↑ What I’ve been eating a lot of over the past month. GREEN STUFF.Â
Well, the post headline pretty much sums it up – I have gestational diabetes. Apparently the third pregnancy was not the charm for this ol’ gal!
Sooo, YEAH. I have several reasons for writing this post. One, it felt like I was hiding something by not sharing.
Two, my post on Living with Celiac Disease has been one of my most popular posts here on IGE because it’s real and, most importantly, helped people, which I hope to accomplish with this post. Not only by sharing some of the meals and foods I’ve been eating over the past month, but simply to give anyone struggling with gestational diabetes a virtual pat on the shoulder and say you’re not alone. We’ll get through this!
Three, the word “diabetes” is a loaded word and I hope to spread some knowledge about what gestational diabetes is and who can develop it.
What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes affects only pregnant women – 7-9% of woman are said to develop it during pregnancy – and it goes away after delivery of the baby. Hormones from the placenta interfere with the mother’s ability to use insulin, which your body needs to turn glucose (sugar) into energy. Glucose builds up causing high blood sugar, which can have negative effects on both mom and baby. Baby can be born overly large and with low blood sugar, have breathing problems, and face potential issues with obesity and Type 2 diabetes down the road. Mom can develop preeclampsia and has a strong risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future.
If you’ve ever been pregnant, you most likely dreaded the gestational diabetes screening test as much as I did. Generally occurring around the 24-26 week mark of pregnancy, in 5 minutes or less you must chug a drink that’s basically corn syrup, artificial flavor, and food dye (read: highly disgusting and extremely unpleasant) then your blood sugar is tested an hour later to see if your body is using the sugar properly. If it’s not then at a later date you drink an even more concentrated sugary beverage and your blood sugar is re-tested at the one, two, and three hour mark after drinking. If you fail any of those tests then you’ve earned yourself a pregnancy complication:
Gestational diabetes.
Risk factors for gestational diabetes include being older then 25, having a family or personal history of Type 2 or pre-diabetes, a BMI of 30 or higher, or if you are black, Hispanic, American Indian, or Asian (source). As I read in a book on the subject, unless you’re 25 or younger, white, and have no family or personal history of diabetes – there’s a chance you could develop gestational diabetes. I think there’s a stigma surrounding gestational diabetes and I’m here to tell you that it can happen to anyone. The dietitian I’ve met with through this process told me she’s seen marathoners in her office with gestational diabetes!
The risk factor I met was age. As I always tell the whipper snappers who will listen to this crotchety old bag – don’t grow up! Truthfully, the age thing was a tough pill to swallow and it hasn’t been as simple as telling myself, the only reason you got this is because you’re an old(er) mom.Â
Various thoughts ran through my mind when I got the call – why did I drink so many Chick-fil-A lemonades (to be fair, I didn’t drink that many!)? Why haven’t I been more active? HOW COULD I LET THIS HAPPEN?!
If getting Celiac Disease has taught me anything though, it’s that $@!& happens. Some things in life can’t be prevented, helped, or predicted. This didn’t happen because of the foods I was or wasn’t eating, hormones are to blame. Thankfully in many cases, and so far in my case, gestational diabetes can be managed through diet, which is something I have a ton of experience with.
The “prescription” for gestational diabetes is not only to focus on eating healthy fats, proteins, and vegetables (so many vegetables,) but more importantly watch your total carb intake and spread them out throughout the day. The way I made sense of this for myself is that I need a slow and steady burn of the right amount and type of carbohydrate all day long. I check my blood sugar 4 times a day (finger prick) and log everything I eat in a spreadsheet for my doctor to keep tabs on. Fun!
What’s been hard:
- Eating ZERO added/processed sugar and limited fruit and berries. I have a raging sweet tooth when I’m pregnant so going cold turkey has been slightly torturous. Fruit and berries are also my summertime jam and I’ve missed them a lot.
- No more pretzels, tortilla chips, crackers – aka empty carbs I used to eat when I needed a little something to crunch on during the day. Not so mad about this as I needed a reason to ditch the junk.
- Mega meal planning. Normally I plan 3-4 dinners a week. Now I need to plan a breakfast, lunch, dinner and 2 snacks every single day x 7 days a week. There is no winging it when you’re eating to manage gestational diabetes.
- Eating for fuel vs fun.
- Measuring and tracking everything I eat. It’s as annoying as time tracking at work.
- No food-related spontaneity. Celiac Disease pretty much killed this for me already (no “ooo there’s a new restaurant in town – we should go!“) but it’s even harder now that I have to make sure a restaurant has low-carb options in addition to gluten-free ones, and the timing has to be right for a meal or snack. Heck, I can’t even eat an apple past 6pm without it effecting the next day’s blood sugar.
- Getting bored of eating a lot of the same foods over and over each day.
- Knowing my chances of developing Type 2 diabetes down the road is high.
- Playing poor me. I know – it’s childish – but when all I want is to sit down and watch trashy television at night with a glass of wine, pizza and giant brownie (dreaming big here,) the fact that I have gestational diabetes and Celiac Disease can be a bummer.
What’s been good:
- Knowing that I’m doing all I can to make sure we have a healthy baby and pregnancy.
- I get to eat A LOT. 3 meals + 2 snacks a day. Not mad about that!
- Learning about portion control. Let’s just say the amount of sweet potato fries that equals one carb choice is much smaller then I thought.
- Slower weight gain. I’ve never been one to care much about weight gain during pregnancy as long as I was in the healthy range and baby was growing at a healthy rate, but this has been a welcomed side effect.
- I’ve learned how my body processes carbs – at least during this pregnancy. Through trial, error, and testing, I’ve found my blood sugar hates white sugar, fruit in the morning and at night, super starchy vegetables, and even too many whole grain carbs. Totally changed my outlook on the (fun) foods I’ll be fueling my body with post-baby.
- I’ve never eaten healthier. My meals and snacks are filled with tons of vegetables, lean protein, nuts, and dairy – which thankfully my body handles well.
- I feel great! I was shocked to find out I had gestational diabetes in the first place because I’d felt the best this pregnancy out of all three prior to being diagnosed. Since changing my diet though, I’ve had more energy and feel better overall.
- This is temporary. Gestational diabetes ends when the gestation period ends. Yes, Type 2 diabetes is a very real risk for the future, but gestational diabetes specifically will end in a few weeks.
What I’ve Been Eating
It was a bummer to find out I had to start logging all my meals and snacks to share with my doctors and dietitian at every appointment, but it’s worked out well because now I can share some ideas with you!
NOTE:Â I am NOT a doctor nor dietitian so please discuss your meal plan with your care team, as I have, to identify what will work for you and your gestational diabetes care plan!Â
Breakfast:
- 1-2 slices peanut butter toast (I’ve been eating Canyon Bakehouse Gluten-Free 7-Grain Bread vs their Mountain White)
- 1 slice buttered toast + 2 scrambled eggs + 2 slices bacon (I like Applegate Naturals No Sugar Bacon)
- Grain-free granola + almond milk, 1 slice peanut butter toast
- Handful raw almonds or pecans, small square Maple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars
- Greek yogurt + sliced almonds or grain-free granola
- 2 scrambled eggs with shredded cheese, 1 slice toast
- 2 fried eggs, 2 slices bacon or sausage, big handful sauteed spinach
- 1 slice avocado toast + goat cheese, fried egg
- Small bowl oatmeal – 1/4 cup gluten-free oats cooked with 1/4 banana in 1/4 cup each almond milk and water. Add chia seeds, toasted unsweetened coconut chips, chopped nuts, tiiiiny drizzle maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Lunch:
- Big salads with a mix of protein (turkey, chicken, nuts, seeds, cheese, hard-boiled egg, smoked salmon,) vegetables, and carbs like blueberries, diced apples, or dried cranberries + dressing
- Peanut butter sandwich, cheese stick, baby carrots
- Cheese quesadilla (2 small corn tortillas) with guacamole + salsa, 1/2 cup fruit
- Cheese stick, a few whole grain crackers, baby carrots, 1/2 an apple
- Burger (no bun) + pickles and ketchup. Salad with lots of vegetables + sliced almonds
- Meatballs + few Tablespoons marinara sauce + shredded cheese, baby carrots, 1/2 cup fruit
- Tuna salad + a few whole grain crackers and vegetable dippers, 1/2 cup berries
- 2 hard boiled eggs, salami, cheese, a few whole grain crackers, 1/2 cup fruit
- 2 hot dogs (local brand) sliced down the center and stuffed with cheddar cheese + ketchup, baby carrots
- Chicken salad + vegetable dippers and/or a few whole grain crackers
- Egg Salad Jars
Dinner:
- Zucchini Noodle Caprese Lasagna
- Crunchy Pesto Potato Chip Salmon
- Burgers (no bun), large vegetable-based salad, 1/2 cup berries
- Vegetable Stir Fry: 1/4 cup uncooked brown rice (max) cooked then stir fried with an egg + any/all vegetables and drizzled with gluten-free Tamari
- Crock Pot White Chicken Chili + shredded cheese
- 1/2 baked spaghetti squash + 3/4 cup marinara/meat sauce + parmesan or mozzarella cheese
- Skinny Shrimp (or Scallop) Piccata with Zoodles
- Crustless quiche, 1 cup fruit
- Buffalo Chicken Salad, 1/2 cup sweet potato fries
- Pan-Roasted Chicken Thighs, cauliflower rice, 1/2 cup sweet potato fries
- Cauliflower Fried Rice
- BBQ, Bacon, Avocado and Cheddar Chicken, roasted vegetables
- Grilled Pork Tenderloin, grilled vegetables
- Roasted Pork Tenderloin, roasted vegetables
- Perfect Roast Chicken, roasted vegetables or side salad
- Homemade Egg Drop Soup
- Grilled or seared steak, roasted or sauteed green beans, sauteed garlic butter mushrooms
Snacks:
- Beef jerky (Nick Sticks or Duke’s – buy at Costco)
- Enjoy Life Chewy Bars (in a pinch)
- Plantain chips (OBSESSED with these BBQ ones)
- Cottage cheese + 1/2 cup fruit
- Olives + cheese cubes + a pickle
- Raw nuts + 2 Tablespoons dried fruit
- Greek yogurt + grain-free granola or nuts
- Popcorn + raw nuts or seeds
- Salami + cheese stick + plantain chips
- Raw vegetables + guacamole
- 1/2 apple + cheese cubes + prosciutto
- 1/2 apple + 2 Tablespoons peanut butter
- Homemade Egg Drop Soup
- Raw vegetables
- Raw vegetables
- Raw vegetables
#notatypo. ;) Click here for all my low-carb recipes >
Moving forward
“You have gestational diabetes” are four words that no mother on earth wants to hear, and this has made a time when I already feel out of control of my body (ie pregnancy) much more difficult. To be crystal clear, I cannot wait for this to go away. That said, I am grateful for this experience. As of 2017, it is said that 29 million Americans have Type 2 diabetes and 8 million of them are undiagnosed. I can say with 100% certainty that had I not been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, the thought of getting Type 2 diabetes would have never crossed my mind. I eat a balanced diet – no fast food and limited junk food – exercise moderately, and have no family history of diabetes, so it’s never been on my radar until now.
This experience has been a HUGE eye opener in terms of how I can make small, healthy improvements to my lifestyle moving forward though. Instead of white bread, I’ll choose whole grain. Instead of white rice, I’ll choose brown. Instead of brownies I’ll make a smoothie (ok maybe not every time!) Sit less. Move more.
I can’t pretend I don’t know I’m now at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes down the road but I’m super grateful to know how I can reduce my risk. Also grateful that I have just 5 more weeks of this “diet” left before meeting the sweet little lady who is worth every bite of carrot over cake!
Have you ever been diagnosed with gestational diabetes? What was your experience like?Â
Carly 06.15.2018
Such a bummer! I had it twice, so I feel you. The mental aspect was really rough for me – I was an active Crossfitter right up to delivery! Glad you have so many good recipes to help keep things interesting menu-wise. The end is in sight and not only will you have a sweet baby girl to snuggle, you can spend some time dreaming of your first carb-ful meal!! ?
JennP 06.15.2018
Bummer, mama! I had a GD diagnosis in just one of my 3 pregnancies (the middle one). It totally rocked me, because I was in good shape and only 27 and had passed the 1 hour test easily during my first pregnancy. Going into my third, I was 10lbs heavier and 4 years older, and I passed easily. Pregnant bodies are wonderful and strange and unpredictable. Thanks for shedding some light on a medical issue that can be very sensitive and upsetting in the moment!
Teri M Kilbourn 06.15.2018
Sorry to hear of this new development in your health, but I think you may have helped others in sharing your meal-plans and thoughts about this set back in your pregnancy. I have always enjoyed your recipes and the sharing of what is going on in your life. Take care
anna* 06.15.2018
Thanks for being transparent about this. While I have no plans for children, I have family history of several diseases (cancer, diabetes, heart disease) on BOTH sides so it’s always something I’ve worried about. I can always do better. Need to move more and eat a little better. I liked your post about 80/20%. If I could curb my gelato habit I’d probably be better off ;)
anna* 06.15.2018
*ETA I’ve been following since the beginning when you used to post ALL your meals every day ;) and refer people here regularly whether they just want tasty recipes or need something GF. We’ve tried several and love them all. Keep them coming :) We could probably all use more veggies. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy, and can’t wait to see posts of the baby girl!
Shannon 06.15.2018
Hi Kristen! Long-time reader who also had GD while pregnant with my now 9 month old daughter. I think this is such a great post. A couple of things in case you found them helpful: 1) My diabetes educator was emphatic in telling her students that we did not have to be perfect, we just had to make it through the next several weeks. I decided that since I had to give up virtually all of my food vices (and was saving money at the grocery store as a result) that I could justify paying like $19 a pop for Cowgirl Creamery’s Mt Tam Brie at Whole Foods. It is the best cheese in the world, and it made me so so happy to have as a snack. I know some people stay away from soft cheeses entirely during pregnancy, but it is pasteurized. :) Find your Mt Tam. Maybe it’s the fancy jerky, maybe it’s mini sugar free crustless cheesecakes (these magically appeared in the prepared food section of my Whole Foods with only 13g carbs per serving, and then seemingly disappeared as soon as I gave birth, as if put there by some angel in my time of need). 2) Your baby will be fine as long as you are taking care of yourself, which clearly you are. This was the part that scared me the most. You probably already know this, but sometimes it is just helpful to hear the words. My daughter had low blood sugar when she was born, so the nurses gave her a small amount of formula in the recovery room. That was it. Easy and relatively painless, other than those foot pricks for the blood test for her. Wishing you all the best, I have absolutely loved following your family and your food journey over the years.
ML 06.15.2018
I have PCOS which was my one and only risk factor, something I didn’t know was a risk factor until I found out I had gestational diabetes 9 years ago with my first, and was completely blindsided, stressed, scared, etc. about at the time. Felt like I was being smart and careful and doing all the right things and sometimes, it just doesn’t matter. But I got through it with diet and exercise and felt ALL the things you are feeling. With my 2nd I did the same basic RIGID routine out of an abundance of caution and just squeaked by on my 3 hours test without the official diagnosis (but let’s be real, that’s not flying colors and that was WITH me doing the diet/exercise already). I’ve recently found myself very surprisingly expecting again and this is what I dread the absolute most, and it’s hard for people who have not experienced this to understand. You are already giving up a lot of little luxuries during pregnancy and being able to reasonably reward yourself with food sometimes feels like a lot in those months. I’m much more actively exercising now and trying to eat healthy, but cut myself a little slack now while I still can, but I really appreciate the timing of your post. I don’t want to leave anything to chance if I can give myself a good headstart, so I’m trying to implement all these habits as I get further along. The boredom with foods is a huge frustration for me. I tend to want to stick with what I know works for my body and not stray, but oh my the 50th time you eat the same snack, you definitely want to lose it a bit. But I agree with you, it’s a hugely healthy way of eating and you have the right attitude. When it’s over, it’s a big relief and honestly helps ease the transition to new baby crazy, because you are so happy to be done with that part! But it taught me a lot that I still try to use in my daily eating habits. You will totally get through this just fine and tell anyone that comes to visit you in the hospital, they better come with food in hand!
kae 06.15.2018
i had gestational diabetes with my pregnancy as well, and i am on the low end of normal weight for my height, ran a marathon when i was 13 weeks pregnant, white, and was 28 years old. only risk factor was a family history of diabetes. i played the poor me card SO HARD and it totally sucks given how limiting pregnancy already is- never mind with you having celiac too. good luck though and know that the first post-birth meal is SO GOOD (I had mashed potatoes and a grilled cheese just for the hell of carb so hard)
Kristin 06.15.2018
omg a grilled cheese – drooling!!! Thanks for sharing your story, Kae – just another example of how this thing can affect any woman!
Lisa of Lisa’s Yarns 06.15.2018
I also had GD during my pregnancy. For me it was due to being on steroids to manage my rheumatoid arthritis (steroids raise your blood sugar). It was a total pain to manage but it did limit my weight gain. It opened my eyes to how many carbs are in various foods. My favorite snack was the new Kind protein bars. Most protein bars are so gross but the Kind brand was great. I also loved fairlife chocolate milk. That was my sweet treat. It is filtered multiple times so is high in protein. What frustrated me was how the same meal would result in different levels of blood sugar. I would make something and my blood sugar would be fine. The next day I would eat it again and would get a high number.
Kristin 06.15.2018
YES – that is so, so frustrating. Feeling so out of control of my body is a Type A person’s worst nightmare. I will definitely check out those Kind protein bars (another friend with GF recommended them to me too) thank you for your note!
Kelli at Hungry Hobby 06.15.2018
I am SO happy you and baby are healthy and doing well. This article will help a ton of mommies out there! I am on week 20 of pregnancy, so I have not had the glucose test yet but I am so thankful you shared this!!
Kristin 06.15.2018
Thanks Kelli!! Congrats on your pregnancy – so excited for you!
Ashley 06.15.2018
I wish I would’ve found this post sooner. I was diagnosed at 28 weeks with no risk factors. I exercise regularly and eat very healthy so it was a huge shock. Now at 33 weeks, the shock has worn off and I’ve got the whole process down. I’ve been doing so well with it, that I’m down to checking my blood sugars twice a day instead of four. It helps but I cannot wait to be done with it. Thank you for the encouraging post and meal ideas!
Kristin 06.15.2018
That is awesome!!! I was sooo overwhelmed at first too – the learning curve is steep – but am thankful that everything shook out quickly. Sounds like our due dates are close – best of luck to you throughout the rest of your pregnancy!
Phoebe 06.15.2018
Thank you so much for posting this! Crazy how familiar your story mirrors my own (except that I don’t have to deal with gluten free on top of all that – I can’t imagine adding another factor into the mix!). I am 33 weeks and was diagnosed with gestational diabetes at 28 weeks. Didn’t have it with my first pregnancy, and like you the only risk factor I had was being over 25 (I’m 32). It was SUCH a shock as I am a healthy weight, eat healthy (with occasional treats), and exercise. Such an emotional diagnosis at first, and I can relate so much to those feelings of guilt that I did something wrong (too much frozen yogurt, not enough exercise), although after meeting with the diabetes educator I did feel reassured that this was something out of my control and felt less guilt about it. It has been such an added stress though just in terms of meal planning and tracking. Luckily I have been able to control my results with diet alone, and like you I have found myself just eating the same things over and over because I know they work and it’s easier than coming up with new snacks/meals. Luckily it’s a short period of time, otherwise I would be going crazy! I do scrambled eggs with veggies and avocado toast every morning, plain greek yogurt with blueberries and almonds for a morning snack, and then lunches and dinners vary. I have found popcorn to be a good snack option as well, and feel like I have never eaten so many nuts, avocado, cheese and veggies in my life! :) Just wanted to share because I agree that there is not a lot of great info out there, and I found myself googling “gestational diabetes snack options” searching for ideas…so good for you for putting this out there! I have been reading your blog for years and love your recipes. xoxoxo
Kristin 06.15.2018
YES – so much cheese, nuts, avocado, and vegetables!! Luckily these are all foods I like – I can’t imagine having to do this with an aversion to any of them. Best of luck with the remainder of your pregnancy (sounds like we are maybe just a week or two apart!?) and congrats on sweet babe!
Paula 06.15.2018
Thank you for being willing to share your experience with us! I’m 34 and at week 20 with my first pregnancy. I have had surprisingly little anxiety about pregnancy EXCEPT for my fear of GD. Hearing about how someone else is managing it helps alleviate this (although I’ve been a fiend for fruit the past few months, and I would be super sad to have to cut back).
Kristin 06.15.2018
However it goes, everything will be ok, and enjoy your fruit! The placenta hormones vs what you’re eating dictate your diagnosis!
Lauren 06.15.2018
I had it with both my pregnancies, and I was Uber healthy and active as well. So annoying to be restricted from hormonal eating!
FYI: your taco soup was magical when I had GD. I could eat a giant bowl with tons of tortilla chips, and would have great numbers.
Kristin 06.15.2018
Ooo, good to know – I will definitely make that! I’ve been making my Crock Pot Chicken Chili a bunch too, which my sugars respond really well to!
Jill 06.15.2018
Thanks for this post! I don’t have just stational diabetes but my 18 month old son just got diagnosed with type 1 3 weeks ago. I totally understand having to track everything plus that so this post was very helpful for just more ideas on what to eat and what to feed him. I also have been perusing your site for more low-carb ideas since he has been diagnosed so thank you.
Kristin 06.15.2018
I’m sorry to hear about your son, Jill. :( Let me know if there’s any meal ideas or recipes I could share that would make your lives easier!
Lindsey 06.15.2018
Thank you so much for this post! I am pregnant with baby girl #2 and did the glucose tolerance test early—around 12 weeks bc my BMI is right around where the risk goes up slightly, and I literally lost my mind about it. I was so anxious I was throwing up bc associating it with an already sensitive subject (weight) coupled with the idea I could have to track my diet while working full time and taking care of a toddler just put me over the edge. I failed the 1 hr, then passed the 3 hour. I’m 20 weeks now and have to be retested around 28 weeks and I’m so dreading it, but your post definitely brought me some light and perspective on the issue.
Kristin 06.15.2018
I’m so sorry hear to hear this, Lindsey. I think so much of this is harder mentally then anything else. Sending positive thoughts your way and no matter how your test goes at 28 weeks, everything will be ok!
Kelly 06.15.2018
So glad you talked about GD being hormonally driven by the placenta. It doesn’t matter how your diet is before. I had it with both pregnancies and at age 24 and a healthy weight. Diet controlled it and I was induced at 40 weeks for both. GD has been a lifesaver for me because I was overdoing the carbs. Now I eat keto so really low carb and feel amazing!
Kristin 06.15.2018
I think that’s so important for people to understand – YOU CANNOT CONTROL YOUR HORMONES. I mean, you can to some extent in normal, everyday life, but the hormones your placenta is putting out are not in our control.
Jen 06.15.2018
I was GD with both kids. I just rolled with it, ate healthy, pricked my finger, tracked my food and did what I had to do to have a healthy baby. It’s only for a short time!
Kristin 06.15.2018
Exactly! Not the greatest experience in the world but it is what it is!
Lindsay 06.15.2018
I pinned this for the food ideas when I finally get pregnant. I’ve been dealing with infertility for almost 2 years and have been so caught up in the stress of trying to get pregnant that I haven’t even thought about things I’ll need to know when I am, but I’m 38 so even though I don’t have any of the other risk factors I know I’ll need to be careful about my diet. Thanks for sharing and for the great information!
Kristin 06.15.2018
I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve been dealing with infertility for so long, and that stress might be playing a factor in that. I had trouble getting pregnant with our second (I think stress played a big part) and found acupuncture helped tremendously – I’m convinced that’s how I got pregnant! Either way Lindsay, hang in there!
Abigail 06.15.2018
I totally agree with you, but it was out was reversed for me. My gestational diabetes diagnosis (x2) made my celiac disease diagnosis easier to handle because I knew I could control how I felt just by making smart food choices.
Kristin 06.15.2018
For sure – having food knowledge because of either diagnosis definitely makes the other one easier to take on!
Deb 06.15.2018
Such a good post – thanks for sharing!! I started following you before your celiac diagnosis and used your recipes after when we were trying to rule out gluten sensitivity with my type 1 daughter. I do want you to be aware that as you have 1 autoimmune disease (celiac) you are at risk for others (type 1) – may want to research and be aware of/discuss with you doctor. I have researched a lot with my daughter diagnosis – she is at risk for other autoimmune disorders and has thyroid, celiac labs yearly. I pray all goes well with your pregnancy and the gestational Diabetes goes away, but also want you to be informed.
Jennifer 06.15.2018
This is true! I have Hashimotos (autoimmune condition that can cause hypothyroidism) and know that I’m at much greater risk for other autoimmune conditions b/c of it. I’ve been able to reverse it (and am almost at full remission status–will hopefully be there later this year!) just by changing my diet. The Autoimmune Protocol Diet (AIP for short) has been one of the most powerful tools in reversing my autoimmune condition and it’s beneficial for all types of autoimmune conditions (thousands of ppl have done the same thing and recently there was a clinical trial proving the efficacy of it–I believe they tested it with those that have IBD). Just something to note for the future. AIP is a bit restrictive but also not meant to last forever and it’s introduced me to waaaaaay more veggies than I ate before. Just wanted to share this info in case it’s helpful for you or others. :)
Kristin 06.15.2018
Definitely on my radar!