So my birthday is in two days and the celebrating has already begun. For me, this is difficult, even to write about, because food has always been such a passion of mine. I LOVE to cook, find new recipes, read about nutrition, try new restaurants, and most of all, EAT!
One of my favorite things, and this should be a surprise to no one, is sugar. Any kind. I've always loved to bake and sample different desserts. As my diet has changed, however, I've had to steer clear of many of my favorites foods. It's been quite difficult, but I thought I had overcome the hardest part. The hardest part is yet to come...
As I may have already mentioned, I recently found out that along with my gluten intolerance and vitamin and mineral deficiencies, I've developed a glucose-insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a condition in which the hormone, insulin, becomes less effective in lowering blood sugars. The resulting increase in blood glucose can raise to levels that aren't normal and may have ill effects. Some of these include bloating, fatigue, difficulty keeping fat off (especially around the abdominal region), and depression. For many, the resistance can develop due to a chromium deficiency, as in my case.
I am not suffering from all of the above symptoms, but I'm definitely plagued with a few. Taking on a mainly Paleo diet has been easy by no means, but this aspect has been, by far, the most difficult since even a strict Paleo dieter can enjoy the occasional sweets. When I think about how hard I've tried to stay true to what I know is best for my body, it pains me, because I have had such a rough time trying to stay away from sugars. And unfortunately, even the good kinds are hurting me. It is now to the point where I have to question eating a piece of fruit...which for me has been the only food I truly look forward to. I am down to eating very small quantities of fruit ONLY immediately following an intense workout like crossfit. I find it's best to eat any sugars at this time, if at all, since it's when the body is immediately utilizing and replacing its used energy sources as opposed to storing them as fat. I used to think that sugars from fruits were okay, and therefore was filling up on Lara bars, coconut-covered dates and other high-sugar fruits to satisfy my undying cravings.
They say the first few weeks of going without are the hardest. I don't doubt this at all since I've been a difficult person to live with lately. This 'cleansing' or 'withdrawal' process is probably comparable to that of someone who is struggling with drug addiction.
I've been tempted with all types of sugar this past weekend and decided to treat myself to ice cream at dinner last night. On the way back from our weekend away, I enjoyed a small piece of a dark chocolate bar and couldn't stop eating it!!! Needless to say, I'm already feeling the repercussions of this weekend's binges.
As frustrated or angry as this makes me at times, I know it's all for the better good and that giving it up now will mean that I can recover and eventually enjoy sweets again someday without the stress on my health. For now, I'm focusing on the good stuff, mainly fishes, lean meats, veggies, nuts and seeds. Fruit intake is minimal for now. So expect to see more recipes that support my sugar-free diet. I'll post the recipe for my birthday dessert soon...Broccoli-Spinach Pie...JUST KIDDING!!!
I did, however, want to share a recipe that I threw together recently during one of many, weak moments. For those craving something sweet and 'healthful', here's a Paleo-friendly dessert David and I really enjoyed.
Fried Bananas
coconut oil
1 banana
cinnamon, ginger, cloves or other seasoning of your choice
Bring the coconut oil to high heat in a skillet and slice the banana into diagonal pieces. Drop banana slices in one at a time. Sprinkle with seasoning (I used the Penzey's Apple Pie mix) and flip pieces halfway through cooking or until dark brown. Lay on paper towel to dry a bit or smash between two towels. Umm.....YUM!
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