I'm back, I guess

(Laurie) #1

Hi everyone, and thank you to those who asked me how things were going. I’ve been on Atkins and then keto, off and on, for 25 years. For the past 7-8 years, I’ve had digestive problems, I guess IBS. I’m fine when I only eat meat and eggs. Very few plant products (such as tomatoes) seem okay. Also coffee with almond milk.

However, I’m a food addict, and of course there’s social pressure as well. I moved to a foreign country for a year (it was supposed to be forever, but…), and was under a lot of stress with immigration setbacks bla bla. My landlady pushed food at me several times a week, and it really broke my spirit.

I had a good butcher, but felt limited because of unfamiliar cuts of meat, cooking methods, etc. It was so easy just to buy junk food, in spite of the digestive consequences.

Now I’m back in Canada, where there are more and easier meat options. I’m making an effort and don’t feel so tempted.

At my age I don’t really care about weight or much else. I would like to manage my digestive problems though, which means carnivore-leaning keto. (Meat and eggs, plus some condiments or tomato sauce.) Having survived that landlady fiasco, I could use some support again.

#2

Hi & welcome back! I do have carby slip ups, despite knowing I’ll feel rough…still working on self control! So being in a new country with everything unfamiliar it’s not surprising you were tempted! Hope you can get back on the wagon now :grinning:

(Bob M) #3

Digestive problems are what keep me away from a lot of vegetables. Maybe fruit would be better if you want a “carb”? I don’t find as many problems with fruit, but I also don’t eat it a lot (tends to make me overeat).

I find I can eat some vegetables, typically well cooked. I can even eat a salad, as long as I keep it infrequent, maybe once a week.

I wish you well on your journey.

(Laurie) #4

Thanks, Jules and Bob. I also find fruit not as problematic (digestion wise), and maybe that’s why tomato is okay, as it’s a fruit. I’m not that fond of fruit though. When I want carbs, I don’t want fruit, I want … well, you know.

#5

Have you done microbiome testing to see what foods are causing issues for you?

Problem is when you go real restrictive for a long time, enzymes change and then you can have issues from foods that you don’t actually have issues from.

(Jane) #6

Welcome back!

(Doug) #7

Welcome back, Laurie. :slightly_smiling_face:

I had wondered about you.

(Laurie) #8

No, I don’t think I could get that kind of test here.

I wasn’t being super restrictive when I started having IBS symptoms. At first I thought gluten was the culprit, but it was the same with gluten-free products. Then I thought it was fiber, or this that and the other. Someone suggested FODMAP, but most of the allowed foods bother me.

When I stick to meat and eggs, plus a few other things I mentioned above, I feel fine and my toilet experiences are perfect (more perfect than at any time in my life).

Will power is the problem. I love carbs and social eating, but then I pay the price.

I may have damaged my gut somewhere along the way, or it’s just old age, or I was meant to be a carnivore all along. :woman_shrugging:

Thank you for the welcomes, Janie and Doug.

(John Bradshaw) #9

Just a thought… My wife has found joining Kelly Hogan’s Online group to be very helpful. The people gather once a week and learn, in a guided way, how each copes with the various situations life throws at them. I think Shawn Baker, Anthony Chaffee have similar groups you can join for support, but my wife finds the Kelly Hogan one suits her best.

Maybe it’s something to look into. Being in a group seems to help a lot of people be more consistent when facing hurdles.

(Joey) #10

Welcome back. Great to learn about what’s most vs least important to ourselves, so we can let that guide our choices.

You’ve got that knowledge now in even sharper relief. Best wishes.

Onward! :vulcan_salute:

#11

If you’re not in the US, check these two, Stephen Cabral ships everywhere, I’ve used Viome a couple of times and (think) they ship internationally.