Elimination diet

As a family we gave been looking for a holistic doctor. We found one, and the first thing she told us to do was an elimination diet. An elimination diet takes away all foods that are highest known allergens. Allergens tend to inflame or cause irritation to the body especially if they are eaten on a regular basis. Mist people know that smoking and drinking cause irritation to our bodies, but until they are missing for a period of time we usually don't realize how crappy they really make us feel.
Our elimination diet was to be
Gluten free
Egg free
Dairy free
Sugar free (could have honey, stevia, and maple syrup)
Caffeine free
Nicotine free
Chocolate free

All at once!

I didn't think I could do it, but now being 13 days in I know what a huge blessing this has really been. The awakening process has been vital. I didn't realize how much of a huge sugar addict I was/am, and how I was creating the same pattern in my children! We have eaten more fruits and vegetables in the past 2 weeks then we usually do in a month! I am excited to finally have experienced eating only whole foods, and killing sugar cravings with handfuls of raisins and apples. I feel like this is the boost that needed to happen for us to turn a new corner and enter into a better, fuller way to eat.

I am only too happy to try eating our whole wheat handmade bread, and hopefully find that gluten is not an issue! If it is I will just have to get really creative!

Best gluten free, egg free, dairy free, sugar free oatmeal cookie recipe I have found to date
2 cups of GF oats
1cup of puréed dates (soak in warm water for about 15 min, then put in food processor slowly adding a tablespoon of water at a time until smooth)
1 1/2 puréed bananas
1/2 cup finely chopped peacans (I used a coffee grinder)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 1/4 tsp cinnamon

(If you like dried fruit in your cookies, just realize cranberries and many others have added sugar!)
Preheat oven to 350*
Mix ingredients and let stand for about 10 min.
Add spoonfuls to greased cookie sheet and cook for 14-16 minutes.
Cool on cookie sheet as long as you can, they disappear pretty quickly!

I have found that on this elimination diet we stay fuller longer, eat more whole raw foods, and more vegetable based meals. Now give some bread and butter and all will be right with the world!