Feel good diet = glimpses of me. How I missed thee!

This week I complained how a diet had given me withdrawal headaches. Friends automatically assumed it was for weight loss. I can see the connection. I expect weight loss, but it's not my motivation. When does a diet have little to do with weight loss? When it has every thing to do with feeling good.

Yup I'm on a 'feel good diet' 

I haven't written about my depression since February. I still take daily medication. I see a Therapist for Cognitive Therapy Treatment. That has mainly helped with Trichotillomania. That reminds me I need to make an appointment.

Chicken replaces bead, holding bacon, avocado, mayo, and lettuce 

Two weeks ago I was a sooky-la-la, teary for no reason and slept for most of two days. Hello depression, I thought you were on your way out. This isn't to say I'm sad every day. I'm normally okay (my diagnosis was 'mild' depression and I'm on medication).

For me depression is like being in a haze. A cloud that is outstaying its welcome. Before you know it, the cloud seems normal, and the way you used to be (focused, energetic, and motivated) is a distant crumbled memory.

Stew; lamb cooked in butter and added to mix of veggies like turnips, broccoli & cauliflower

I can still live a normal life. In fact people usually respond with "really I wouldn't have picked that". "You always come across in a very positive way". I am a positive person by nature. You should try being on this side of the fence, talk about frustrating!

Last week something inside me snapped
Enough Already!
I want to feel like me

I'm not sure how I came across Mark's Daily Apple. When I culled my 300 blog roll to 100 that was one blog that I rarely read, but wanted to keep. I knew one day I would try the Primal diet. After all, parents often say the diet of a child affects their behaviour. Preservatives, colouring and all that jazz. Why would the same not work for Adults. I ordered three of Mark's books and they sat unread on my coffee table for months. Now that something had snapped the books had my undivided attention. I was ready to make some changes.

Poached eggs, lettuce, walnuts.
Shake; raspberries, almond milk, thickened cream, macadamia nuts and dates

The three books; The Primal Blueprint, Primal Quick and Easy Meals, and The 21 Day Primal Body Transformation. All by Mark Sisson of Mark's Daily Apple. The Primal diet is similar to Paleo. I've known about the benefits of ditching sugar for ages. I hadn't done it because I figured I didn't need to. That thing that snapped inside me decided I didn't need sugar any more. Done. Easy as that. Okay, there were some headaches and nausea, but it was a done deal.

There's hope, since eating primal, for a few hours each day I've felt like me. Oh dear lord I've missed me! For a few brief hours I dance around the house, enjoy a walk outdoors, cook, clean and love life. I love feeling like me. I had almost forgotten what that was like.

Omelet with bacon, tomato, mushrooms, avocado, anchovies, walnuts etc. 

What are some of the diet changes? 

I've dumped sugar and milk from my coffee. Sugar is enemy number one! Milk was making me feel bloated often. Now I use almond milk. It tastes sweet, so I don't even notice the teaspoon of sugar missing.

There are a lot more changes. Then again, it doesn't feel dramatic. Mainly the focus is on natural, organic, non processed foods. My diet includes eggs, bacon, meat with the skin or fat attached. Lots of veggies (which are carbs). Plenty of berries and nuts and some fruit.

I'm relearning portion sizes. Some meal sizes make me sleepy and others leave me energetic.

Moderate exercise such as walking is encouraged. Perfect time for Spring Fitness; 30 mins for 30 days challenge. An awesome program set up to help treat depression in Australia. Spring Fitness gets people talking about depression and raises a small fortune for Crisis Support Services.

Want to try a Feel Good diet?
Check these out:

Spring Fitness; $30, 30 mins, 30 days. Almost half of all Australians will experience a mental illness during their lifetime. Spring is your chance to make yourself and others feel good.

Mark's Daily Apple a blog full of information, and a forum to ask questions.

Sarah Wilson explains the Paleo diet and shares her common sense approach

Primal Journey blog Michelle lost 42 kilos along with her depression and anxiety.