This week, my awareness of how food affects my body has been heightened. I’ve been plagued with consistent stomach aches & heartburn each day after lunch, so I really can’t help but notice it. It’s very reminiscent to years of past, when I’d basically barrel over myself at my work desk with pain. I was interning in DC at the time and couldn’t afford to go to the doctor. I popped antacid pills on the reg and hoped for the best. I fixed up my diet (eliminated fat-free products), and I was good as new. Until now. I’m not sure what gives now. Old (27 years) age?
As usual, I made several dishes for the week on Monday. One of them was this Quinoa Salad with Lima Beans & a Vinaigrette Dressing. This dish reeked havoc on my body for two days straight: immediate pain, heartburn for hours (the rest of the day even). I’m not saying it’s the author of the recipe, but rather that my body has a hard time handling vinegar in general. This is disappointing, certainly, but it just means that I’ll need my vinegar in smaller doses.
On the upside, I made two dishes this week I absolutely loved – like this butternut squash mac n’ cheese (which contains NO CHEESE). How could it be cheese-free and still creamy and delicious? The secret ingredient was coconut milk; the squash was actually simmered in it. Imagine the relief my body felt eating this rather than something extremely acidic.
If you’re going to make this, set aside a lot of time. Basically, don’t make it on a night where you’re already starving because inevitably - you will eat something else while you’re making it. Like these Cheesey Quinoa Cakes. Yes, these are definitely more of an appetizer food, but I made them as a dinner. Why? Because I don’t read blog posts fully sometimes. The recipe basically says to bring these to a party. I guess I brought them to the party in my mouth.
I’ve eaten a lot of these over the past few days. I just can’t get enough of Fontina cheese. I have to make these for a party. People will love them. Now where, and when? Someone make a party happen.
Also on the agenda this week are lentil meatballs. Would it be too much to serve them over a bit o’ spaghetti squash? Sometimes I think that’s what gets my guts in trouble: vegetable overload.
Man, this eating healthy thing takes up a lot of time. Time cooking, time preparing, time thinking about it. I still think it’s totally worth it though. Despite my terrible stomach, I still feel healthier overall. I’m not trading that.
Anyone have any advice for my acid reflux/IBS/whatever/stomach problems? BF says I need to suck it up and go to the doctor. He suffered from similar problems, got on meds, and now has a stomach of steel. I must admit – it’s enticing – even if I do hate doctors and meds.
I agree with bf. Go!
I’m sorry to hear about your tummy troubles! I agree with the bf too. Jon has similar issues and went on medication and is 100% better. I hate doctors and am currenlty avoiding going for the random bouts of vertigo I’ve been experiencing, but sometimes we just need to suck it up and go.
Also, notice trends in your indigestion! I noticed raw broccolli (which I love) was giving me terrible indigestion so I had to cut it out completely. It helps to know how certain foods make you feel! Good Luck.
See a naturopathic doctor. Avoid Tums, as they reduce the acid in your stomach SO much that digestion is inhibited and you are left with food that can’t move and just sits and rots and bloats and distends. Also, email me! I’ve been through every procedure and taken all the meds
I empathize with you a great deal. Feel better sweet Rose!
It’s taken 2 years of allergy drama to be convinced to see an allergist. I’m still on the fence about it, but I am hoping for the best. Sometimes it’s best to at least hear what a doctor has to say, even if you decide to go another route.
And both of those dishes look great. I want to go to your party!
I have a lot of tummy troubles too. Mine are definitely worse when I consume artificial sweeteners (although stevia is okay, but not truvia) and carbonated beverages both of which are symptoms of IBS. Do you consume either of those?
Ummmm I just picked up Gas-X from the pharmacy… I’ll let you know if it works! (You take it after eating instead of before.)
Mac ‘n cheese without cheese? Interesting but I do like the idea of adding butternut squash. The quinoa cakes will have to go on my list of things to try. You are using lots of good energy.
I started taking a probiotic (Align) about a year ago and it has helped my overall digestive health/issues tremendously!