The Pursuit of Health

I have not being feeling healthy lately. I’ve bloated and gassy, feeling simply like there was a problem internally. At first I thought it was due to “that-time-of-the-month” and eating too many (delicious!) baked goods. I waited until after my week was up and baked less. When that didn’t help I determined a few days ago to eat a ton less sugar. This wouldn’t be too hard, but I do like my chocolate. And ice cream. And nutella. And a Nutri-Grain bar when I’m feeling puckish. And the occasional soda. And sugar in my coffee and green tea.

You see the problem. Honestly, the Nutella, Nutri-Grain bar, and soda are easily not consumed. The chocolate and ice cream are harder. Sugar is, for me, a requirement for coffee and green tea; they are too bitter otherwise. The green tea is easy, though: Honey is a natural sugar substitute and we have a stevia plant. The leaves are sweet and thus a natural sugar. Coffee has been trickier, so I just haven’t had any.

Of course, my giving up of sugar requires that I do not bake. I find it very hard not to sample my baked goods. It has to be something that I truly do not like in order for me to not try it. Usually, though, I’m curious enough to try it or, if I really don’t like what I’m baking (such as anything caramel), I’ll try the dough/batter before I add the ingredient I dislike. I can’t win! It’s hard being a fabulous baker.

Regardless, I have begun my no-sugar-for-a-week experiment. I can’t say I’m feeling better. I think I developed a milk allergy.

*Cue dramatic fall to knees, fist raising, and woeful “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!”*

This is a bigger problem than the sugar. I love milk. I was raised on milk. Everyday I eat cereal with milk. I usually have a glass of milk with at least one meal. I love peanut butter, and peanut butter and milk need each other. I like to just drink a glass of milk. I’m a fan of chocolate milk. I currently have a gallon and half of milk in my fridge. I go through milk faster than I go through the jug of water I have.

Again, you see the problem. I love milk. However, bloating and bad gas go hand-in-hand with milk intolerance. My sister has been on-again, off-again lactose intolerant for years. My cousin and grandma also have a love-hate milk relationship. It fits.

Thus begins my no-milk experiment. I am saddened by the fact that something I love may be hurting me. Ah, how tragic. The frugal part of me is also sad: I mentioned I have 1 ½ gallons of milk. I alone in my house will drink it, because Roy and his sister (staying for the summer) drink whole milk and I drink skim; these borders do not cross. Now I’m stuck with milk that I may not be able to drink AND I have to go buy new, more expensive milk substitute! It’s upsetting.

I’m not trying to dis almond milk or anything; I just don’t want to waste my milk. I’ll have to find someone to give it to as well as buy new products.

So much drama and sacrifice to feel healthier. It’s no wonder people don’t stick to diets; it sucks giving up what you love. Wish me luck on these endeavors!