Goodbye, Sugar & Alcohol. It Was Nice Knowing You: I’m Going on a 30-Day #EndoDiet
I’ve always struggled with changes to my everyday routine, so you can imagine my enthusiasm when my specialist gave me a list of foods I should be avoiding. (Aka foods that can cause inflammation and increase estrogen levels.)
While I’m skeptical about whether or not changing my diet will positively affect my pain levels, it couldn’t hurt to try.
For the next 30 days, I’m going cold turkey by editing my daily diet and cutting out every item listed below. In addition to following this seemingly impossible diet, I’m going to look into meal replacement shakes that are Endo-safe and hit the gym three times per week. (You can get 12 gluten-free, plant-based shakes for $30 on Amazon.)
Foods to avoid:
- Wheat
- Red meats
- Refined and concentrated carbohydrates
- Refined sugar and honey
- Caffeine
- Chocolate
- Dairy produce
- Eggs
- Fried foods
- Saturated fats and oils
- Soy products and soy protein products
- Convenience foods
- Canned foods
- Additives and preservatives
- Alcohol
- Fruit with a high acidic percentage
While there’s a lack of evidence (Surprise, right?) that proves following a particular diet can treat Endometriosis, the below list of foods have been known to help reduce pain, cramps, inflammation, bloating, and estrogen levels.
Foods to eat:
- Fibrous foods (fresh fruit, veggies, legumes, and whole grains)
- Iron-rich foods (dark leafy greens, broccoli, beans, fortified grains, and nuts/seeds)
- Foods rich in essential fatty acids. (salmon, tuna, mackerel, walnuts, chia, and flax seeds)
- Antioxidant-rich foods found in colorful fruits and vegetables (berries, dark chocolate, spinach, and beets)
I’m a very fussy eater, so I spent a long time picking items from the “good list.” I left the grocery store with an array of fruits, vegetables, and chicken breast.
I’ll be keeping track of any changes I notice, and allowing myself two cheat days in the full 30 days.
I’m lactose intolerant, so cutting dairy products out of my diet will be the easiest part for me. I already know that cutting out alcohol will be my biggest challenge, as my partner and enjoy trying different types of bourbon.
To my future self: Good luck, you got this!
To my true love, bread: I’m sorry, I still love you xo