This summer I spent many days and even 20 consecutive hrs in the doctor's office attempting to identify the source of this tiredness, only to walk away with the diagnosis of "idiopathic hypersomnia" (i.e. you're really tired and we don't know why). Note that I had received a diagnosis of idiopathic hives approximately a year ago (i.e. you have hives and we don't know why). Two idiopathic diagnoses in a row can make one feel like quite an idiot...so I began to seek coping strategies--coffee, food, dt. mt. dew, repeat...but I couldn't shake the zombie-like state.
A very caring friend ask me almost weekly how I am feeling and my response is almost always "still tired." She seemed to be on a mission to find my cure--each week having a new suggestion: essential oils, vitamins, coffee, sleep, Whole30?
Whole30 and the concept that "it all starts with food" grabbed my attention. I began to read the book It Starts with Food and connected with the stories of real people who had changed their eating habits and changed their lives. Before finishing the first chapter I had convinced Adam and Rachel and Rachel to join me. I was excited to see where this journey would lead.
We are now at day 18 and I can say that while the idiopathic hives have not subsided, the idiopathic hypersomnia has dramatically decreased in intensity. I am not falling asleep at my desk or even in front of the tv. I have not felt the same feelings of tiredness while driving that would leave me frightened to be behind the wheel. I feel more in-control of my sleeping and waking and less grumpy to be awake!
Here is a breakdown of our meals over the past few weeks for those of you who may be interested in giving it a try.
Breakfast:
I make breakfast for the week on Sundays and we reheat throughout the week or throw together some eggs, meat and avocado.
Week 1: Apple Bumpkin Bake
Week 2: Tomato, Bacon and Arugula Quiche with Sweet Potato Crust--replaced arugula with spinach
Week 3: Lagniappe Casserole
Lunch and snacks: Fresh fruit, veggies, nuts and leftovers
Dinners:
Sausage and Cabbage Delight (WholeFamilyStrong) with roasted golden potatoes
Meatloaf "Cake" with sweet potatoes and veggies
Lamb Steaks, potatoes, and green beans with mushrooms
Seasoned fish, cabbage, and broccoli
Crock pot pork, asparagus and mashed cauliflower
"Nachos" with a base of home fries covered in pork, peppers and onions, salsa, etc.
Chicken thighs with artichoke hearts, mashed potatoes (with almond milk)
Zuppa--delicious--get sausage from Earth Fare or Whole Foods--ask the butcher about sugar and MSG. This recipe can be found @amazonashley on instagram--totally worth the effort
Slow cooker chicken and vegetable soup--we chopped up fresh veggies instead of using frozen and let the chicken cook with the veggies in the crock pot
Spaghetti squash spaghetti--roasted spaghetti squash and added ground beef with an approved (no sugar added) tomato sauce and a little coconut milk
Turkey burgers with avacado slaw, sweet potato fries and riced cauliflower
One pot curry (a favorite) --find it @whole30recipes on instagram
Bacon wrapped, apple-stuffed chicken with roasted sweet potatoes, zucchini and mushrooms
Unstuffed paleo cabbage rolls
Eating out:
We have eaten out a few times on the program.
Steak houses are the best choice while on Whole30 although Mexican is possible (fajitas with no shells).
Resources:
whole30.com
Follow @whole30recipes for daily inspiration
Wholefamilystrong.com
