six weeks out

We've been wheat-free for a little over six weeks now.

Off the top of my head, here's what I've noticed:

I should also note that when we dropped the wheat

-and dramatically reduced our intake of other grains and starchy carbs-

we upped our intake of green veggies and healthy oils

(namely coconut oil & palm shortening; 

I'd say olive oil consumption has actually decreased, 

due to the not making bread & tortillas)

We're also eating a ton of almonds

and a good bit of coconut.

Oh. and grassfed beef - as of 2 weeks ago.

I'd say the most obvious difference

is

we are all eating quite a bit less than we used to.

Except for Josiah - he is actually eating a bit more.

Jeremiah is able to exercise self control with food,

which is something we have never seen before;

he'll eat a small portion

and be full

and quit eating.

It's really quite remarkable.

Actually, we've all had more self-control food-wise,

and not felt deprived.

Also quite remarkable.

Personally,

I have noticed

(and I fully admit these things may or may not be relevant)

 my skin seems clearer,

I had my first pain-free (and short) period in years.

(without taking tons of garlic!)

TMI??

I haven't had nearly as much joint pain as I've been having.

For several months, my hands were often swollen and sore

so that I had difficulty opening jars, writing,

cutting food,

and doing hand-sewing.

I was so sad to think

 that I'd have to machine-sew my quilt bindings.

Let's see - what else?

I've lost 11 lbs.

Which I think isn't all that impressive considering

how much weight I have to lose

and the fact that I cut out the bottom level of the food pyramid.

But

when I also consider that

I've done very little exercising

and a good bit of sitting on my rump 

with my foot elevated lately,

11 lbs isn't so bad, after all.

Tyler, Brandon, and Jeremiah have all lost weight, too.

The one thing I haven't seen 

that I was hoping to - is a surge of energy.

Lots of people mentioned having so much energy

after going off wheat,

but I haven't noticed that at all.

Tyler, though, has not felt as drained as he usually feels.

He'll get some lab work done soon,

which will let us know if this way of eating 

has been successful with lowering his blood sugar,

blood pressure, and LDL levels.

Then

 we'll take it from there.....