself of all food and liquids that contain ANY kind of sugar or sugar alcohol. That's a LOT of food left out of my diet. I can't say I'm always honest and so I succumb to eating an occasional sweet or drink (wine, beer, or distilled spirits) when I get a craving. The best way to avoid that is not to take in those things, but I love chocolate sooo much!

Well, three weeks ago my wife started me on this 16/8 diet which you have an eight-hour window to eat and afterward you fast for the next 16 hours. Now, I wouldn't recommend this without consulting a doctor first, especially those who have sugar or blood issue problems - I'm just describing my experience - this isn't for everyone - you have to have patience and will power to do this, and there are some initial side effects.

One, you will be cranky - yes, I mean who wouldn't be when you have a habit of eating whenever you want!? For me, that was the hardest adjustment. There will be detoxing since that's what the 16 hour fast is for, to cleanse your body and allow it to repair itself like it should; so some may experience constipation or the other thing  - no TMI here. Also, some people may experience nausea like I did the first week getting adjusted to eating so late or others may also experience dizziness and headaches. 

After the second week, I've adjusted a lot better; now you don't have to do this 7 days a week. Some people just do it during the week and take the weekend off or some just do it for 4 days a week. Me, I'm trying to do it all 7 days. It's not easy at times. I have gotten cravings during the late evening after 8pm and I'll just make me a cup of tea and sweeten it with stevia. The point of this is during the fast you don't want to intake any more calories so your body can do what it needs to. So NOTHING that contains calories is the goal here, or you defeat the purpose. For me, since I have the candida, my goal is NO sugars while I eat and definitely none during the fast, so I put Stevia in everything I want sweet. 

So far, I've lost 13 pounds in three weeks. So not bad, but I'm still adjusting to the schedule. I have cheated on the weekend, but only once. 

So if any of you reading this want to try a new way to lose weight and want your body to function better, or you're like me where this is a must having fibro and candida, I would say do some research, talk to your doctor and see if this is right for you. All I can say is it becomes easier the longer you do it and for those, without my condition you can still have your cake and eat it too  - literally.

Until next time I write - do the right thing and the right thing will happen.