I have started a very dramatic lifestyle diet change recently.
I started my vegetarian lifestyle around 12 years old. The only meat I would eat then was fish and chicken (pretty much just chicken nuggets). Halfway through high school, I stopped eating chicken after watching the lovely Foods class video of where chicken meat comes from and the infamous high school reading requirement- The Jungle by Upton Sinclair. Then I switched to pesca-terian. It wasn’t until my last pregnancy I gave up all meat entirely. Then, my son was born. And it turned out he had a ton of food sensitivities.
His symptoms? Vomiting (reflux), extreme gas pains, mucus-y diapers, and a body rash. Now, he also has a lip tie that I need to fix, which will help what hasn’t been fixed already by my diet. But, my diet change has lead to dramatic differences in both him AND myself in about 2-3 weeks.
My first born had sensitivities and I had to cut dairy, soy, eggs, tomatoes, garlic, onion, and broccoli from my diet. I ate like crap. This child I have had to cut dairy, soy, eggs, gluten, tomatoes, and peppers (so long beloved Italian food…). I keep saying on vegan on steroids now haha. But honestly, I feel SO much better. With the help of Lauren, a health coach from House of Hale, to start my journey, I’m eating whole, clean foods. Limited sugar and processed foods. I have tons more energy. So this is no longer a “breastfeeding diet” for my son, but a lifestyle change for me that I plan on continuing.
The journey won’t be easy. But I’m learning a ton more food choices. Any great recipes I come across I plan on sharing with you! These are great recipes to stay healthy during pregnancy, birth, postpartum recovery, and breastfeeding. Keep following each Friday for a new recipe!
Oh- and ps- I’ll be very honest. I’m terrible at taking pictures as I cook because I’m busy thinking of what to put in next and entertaining an almost 4 yr old and infant! But I promise to add when I can and definitely a “finished product” picture. Also, some recipes I may not have exact measurements. Many times I just make up as I go. 🙂