Gluten -Free Challenge

I am sure most of you have seen, read, or heard the buzz about going gluten free.  I have spent a decent amount of time pondering and researching why I should consider going gluten free; trying to determine if it is a marketing tactic or is there some legitimacy to this. I mean, gluten has been around forever, right?

Gluten is a protein composite found in wheat and related grains, including barley and rye.  Throughout different articles that I read, there was one common theme that spoke to me - the typical symptoms that your body is one of the 18 million that does not process gluten well. 

Typical symptoms include:

• GI issues - yep
• Joint pain - yep
• Trouble sleeping - yep
• Constant tiredness - yep and probably coincides with trouble sleeping
• Depression - Nope

I can testify that after a good dose of pizza or pasta, I will have GI issues for the next 3 days and my joints will feel as if I aged 10 years overnight when I wake up in the morning.  I cannot be certain if my sleeping troubles come from gluten or my mind never wanting to shut down.  However, even on my most restful nights, I do have spells of tiredness or lack of energy the following day.

So, I have decided that giving gluten free a try can only help me.  I have been working on limiting my carbs over the last month, so in my mind,  I am half way there. 

I am challenging myself to be gluten free for the month of September to see what changes happen to my body.  I expect that that I will lose weight/ belly fat, have a good functioning GI track, feel energized, and get some blissful sleeps.  I will report my changes weekly.

Join the challenge with me!  I would love to know how going GF helps or doesn't help you.  
I have listed some common questions you may have at the end of this post.
PS - I am not a doctor or a nutritionist.  I am just a woman who is constantly looking for ways to improve her body:)

BodyNista

Q:  What can I eat with a GF lifestyle?
A:  Gluten can be found in wheat, rye and barley.  Click here for a great list of foods that are gluten free

Q:  Does going gluten free mean carb free?
A:  No, there are foods, such as rice and potatoes that are high on carb but gluten free.  

Q: What can I do to help me not crave gluten laden carbs?
A:  I use a product from Total Life Changes - Resolution.  This product is truly amazing for killing my craving for carbs, sugar, and my food fixations.  Click here to learn more about Resolution.