TIPS FOR TUESDAY: Gluten Sensitivity Self-Test & Diet Plan

Wow - as many as 20 million Americans could be affected by a gluten sensitivity and not even know it.  This fact led me to finding a great segment by Dr. Oz on Gluten Sensitivity and a way to find out if you might be experiencing a gluten sensitivity with this simple checklist.  Count all the symptoms that you experience on a regular, chronic basis.

How many of the following do you have? Check all that apply.

Digestive Symptoms 

• Frequent bloating or gas
• Diagnosed with IBS or acid reflux
• Daily diarrhea or chronic constipation
  
  

Neurologic & Skeletal Symptoms 

• Migraine or headaches
• Joint pains or aches
• Brain fog

Hormonal & Immune Symptoms

• Depression or anxiety
• Ongoing fatigue
• Chronic eczema or acne

Results

Four or more symptoms indicate that gluten may be impacting your health. But even one symptom, if severe and chronic, can be a sign of a gluten sensitivity. You may want to consult your doctor or try going gluten-free for 2-4 weeks.

Based on my own results, I am definitely gluten intolerant and have known this about myself for a while.  Because of this, eating clean and getting my nutrition under control has been a HIGH priority for me.

Dr. Oz recommends this diet plan, if you're interested in trying this - I'd recommend doing it for 7 days to see how you feel and if you see any changes.

Here is the plan below:

Day 1
Breakfast: Sweet Potato Hash with Eggs
Snack: 1 Piece of Fruit and Indian Spiced Cashews
Lunch: Asian Bean Salad with Tahini Dressing
Snack: Roasted Tomato and Garlic Spread
Dinner: Grilled Shrimp Brochettes and Quinoa Timbales with Roasted Peppers and Herbs

Day 2
Breakfast: UltraShake
Snack: 1 Piece of Fruit Plus UltraMind Road Mix
Lunch: White Beans on a Bed of Greens
Snack: Olive Tapenade and Raw Vegetables
Dinner: Wild Salmon with Rosemary Sweet Potatoes and Lemon Asparagus

Day 3
Breakfast: Apple Walnut Amaranth
Snack: 1 Piece of Fruit Plus Brazil Nut Bars
Lunch: Quinoa and Garbanzo Bean Salad
Snack: Artichoke Antipasto and Raw Veggies
Dinner: Moroccan Chicken with Cauliflower and Cashews

Day 4
Breakfast: Breakfast Burrito
Snack: 1 Piece of Fruit and Indian Spiced Cashews
Lunch: Roast Turkey Breast and Avocado Cream on a Bed of Greens
Snack: Lemony Hummus with Raw Veggies
Dinner: Coconut Dal with Steamed Broccoli and Brown Rice

Day 5
Breakfast: Peach Quinoa with Flax and Nuts
Snack: 1 Piece of Fruit Plus Anytime Snack Mix
Lunch: Curried Waldorf Salad
Snack: Tahini with Flax Crackers
Dinner: Sesame-Crusted Sole with Baby Bok Choy and Wild Rice

Day 6
Breakfast: Hot Brown Rice, Nuts and Flax
Snack: 1 Piece of Fruit Plus UltraMind Road Mix
Lunch: Tarragon Chicken Salad
Snack: Avocado with Lemon
Dinner: Ratatouille

Day 7
Breakfast: Ratatouille Omelet
Snack: 1 Piece of Fruit Plus Brazil Nut Bars
Lunch: Lentil Salad
Snack: Dark Chocolate or Cocoa Nibs
Dinner: Balsamic-Marinated Tofu with Herbs and Sautéed Spinach

TRICKS TUESDAY: Grocery Shops, Shop The Aisles Only

I want you to picture your favorite grocery store. Chances are the fresh produce section, the meat and seafood departments, and the dairy case are all located around the perimeter of the store. This is where you should concentrate most of your shopping time. 

Why? 

It's where all the fresh, clean eating foods are!  Fresh and clean foods are so much healthier than the ready-to-eat, processed, highly added chemical foods found in the middle aisles. Doing this simple trick every time you're at the store will automatically help you gain control with the fat and sodium in your diet.

**I am HAPPY to help support & encourage you no matter what your health or fitness goals are. I work with a new group of women EVERY month in a private group on Facebook. I'd love for you to reach out & contact me if you need some support!**