What is Your “WHY”?

First off, if you are here because you are one of the many that typed “elimination diet” into your search bar, I AM SORRY!

Whatever you have been fighting up to this point has been hard and I’m sure you haven’t had a lot of people behind you who really GET IT! And when your friends, family, or support system doesn't understand the amount of energy, strength, and patience it takes to KEEP fighting, the world starts feeling lonely and dark.

There could be a mountain of reasons why you are looking to start this diet. I want to help you as much as I can, because I was there! I had the late night worries because my body wasn’t functioning and I didn’t know why. I had eyes full of tears because the people around me were telling me it was in my head. I was hopelessly confused and frustrated because I had no direction and no one to believe me...at first.

You would think that having bad symptoms would be enough of a reason to start this process, and for some people, it is. Even though it was enough for me, I still needed my WHY. Don't start this diet assuming you can handle the weight of this change without having YOUR personal reason as to WHY you are starting this journey. When you have your goal in sight and you make it frequent your mind, your fight is going to be more purposeful.

I’m sure you’re aware that it’s going to be a challenge to figure out foods that you can have when you are going to a restrictive diet. But what are you going to do when:

• You start craving things that you can’t have,

• People invite you over and don’t have a single thing you can eat,

• You get busy and don't have friendly food nearby?

The physical burden can EASILY become an emotional one if you aren’t grounded in your why.

So, take a moment and write it somewhere. Put it on your fridge. Tape it to your mirror. Remind yourself that YOU. CAN. DO. THIS!

Why?

• Because this is for A MOMENT. You aren’t eating like this forever. It is a temporary hurdle that could help relieve some of your symptoms and heal your body. It will be hard, but it's doable if you keep your eye on the prize.

• Because your body is a priority. If your body isn’t working the way it should and what you have been trying hasn’t been helping either, then you need to start supporting your body where it is. Allergy and sensitivity tests are great, but they don’t always catch everything. You need to support the body you have, and sometimes that means taking away foods that are causing damage instead of providing aid.

• Because you’re going to learn more about yourself. You’ll learn how to be mindful and strategic about your eating, which will help you when the diet is over. You’ll learn how sacrifice leads to blessing and renewal. And best yet, you will learn what is hindering your healing.

I’m not going to pretend that this diet is the cure all. I am not ridden of all my ailments; but I know what I need to stay away from for me to have a good day, I have a better idea of when I can cheat, and how much cheating is too much.

So, my friend, let me know YOUR WHY in the comments below. That is the map that will lead you to success if you continue on this journey. It is a hard path, but you aren't alone on it anymore.