One Year Wheat-Free! A List of 45 Things I Have Learned Along the Way!

That’s right! It’s been one full year that my entire family has been eating wheat-free! Thanks to a friend who introduced me to the concept, and thank you to Dr. Davis, author of “Wheat Belly”, my life has changed for the better! A little later on today I will post an article I am writing about some of the biggest health benefits my family has experienced, but for now I want to post a list of 45 things I have learned during the past 365 days.

Before I do that, I’d like to thank YOU, my readers, who have helped to make this year an amazing one for me. Writing and blogging was completely new to me when I posted my first blurb last March, and it’s been a journey of sharing and learning that I could not have anticipated. So whether you are subscribed to my blog, post comments and banter with me about food, have shared your personal story, or just read quietly and scan the recipes, I am thankful you have been a part of it!

As of this morning:

• I have 305 people following my blog!
• I’ve had 74,807 page visits!
• This is my 96th post!
• I’ve had visitors from 124 countries!

So to continue with the numbers… here is a list of:
45 Things I Have Learned This Year

1. It’s not always easy to go against the grain (pun intended :)) but it IS worth it.
2. My family is awesome, and I am very grateful that we all do this together!
3. Wheat is a toxic, manipulated substance, and NOT a food fit for human consumption.
4. Large corporations do NOT have your best interests in mind, so be proactive and educate yourself.
5. Wheat Belly, Primal, and Paleo ways of eating have more in common than not.
6. When in doubt, eat food without labels.
7. Stay away from the Gluten-free aisle at the grocery store; it’s a Carbohydrate Hell Hole.
8. Just because the USDA or the FDA approves something, does NOT mean it’s healthy.
9. Men seem to lose weight more quickly on this diet (any diet?) than women.
10. Brussels sprouts are an awesome food, and I am very sorry I hated them my whole life.
11. The scale is a tool, not a God. Remember to use a tape measure too.
12. It takes time for your body image to catch up with reality when you’ve lost weight.
13. Almond flour is awesome, but for those trying to lose weight, moderation is the key.
14. The friends I’ve made online who also eat grain-free are an invaluable source of support and information, and I am very thankful to know them!
15. Conventional wisdom regarding nutrition is deeply flawed; many dieticians are brainwashed and many doctors care nothing at all about nutrition.
16. I enjoy writing and blogging and think it’s one of the best things I have ever done!
17. Weight loss doesn’t usually occur in straight line, and plateaus can be valuable for learning how to maintain.
18. One size does not fit all; we need to tweak and experiment and be open-minded.
19. Dark chocolate is one of the best things in the whole world. (OK I already knew that one ;))
20. There will be people who are hungry for the message, so share freely.
21. There will be people who need the message most who are not open to it. Move on.
22. Learning the language of the body is an art, and it takes time to fully interpret what it has to say.
23. Don’t be surprised if wheat isn’t the only thing that you need to eliminate to feel your best.
24. Headaches and joint pain are NOT caused by a deficiency of Motrin.
25. Chronic inflammation is the cause of MOST chronic complaints, and it’s mainly caused by diet.
26. You will have good days and bad days, congratulate yourself and forgive yourself.
27. What works for a friend may or may not work for you. We all arrive at today with different health backgrounds and genetics.
28. There is wheat in places you would never think to look; avoiding all packages is best.
29. There is no natural sweetener that tastes like sugar to me, but some do a decent job.
30. My Ninja blender kicks butt and I use it nearly every day.
31. Zucchini “noodles” are awesome.
32. Sometimes losing weight makes wrinkles appear… smile so that they blend in!
33. We go through more eggs now than I ever thought possible.
34. Cholesterol is no more responsible for heart disease than a Band-Aid is responsible for the burn it covers.
35. Coconut oil is one of the most versatile substances! For sautéing, for baking, for skin, for hair… it rocks.
36. Avocadoes and cauliflower are able to be virtually neutral and can be used in ways I never thought of before.
37. Having an ice cream maker is a GREAT thing.
38. Thrift stores and consignment shops are a valuable source for clothing when you are dropping sizes and don’t want to spend a fortune.
39. Giving up wheat didn’t cure my resistance to exercise (gasp!) I guess this year I will work on that!
40. Enjoying dining out is possible, just be careful and ask a lot of questions. Most servers have no clue.
41. It’s best to focus on all the great things you CAN eat, rather than what you can’t.
42. Most recipes can be tweaked to be wheat-free and low-carb if you are creative enough.
43. Parmesan cheese and almond flour as a “breading” is yummier than Panko ever was.
44. Even dogs do better on a grain-free diet.
45. There are some people who will think you are completely insane. That’s more than OK! 😀
    

I know I missed a bunch… so what would YOU add to this list?