About two years or so ago, I discovered that I have both a dairy and gluten sensitivity. As a result over the past couple of years I have altered my diet dramatically. Before I knew that I had these food sensitivities I had many sinus infections and repeated visits to the doctor for antibiotics several times a year. I also weighed more and my skin broke out more often…

When I found out I had these sensitivities at first I thought… oh my gosh I’m going to have to become an air fern…. I can’t eat anything!…

because in reality there were several sensitivities. This was going to be a challenge to work around! The allergist told me it would be worth the effort though. He also said that the effects of the sensitivities compounded when I ate many of the problem foods together.

I realized at that point that a basic breakfast could mess me up for days! First you have to know that I was a Starbucks addict. I had already figured out that dairy was a problem and I had that all figured out… or so I thought. I started using soy milk. But when the results of the tests came back they showed that dairy was only half the problem… I was actually sensitive to the coffee itself. I told all my friends to sell their stock in Starbucks… it was going down!

Then I discovered that gluten, eggs, black tea, blueberries, pepper and about 30 other items were problematic for me. My doctor told me to rotate through the list and figure out what I could tolerate and what I couldn’t. By not eating all the items at once I would be in much better shape. The three things that I was the most sensitive to I discontinued immediately: Coffee, dairy, and gluten.

When I took that step within days I felt much better. I quickly went from feeling deprived to feeling great! Who needs coffee?! I felt empowered to create a healthier happier me!  It actually became “fun” to meet the challenge!  The extra weight literally fell off my frame!  A three sinus infection winter is no longer the norm, nor are the constant antibiotics!

Now on occasion I run into others who say to me… “oh yes I have a problem with dairy too but I can’t live without ice cream. I know I shouldn’t eat it…” and there is the problem… “should”!   The bottom line we all make choices. “Shoulds” cause all kinds of problems for us.

If this is your “story” then I invite you to examine that story.  What is your payoff for not honoring your best interests?  Do you eat foods that make you not feel good and then use not feeling good as an excuse to not “show up”  in your life as a healthy empowered individual? Does the extra weight you carry insulate you from moving ahead in your career or being in a physical relationship with your partner? …or are you hiding behind it in some other way?  Re-frame your shoulds into choices, it is a more honest authentic way of living.

You choose what you eat.  The first step is being aware of what your options are.  Then you can make an educated decision.   For those that feel that ignorance is bliss… I challenge you to look at what your payoff is… once you see it for what it is, you’ll see that the cost to you is far too great!  You deserve to be healthy and feel your best!

I am so grateful that I know what my food sensitivities are now. I can decide if it is worth the risk to indulge in a chocolate chip cookie from time to time.  Usually I will stick to gluten free of course.  I don’t make exceptions for just any old Chocolate chip cookie… but a Ghirardelli chocolate chip cookie once in a while is another story entirely!

The good news is if I am careful not to overload with too many problem causing foods I can get away with occasional cheating with very little negative consequences.   It’s kind of like I’m having my cake and eating it too… as long as it’s gluten free cake that is!

If you want to stop sabotaging yourself and live a happier, healthier, authentic life, working with a coach who’s been there and done that can lead to lasting success!  My friend and colleague Liz Kearns is now hosting an 8 week group coaching workshop  on Mindful Eating inviting you to “Come out of the shadows”  for more information on this email me at paula@paulakirsch.com.